Abstract
Some perennial peanut (Arachis pintoi) cultivars and accessions have the potential for use as ground covers along roadsides and highway ramps in regions with mild winters. They tolerate drought conditions, grow well in sandy and calcareous soils of low fertility, fix N, recycle nutrients, prevent soil erosion through a thick above-ground cover and an intensive root system, produce beautiful flowers, remain green all year round, and do not require any mowing or fertilizer. Availability of propagation material has been a limiting factor in expanding their use, especially on a large scale. We describe a practical method for producing two types of propagation material - rooted plugs and mats. We further describe the planting and establishment of Arachis pintoi, cv. 'Amarillo', and accession No. IRFL 7154 as a roadside demonstration in a residential area of North Miami, Fla. This demonstration provides evidence of the great potential and attractiveness of this species as a ground cover along roadsides and highway ramps in southern Florida. Rooted plugs are less costly to produce and transport than mats. On the other hand, it takes less time and management to get an established stand from mats than from rooted plugs.
