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Arachis glabrata Lead Arachis glabrata or the perennial peanut is a short, ground covering, flowering plant that is extremely drought tolerant. It many uses such as; for grazing, covering for citrus, and suppressing weeds. It was first discovered in South America and grows well in tropical he plant is propagated through its rhizomes because it has low workable seeds. Using sterile cutting tools, the plant can be cut from a plot in the end of the winter season and then replanted. But, the rhizomes should be at least two years old before propagation. But, once lifted from the soil it should be replanted immediately as the rhizomes do not store well. It is generally weather tolerant; frost will kill the flowers but not the rhizomes which allows new flowers to grow. Although the plant is drought tolerant, it should be watered every day to a minimum depth of two inches in the first two years. Once the plant has matured and established, little care is needed. The plant is resistant to nematodes, pathogens, requires littler fertilizer, suppresses nutrient leeching and adds organic soil matter. The success of the plant relies heavily on a clean soil that is rid of all vegetation to reduce competition. Although the plant is low maintenance once established, the first growing season requires strict attention towards watering, irrigation, and weed control. It does compete for water and nitrogen as most cover crops do.

Background Arachis glabrata or the perennial peanut is a flowering ground covering plant. It grows to be approximately one foot to one and a half feet tall. It has green foliage that produces yellow to orange flowers in the summer time1 (Miavitz, Roka, Rouse). Some of its other notable features are it is a dicot, has flowers that produce seeds but the plant does not reproduce through seeds so birds and other wildlife cannot spread the plant2 (Miavitz, Roka, Rouse). Some further taxonomic information about Arachis Glabrata can be found in Figure 13 (ITIS Report). It grows well in the subtropics and warm climates. It has been used extensively as an ornamental crop in Florida as a supplement for turf due to its low water needs. But, it also has high usage as replacement for alfalfa involving livestock. It was first introduced to other areas from Brazil and 1936 and has shown positive results such as it has not spread naturally to unwanted areas, and had shown to be resistant to diseases and pests4 (Miavitz, Roka, and Rouse). This has resulted in no economic loss in the usage of the plant. The perennial peanut net profit is approximately $1000 annually per hectare due to demand for hay production. Current sales (mostly as hay and as planting materials and ornamentals) surpass $7 million5 (USDA).

Cultivation and Growing Although the perennial peanut produces seeds, they are not viable enough to reproduce on their own. The best way to replant perennial peanuts is a lengthy process. It is best grown in drained soils that are sandy. It has natural nitrogen fixing capabilities so it is not necessary to add extra fertilizer6 (Mannetje). There has been success for the plant to grow in soils with high a pH level but soils with high alkaline levels cause chlorosis to increase7 (Miavitz, Roka, Rouse). It can also grow in soils with low P levels so some P fertilizer is needed, but liming is not always needed8 (Mannetje).To replant perennial peanuts, the rhizomes must be used. The rhizomes should be at least two years old before being propagated. It is important that sterile tools be used in the process. Using a knife cut directly into the plant and through the rhizomes. The larger the rhizome the better, smaller rhizome will make the plant weaker9 (Miavitz, Roka, Rouse). When the section is removed it is extremely important that the plant be replanted quickly since it has very low success in storage. It should not be stored for no longer then five days10 (Miavitz, Roka, and Rouse). The best way to plant the rhizomes in non-urban areas is to place rhizomes into furrows and covering with loose soil followed by irrigation11 (Miavitz, Roka, and Rouse). Introducing this plan to poor farmers could cause problems as storage is an issue and is labour intensive for the first year.

Use for Raising Livestock Perennial peanuts are similar to alfalfa because the two plants have similar protein and mineral content but it is less costly to grow than alfalfa12 (USDA). In the 1980’s perennial peanut production increased because of the release of cultivars such as Florigraze and Arbrook13 (USDA). In a study involving dairy cows, rhizome peanut silage was able to replace 70% of corn silage in the diets of lactating dairy cows without affecting the dairy cow performances14 (Emanuele, Prine, Staples). But, there is added value for other livestock animals. The Perennial Peanut Association provided some insight on how many species benefit from the use of the plant for feeding each animal. Goats: (An especially popular livestock in Africa) Faster weight gain occurs for perennial peanut fed goats. Beef Cows: Using perennial peanuts is a good winter supplement rather than range cubes. Perennial peanuts are full of many amino acids similar to that of alfalfa and because it is able to be produced at a lower cost, it is a great economical choice for many farmers.

For further information on beef cows please refer to an article by Mark Klemesrud, Amino Acid Requiremenst for Beef Cows.15 (Klemesrud 1998)

Information for Undeveloping Farmers Perennial peanut is highly nutritious for the animal and the animal often prefers it over alfalfa hay silage. The producer will also benefit from a high financial return for selling the hay for horses16 (Blount, Eckert, Hancock, Myer, and Olson). The market for perennial peanuts is quickly increasing. Although the beginning stages of creating this crop is labour intensive, it is best to be seen as investment. There is no replanting required and can be propagated successfully if time and attention is given to it. Research is being dedicated to finding ways for the plant to be grown in wet soils so it is expected to become a popular plant for producers17 (USDA). It can tolerate up to four months of dry season and is reported to regrow rapidly with the arrival off warm and humid weather. A study of the perennial peanut in Hawaii stated that using approximately eighteen pounds of seed for one acre cost $270 making it an expensive crop but a worthwhile investment18 (Cox, Idol, Radovich, Sugano).

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http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu. Linda Cox, Travis Idol, Ted Radovich, Jari Sugano. ‘Benefits and Costs of Using Perennial Peanut as Living Mulch for Fruit Trees in Hawai’i’. http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/scm-27.pdf. August 2009. November 2nd 2013. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu. Robert E. Rouse, Elan M. Miavitz, and Fritz M. Roka. “Guide to Using Rhizomal Perennial Peanut in the Urban Landscape’. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep135 Publication Date Unknown. November 2nd 2013. CR Staples, SM Emanuele, GM Prine. March 1997. ‘Intake and nutritive value of Florigraze rhizoma peanut silage for lactating dairy cows’. Journal of Dairy Science 80(3):541-9. http://www.itis.gov. ‘Arachis Glabrata’, http://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=506832. November 2nd 2013. http://perennialpeanuthay.org. Perennial Peanut Producers Association, ‘Perennial Peanut for Quality Pasturage and Hay’, perrenialpeanuthay.org. 2009. November 2nd, 2013. http://ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/mar08/peanut0308.htm. United States Department of Agriculture, www.usda.gov. March 2008. November 2nd 2013.