Peanut Pointers

Avoid A TSWV ‘Perfect Storm’

County production meeting season has ended, and now growers are trying to decide on how many acres they will plant in 2023. After talking with growers throughout the state, the vibe is Georgia will increase peanut acres 5% to 10%. If this is a true estimate, growers need to be cautious about planting in April. The risk of Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus in April-planted peanut remains high; therefore, growers need to utilize as many of the practices listed in the Peanut Rx to reduce TSWV risk as possible.

These practices include planting date (May 10-26), varietal resistance (Georgia-12Y, new varieties), at-plant insecticide (Thimet), row pattern (twin row), tillage (reduced tillage with cover) and no Classic herbicide. Along with these practices, growers also need to pay attention to seed quality and environmental conditions as they can affect final stand, thus potentially increasing the risk of TSWV.

A main concern for me this year regarding seed quality is the potential reduction in vigor as a result of lower grades last year. I am not saying our seed will have low vigor … only that there is a risk. Low seed vigor can cause slower plant emergence, which can result in skippy stands and a higher risk of TSWV infection. However, if lower seed vigor, subpar environmental conditions and planting in the highrisk window (April-May 10) are all tossed together, you will have the perfect storm for a high risk of TSWV infection and potentially a loss in yield.

I know we sound like a broken record talking about this situation with TSWV, but after last year, the UGA Peanut Team wants you to be prepared should TSWV pressure be high again in 2023. With this in mind, be cautious about planting early. Please call a county agent if you have any questions.

Rotate Herbicide MOAs To Slow Resistance

Variety selection is the most important decision a grower can make prior to planting for any crops, including peanuts. Unlike herbicide or fungicide decisions that can be changed during the season to address specific conditions and pests, variety selection is made only once, and it dictates the management of a field for the entire season. Growers may have limited options to choose from; however, it is important to review available peanut types and varieties in your local area, and select a variety that includes an appropriate disease package and maturity characteristics.

When variety trial results are used to evaluate the performance of a variety, we highly recommend looking at two- to three-year-average results in your area. If a variety is consistently performing well, the probability is higher that the variety would perform well in your region.

We recently updated a publication on weed control for peanuts. This will help you plan weed-control options for your fields. It is critically important to rotate modes of action and avoid repeated use of the same ones as there are eight known herbicide-resistant weeds in Texas. These include common sunflower, palmer amaranth, tall waterhemp, johnsongrass, kochia, barnyardgrass and perennial ryegrass. Many of these weeds are widespread in Texas peanut fields. In addition to the officially registered herbicide-resistant weed species, there could be unregistered herbicide-resistant weeds in peanut fields. These are not