University of Florida Plant Information Pintoi Peanut: A Seed-propagated Perennial Peanut Forage Option for Florida

SS-AGR-445

Pintoi peanut (Arachis pintoi; also known as pinto peanut, forage peanut, or maní forrajero) is a perennial peanut species native to South America and propagated by seeds. Pintoi peanut and rhizoma peanut (Arachis glabrata) are the two most relevant perennial peanut species used as forage; however, the first has been more extensively studied and used in South and Central America, while the second is more common in the southern United States, including Florida. Pintoi peanut is tolerant to grazing and adapted to poorly-drained, low-fertility soils. Because of its adaptability to Florida’s environmental conditions and ability to produce viable seeds, pintoi peanut represents an interesting forage alternative for cow-calf producers in the state. This document provides current information on pintoi peanut for forage and livestock producers in Florida.

1. This document is SS-AGR-445, one of a series of the Agronomy Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date November 2020. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.

2. Joao M. D. Sanchez, research associate, UF/IFAS Range Cattle Research and Education Center; Joao Vendramini, professor, Agronomy Department, UF/ IFAS Range Cattle Research and Education Center; Maria L. Silveira, professor, Department of Soil and Water Sciences, UF/IFAS Range Cattle Research and Education Center; Jose C. B. Dubeux Jr., associate professor, Agronomy Department, UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center; Lynn E. Sollenberger, distinguished professor, Agronomy Department; and Philipe Moriel, assistant professor, Department of Animal Sciences, UF/IFAS Range Cattle Research and Education Center; UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.