MOULTRIE — Peanuts: Conditions continue to be extremely favorable for diseases across the state. In Colquitt County I have noted an increase of incidence of whitemold and leaf spot in earlier planted peanut fields or in situations where the rotation is very tight. Bob Kemerait, UGA Peanut Pathologist, recommends that growers need to stay vigilant in fungicide programs.  Growers can be more aggressive in their fungicide programs, if need be, by increasing rates (within the labeled range), shortening the interval between applications, and my switching to more effective (and often more expensive) fungicides. We would like to have 8-12 hours of drying time before a rain or irrigation event, which can be a challenge this week.

The insect situation is starting to heat up.  I have been seeing low to moderate populations of velvetbean caterpilar (VBC) and soybean looper (SBL) in area peanut fields. According to the UGA Pest Control Handbook, the treatment threshold for combined foliage feeders is 4 to 8 per foot of row depending on the size and condition of peanut plants.  Use a lower threshold for very young plants or plants that are stressed from other factors.  Use the higher threshold for healthy plants with ample vine growth.

Beggarweed Control in Peanuts?

I have had a question or two about beggarweed control in peanut.  According to Eric Prostko, UGA Weed Specialist, options for controlling Florida beggarweed in peanut at this time of year include a postemergence application of Classic, paraquat in a NSA (Non Selective Applicator) , hand-weeding, or mowing.   Our data has shown that when grown under weed-free conditions, Classic can cause 7% to 11% yield reductions when applied to GA-06G.  Thus, growers who want to use Classic must weigh this potential yield loss against the negative effects that large beggarweed plants can have on fungicide deposition and harvest efficiency as the season progresses.  If beggarweed populations are dense enough to impede fungicide deposition and/or cause a digging nightmare, the use of Classic is justifiable.