Groudnut

The Tropical Agriculturalist is a series of practical field guides and textbooks for:

producers, farmers and farm managers

agricultural extension officers and development workers

agricultural diploma, degree and vocational students

teachers and lecturers in agricultural universities and colleges

senior secondary students

adult education, rural and community development programmes

researchers and others needing introductory materials

Groundnut, also known as peanut, is a leguminous food and feed crop vital to subsistence and incomes for millions of small-scale farmers in the developing world's semi-arid and subhumid zones. Its popularity with consumers worldwide is growing rapidly, allowing producing countries opportunities to build a valuable export trade.

This book summarises the state of knowledge on the crop, first introducing readers to groundnut products and markets before describing the plant and its environment, best practices for growers, how to harvest and process the crop, common pests and diseases, and research to develop improved varieties. Two final chapters deal with the special requirements of seed production and the edible groundnut market. The book is packed with practical advice, making it indispensable for growers and others needing an introduction to the crop. The text is presented in a clear, easy-to-read style and many points are illustrated with photographs, figures and tables.

The Tropical Agriculturalist series is published in association with the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Co-operation (CTA) established under the ACP-EU Convention of Lomé.

A list of titles in The Tropical Agriculturalist series and other CTA co-publications can be found on page vi.