October 3, 2012
www.gfb.org
Vol. 30 No. 40
COTTON AND PEANUT FIELD DAY SHOWS OFF RESEARCH Visitors at the 2012 UGA Cotton & Peanut Research Field Day learned about advances in peanut genome work, the emergence of a relatively new cotton disease and management of stressors for both crops to optimize yields and quality. The field day, held Sept. 12 at UGA’s Tifton Campus on Gibbs Farm and Lang Farm, featured sessions on cotton agronomics, variety testing, breeding and cropping systems, peanut fertility and a number of others. UGA Extension specialist Dr. Bob Kemerait noted that both crops experienced unusual stresses related to the warmer weather through winter months earlier this year. There was an early emergence of white mold on peanuts and nematodes persisted throughout the winter months in cotton, compounded by the removal of the use of Temik. “Temik has been such a workhorse,” Kemerait said. “We’re looking to find out how we manage nematodes with the tools we have, with the varieties we have, with the management strategies we have and still make a profit for these growers.” Kemerait also discussed the emergence of target spot disease in Georgia cotton fields. Target spot causes extensive unexpected defoliation, spots on the bracks, possible boll damage and ultimately reduced yields. Kemerait said fungicides may turn out to be effective in controlling target spot, though studies continue into which fungicides and application methods work best. In peanut fertility and breeding research, Dr. Peggy Ozias-Akins indicated that sequencing of the peanut genome has been completed and the markers for high oleic trait in peanuts have been located. The high oleic trait in peanuts has been linked to extending shelf life. Ozias-Akins also said researchers are looking for resistance traits for leaf spot and white mold. UGA Professor of Entomology Dr. Phillip Roberts talked about approaches to insect control, emphasizing the importance of using cotton scouts. Extension Peanut Agronomist Dr. John Beasley talked about the university's studies into peanut responses to insect pressures, planting patterns and nutrient applications, while UGA Assistant Professor Dr. Scott Tubbs reviewed his team’s projects in tillage systems and rotation of peanuts and wheat crops. UGA Professor of Plant Pathology Dr. Tim Brenneman showed a peanut plant affected by white mold, noting that in some areas of the South the occurrence of white mold has been extremely heavy.