ObjectivesThe basic objective of this article is to provide an

overview on perennial peanut (Arachis glabrata) as an ornamental

including released cultivars, planting, management, and findings

on costs. The second objective is to assess if there is

interest with in the Sod Growers Cooperative 1) to help evaluate

experimental lines that are being developed as well 2) sign a

material transfer agreement with the University of Florida to

develop germplasm for commercialization.

The University of Florida has cultivar lines that they

believe are

ornamental/turf

potential. However

they are several years

away from gathering the

data needed to justify

release of these lines

for commercial

production. They need

to appoint an internal

committee to review the

rational for such

releases. Dr. Ann

Blount (Agronomy),

Dr., Gary Knox (Environmental Horticulture) and Dr. Cheryl

Mackowiak (Soil Science) are editing a draft of criteria for

Dr. Ann Blount (Agronomy), Dr., Gary Knox

(Environmental Horticulture) and Dr. Cheryl

Mackowiak (Soil Science)

"ornamental/turf" cultivar consideration. This needs to be

approved through their respective departments and administrators.

This helps to insure that what we do release from UF has been

properly field evaluated and has our confidence that it will be

successful.

The problem

is that

"rhizoma"

peanuts (Arachis

glabrata) takes

several years to

propagate the

rhizomes just to

increase

acreage. Then,

additional time

is needed to

grow a solid

sod for commercial application. Keeping this in mind the UF/IFAS

Dean for Research Dr. Mark McLellan has proposed that they could

work with some members of the Sod Growers Cooperative through

material transfer agreements (MTAs) with UF on some of the

experimental lines. That way when new cultivars are released,

there is ample plant material available for commercialization.

Interest in this second objective would be gauged with an online

questionnaire including yes or no questions, and simple open

Florida Native Mimosa

ended questions, to help develop criteria for the evaluation of

these cultivars.

IntroductionPerennial peanut (Arachis glabrata), also referred to as

ornamental peanut, is closely related to the common peanut

(Arachis hypogaea). Perennial peanut does well in the lower

regions of the Southern United States especially below 32 ° north

latitude that have a long, warm growing season. (French et al.,

2001). Perennial peanut is used as for grazing (Saldivar et

al., 1992), a cover crop (French et al., 1993), and a high-value

hay crop (Mullahey et al., 1994; Rouse and Mullahey, 1997; Rouse

et al., 2001).

Cultivars Florigraze, Arbrook,

UF-Peace, and UF-Tito

cultivars have been selected

in Florida for hay and

grazing because of their

high yield, quality,

persistence, disease

resistance, and drought

tolerance. A select number

of cultivars are availableUF-Peace

for use in home landscapes in south Florida (Rouse, et al.,

2004). Two of these low growing varieties Arblick and Ecoturf

have been under observation since the early 1980s in lawn and

commercial landscape settings. Two other ornamental perennial

peanut plant introductions “waxy leaf” and “pointed leaf” (also

known as needlepoint) were released in 2002. They are both low-

growing, leafy types with distinctive leaf shapes. A few of the

most common cultivars used as ornamentals are shown below in

Table 1, a complete list of the released cultivars is shown in

Table 2 (Based on Cook et al., 2005; Queensberry et al., 2010),

and a list of the names of the unreleased cultivars being

developed by the University of Florida are shown in Table 3.

Climatic InformationPerennial peanut likes to grow when there is full sun. The

growth period is from March to September. Irrigation or a

reasonable amount of rainfall result in the best growth, and

irrigation during establishment increases the stand and reduces

the time to cover. Leaves drop during extended drought periods,

and the foliage yellows during wet periods in poorly drained

soils (Rouse et al.2004).

Soil Adaptability and PreparationPerennial peanut is adapted to a variety of well-drained

soil types and does well in the sands of Florida. These plants

tolerate a range of soils but grow best in sandy loam soils. They

grow well in soils with pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5; soils with pH

outside that range should be amended to adjust pH. Tolerance of

soil salinity and airborne salt is moderate and it will often

turn yellow (Rouse et al.2004).

Table 1. Some of the most common cultivars used as ornamentals

Pointy leaf ornamental peanut has a beautiful

spear-shaped leaf that resembles a grass blade.

It has a deep masters green and yellow-orange

blooms. It is excellent for turf replacement or

for a more manicured landscaped area. It

reaches 6” in height and can be mowed.

Needlepoint is excellent for erosion control.

Ecoturf has a tear-shaped Kelly green leaf. It

is an excellent groundcover for low maintenance

areas. It needs to be mowed as little as twice

a year. It is ideal for golf courses, parking

lot medians as well as borders in the

landscape. It spreads 5 -7” each year which

make it non-invasive.

Arblick grows to a height of six inches and

can be maintained at 1.5 inches if mowed every

two to four weeks. It has yellow flowers, a

medium drought tolerance and is propagated by

rhizomes and sod plugs. This plant takes a

long time to establish as a good ground cover.

Mowing stimulates flowering.

Waxy Leaf has large tear-shaped shiny leaf

with orange blooms. It grows taller and bushier

and is excellent for low maintenance areas. It

can be mowed as little as twice a year. This is

used in areas where more leaf texture is needed

in the landscape.

Cultivars Country/ date released Details‘Arb’ PI 118457, CPI 58110

USA (Florida) (c. 1960)

From Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil (20.45ºS, 585 m asl, rainfall 1,500 mm).  Selected for productivity.

‘Arblick’ PI 262839, PI 262873, CPI 58111

USA (Florida) (mid 1960s)

From Amambay Department, Paraguay (22.13ºS, 300 m asl, rainfall 1,600 mm).  Low-growing type (to 15-20 cm), selected for spreadingability.

‘Arbrook’PI 262817

USA (Florida) (1986)

From Itapúa Department, Paraguay (27.12ºS, 200 m asl, rainfall 1,700 mm). Selected for drought tolerance and adaptation to deep, droughty sands.  More drought –tolerant than, but of similar productivity to ‘Florigraze’.

‘Brooksville 67’GKP 9553, PI 262801

USA (Florida) (2002)

From Corrientes, Argentina (27.63ºS, 75 m asl, rainfall 1,300 mm).Low-growing, with shiny, waxy leaves;  selected for drought tolerance, disease resistance, and rate of spread on upland sites;  used as low-maintenance ground cover in fruit production, along roadways and in xeriscape plantings in urban areas;  adaptedto peninsular Florida.

‘Brooksville 68’-9056068

USA (Florida) (2002)

From Brazil.  Small, dark green leaves and abundant yellow-orange blooms;  selected for drought and disease tolerance, low growth habit, low maintenance, and attractiveness of foliage and blooms; used as ground cover in fruit production or as turf along roadwaysand in xeriscape plantings;  adapted to peninsular Florida.

‘Ecoturf’PI 262840

USA (Florida) (1992)

From Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil (22.12ºS, 200 m asl, rainfall 1,400 mm).  Low growing (8-10 cm), more floriferous type than forage varieties.  Used as turf or ground cover on lawns, highway median strips and shoulders, parks, playgrounds, off play areas ofgolf courses, and any low traffic area.

‘Florigraze’ USA Spontaneous emergence between experimental plots of PI 118457

Table 2. A list of the Cultivars, Country and Date Released, and Details

(GS-1) (Florida) (1978)

(‘Arb’) and PI 151982 (CPI 22762), and possibly a natural hybrid between the two.  A taller type (to c. 30 cm), selected for yielding and spreading ability.  The most widely planted cultivar in Florida, growing under colder conditions and on wetter soils than does ‘Arbrook’.

‘Pointed leaf’ USA (Florida)

Produces a very low growing, dense sod and many bright yellow blooms, making it excellent for use along roadsides.  (= ‘Brooksville 68’)

‘Prine’CPI 93483, PI 231318

Australia (Queensland) (1995)

Origin unknown.  Intermediate type growing to 25 cm, with dark blue-green, ovate leaves.  Highest yielding and highest CP level of lines tested;  also capable of rapid spread, but not as good asCPI 93475 in this respect.  Combines well with vigorous grasses.

‘Reclaim’ PI 118457, CPI 58110

South Africa 1987)

Same as ‘Arb’.  Used as ground cover in tropical fruit orchards and banana plantations.

‘Waxy leaf’ USA (Florida)

Substantially taller than other ornamental strains and very dense cover.  (= ‘Brooksville 67’).

‘UF Tito’ (Reg.No. CV-107, PI 262826)

2008 fromParaguay in 1959.

“It was identified as having high dry matter yields, highest percent pure peanut, and greatest vigor based on the amount of spread in a 10-yr evaluation experiment. In subsequent multilocation experiments over a 5-yr period, yields were generally equal to or higher than Florigraze.” (Queensberry et al., 2010).

‘UF Peace’ (Reg. No. CV-108, PI 658214)

2008 Texas “It resembles the plant type of Florigraze, and its dry matter yields and competitiveness with weedy bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] are comparable. UF Peace appears to have better adaptability to the upper Coastal Plains.” (Queensberry et al., 2010).

From Cook et al., 2005; and Queensberry et al., 2010

Table 3. New Cultivars being tested at the University of

Florida

1. Mimosa

2. Apalachee3. Suwannee4. Qunicy Strip 6 alpha5. Qunicy Strip 6 beta6. Qunicy Strip 57. Chiquita 8. Arlo9. Cowboy10. Ona 33

(Blount et al., 2010)

Weed Control before Planting

Weed problems can be reduced if the site is properly

prepared before planting. Weeds might invade newly established

plantings. Control weeds in the planting site with Roundup,

Finale or a similar herbicide before adding the perennial peanut.

Remove weeds by hand during establishment or apply properly

labeled herbicides. (French and Prine,. 2002).

Rhizomes

Rhizomes (runners, sprigs) are “mini-plants” complete with

roots. They develop from specialized stems that lay on the

ground and produce roots at the nodes. Rhizomes should be treated

as transplants, carefully removed from the ground, and covered to

prevent drying during transport or storage. Plant them as quickly

as possible. Remove rhizome sections from the mother plant and

place each rooted plantlet 1⁄2–1 inch deep in the soil. Be careful

not to bury the plant too deeply. Space transplanted rhizomes10–

12 inches apart. Keep moist during establishment (Hensley et al.,

1997; French et al., 2002, Rouse, et al., 2001)

Planting Time

January, February and March is the best time for planting

because plants are in a quiescent growing state. Winter-planted

material emerges during late March to early May, depending on the

temperature, which coincides with low rainfall over most of

Florida. Irrigation will be necessary as a supplement to

natural rainfall to achieve proper root and top development.

Once a root system has developed, irrigation is not a requirement

(Maivitz, 2001).

Planting Methods

Rhizome materials freshly dug with a rhizome or sprig

harvester are used for planting. Top growth materials are mowed

and removed. Specific instruction were provided by the USDA-NRCS,

1988, “Rhizomes are dug and planted in one of three ways:

- Sprigger - set depth at 3-4 inches and row width at 0.5

meters (20 inches) or 1.0 meter

- Disc - spread rhizomes uniformly over a loose surface and

incorporate with a disc to a (40 inches), cultipack after

planting. depth of 3-4 inches, cultipack after planting.

- Furrow - plow open a furrow 3-4 inches deep, place

rhizomes end to end, close the Good soil moisture conditions are

required at planting time and during the establishment period”

p.4).

French et al (2001b) wrote, “If rainfall is satisfactory, a

complete ground coverage in one to two years, using a planting

rate of 80 bushels (100 ft3) of rhizomes per acre. Under drought

and other stresses such as high weed competition, a higher

planting rate may be desirable to compensate for plant loss. If

rhizomes can be obtained at a low cost, 100-120 bushels (125-150

ft3) of rhizomes planted/acre will ensure a satisfactory plant

stand” (p. 4)

Irrigation

Once established, rhizomal perennial peanut may require

irrigation during dry periods to maintain a thick canopy. Soil-

plant moisture status should be carefully monitored during dry

months.

Mowing

Mowing is not required, but appearance will be enhanced.

Mowing stimulates new vegetative shoots, making a thick canopy

and encouraging flowering. Mowing at 3 to 4 inches every 3 to 4

weeks is usually adequate (Miavitz, 2002.

Nutrient Management and Fertilizer

Perennial peanut obtains its nitrogen from bacteria

associated with the plant's root system. According to (Rouse et

al, 2001), “The perennial peanut needs no applied N, but requires

P, K, and Mg. Since Florida soils usually contain adequate P,

these nutrients can be supplied with the addition of a common

fertilizer of potassium-magnesium sulfate (analysis 0-0-22-22S-

11Mg) found at most garden stores (p. 2).

Weed Control

Weed control constitutes the major management practice

during the first and possibly the second growing seasons. Rouse

et al., (2004) wrote, “It is an important part of establishing

perennial peanuts, especially in unmanaged, weedy areas or old

pastures. These areas might require preparation at least 6 months

before planting to achieve proper weed control and optimum

fertility levels. Keeping the perennial peanut canopy clear for

maximum sunlight penetration is critical to proper development

and speeds establishment. Common bermuda grass, torpedo grass,

and nutsedge are the most persistent weed problems” (p.3).

According to the authors the mowing should be done when weeds

shade the perennial peanut. Furthermore, the mowing should be

done above the foliage level of the peanut. This was the least

expensive manner to control weeds.

Pests and diseases

A. glabrata is rarely troubled by insects or disease. It

is generally immune to groundnut rust although strains of the

organism exist that can cause severe damage. Susceptible to, but

suffering no long-term damage from, leaf-spot diseases. White

mould and rhizome rots cause temporary damage when conditions

favor spread of the organism, but stands recover. Cotton root

rot has also caused damage (Cook et al., 2005). Peanut stunt

virus symptoms of which include stunted plants, chlorosis,

malformed leaves, and reduced foliage yield, has recently been

isolated from A. glabrata (Blount et al, 2002). Insect damage is

of little consequence.

Economic Considerations

The cost of establishing perennial peanuts can vary from

$200 to $500 per acre. The cost is usually affected by the number

of acres planted, rhizome source, equipment, labor, and fertility

requirements. Compared to other forage crops, the cost of

establishing perennial peanuts can be high. The cost is

approximately $3.00 per bushel. Custom sprigging is approximately

$275 per acre plus the delivery cost ($2.50 per loaded mile).

Rouse et al. (2004) found that in terms of instillation for

landscaping perennial peanut sod is more expensive to establish

than St. Augustine sod. Rouse et al. (2004) wrote, “Including

the labor to install the sod, perennial peanut would cost an

estimated $1,250 per 1,000 ft2, more than four times as expensive

as St. Augustinegrass sod. … The economic benefits from perennial

peanut emerge from a comparison of annual maintenance costs

between a perennial peanut groundcover and St. Augustinegrass

sod. …Given the estimated savings in annual maintenance costs, a

perennial peanut groundcover would offset the higher

establishment costs within 3.2 years. For every year afterwards,

an annual cost savings of nearly $300 per 1,000 ft2 of perennial

peanut groundcover would be realized.” Therefore the authors

felt that savings would come in the long term because of reduced

watering, fertilizer, insect, and disease.

Summary

Perennial peanut (Arachis Glabrata) is being explored as an

alternative to turf grass. This groundcover has a high degree of

tolerance to the stresses of Florida's environment. The structure

that allows the plant to perform so well is known as a rhizome.

Rhizomes store energy allowing it to survive a drought, and

attract bacteria produces nitrogen known as Rhizobium bacteria.

Therefore, the water use, fertilizer use, and the use of

pesticides is greatly reduced, but the biggest savings lies in

mowing. Mowing is only necessary to promote uniformity and

flowering. A lawn can achieve a maximum height of 6 inches.

Peanut sod can be planted via sprigging with rhizomes, containers

planted in a plug type fashion, or as sod. Sod typically requires

professional installation as it is typically laid in big rolls.

This low maintenance groundcover can be used in parks, highway

medians, around commercial establishments and homes to name a

few.

References

Blount, A.R., R.N. Pittman, B.A. Smith, R.N. Morgan, W. Dankers,

R.K. Sprenkel and M.T. Momol. 2002. First report of peanut stunt

virus in perennial peanut in North Florida and Southern Georgia.

Plant Disease 86: 326

Blount, A. R, G. Knox, and C. Mackowiak. (2010). Document of

Field Trials on Perennial Peanut. Unpublished document from the

University of Florida.

Cook, B., B. Pengelly, S. Brown, J. Donnelly, D., Eagles, A.

Franco, J. Hanson, B. Mullen, I. Partridge1, M. Peters, R.

Schultze-Kraft. (2005) The production of Tropical Forages: An

Interactive Selection Tool is a collaborative effort between

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guide. EDIS document SS-AGR-35. Agronomy Department, Florida

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