The Influence of Temperature and Moisture Content on the Germination of Peanut Seeds1

Abstract Peanut seed, (cv. Hanoch and Congo) were stored both shelled and in-shell at various moisture contents and 15, 20 and 26 C, in an apparatus designed to purge air at relative humidities in equilibrium with the moisture contents of the seed. Storage lasted nearly 6 months and during this period the moisture contents and germination percentages of the seed were examined periodically. The results of germination trials showed significant differences between in-shell and shelled seed for the cv. Hanoch, but not for the cv. Congo. The calculated moisture content required to maintain 90% germination for shelled seeds stored for six months at 15 C was 8.0% for Hanoch and 7.9% for Congo. To conserve the same germination level for 6 months at 26 C, the calculated moisture contents were 7.1% for Hanoch and for Congo.