Source: http://vasat.icrisat.org/?q=node/81l

Climatic conditions such as temperature and rainfall significantly influence the groundnut production. Warm and moist conditions are very favorable than cool and wet climate, which results in slow germination and seedling emergence, increasing the risk of seed rot and seedling diseases. Temperature is a major environmental factor that determines the rate of crop development. Temperatures above 35°C inhibit the growth of groundnut. Optimum mean daily temperature to grow is 30°C and growth ceases at 15°C. For rapid emergence, soil temperature above 21°C is needed. The optimum temperature for the most rapid germination and seedling development is about 30°C.

A minimum 100 - day optimum temperature growing season is necessary for successful groundnut crop production. Adequate and well distributed rainfall during the growing season, especially during flowering, pegging and pod formation stages, is essential for maximum yield and quality of groundnut. Groundnut is grown in areas receiving 600 to 1500 mm of rainfall. However, the crop can be grown successfully with a rainfall of 1250 mm.

The amount of rainfall required:

• Pre-sowing operations (preparatory cultivation) 100 mm
• Sowing 150 mm
• Flowering and pod development 400-500 mm

The groundnut crop cannot stand

• Frost for long
• Severe drought
• Water stagnation