Peanut Pointers

Talk at the coffee shop lately is how can we push the crop to get back on track. I wish there was a simple solution to get the crop moving to limit potential yield loss. The most important thing for the crop in July is warmer temperatures with weekly rainfall/irrigation.

Outside of having great weather, yield potential will be dependent on managing key weed, disease and insect issues by using the most effective pesticide and being timely with herbicide and fungicide applications. Growers do not need to forget boron and calcium.

To make sure plants and pods are growing in the right direction, growers need to make sure to apply calcium if soil levels are below 500 pounds per acre (gypsum 750 to 1,000 pounds per acre) prior to blooming. Apply boron at 0.25 pounds per acre twice at 30 and 45 days after planting. Applying the wrong type of product or rate will not offer productive results. Please give your county agricultural agent a call if you need more information or have an issue you need help with.

Heat And Rain May Warrant Earlier Soilborne Fungicides

Hopefully everyone has received adequate rainfall over the past month. I know our weather has been unusual this season with May seeming like April and June more like May because of the drier weather. This has created some challenges, mainly getting the crop in on time and having a good stand due to too little moisture or too much, coupled with a packing rain. These later peanuts that went in or that were replanted still have adequate time to reach maturity. All in all, peanuts are looking decent right now. Considering the planting season, we were not able to take advantage of early planting, which sometimes puts us in a tough spot depending on what kind of moisture we have later.

We have some weed issues to be addressed here and there but nothing too big. Hopefully you have cleaned those up and have some more residual protection down now.

Remember, even though disease pressure has been light so far, it doesn’t mean that will continue to be the case. I want to remind everyone of the importance of scouting peanuts to be aware of pests, whether it is insects or diseases. Some of us tend to relax and not scout like we should. July is when most growers start to apply their soilborne disease fungicides, which happens to be when the peanuts are typically around 60 days of age. Be mindful of the weather conditions that we have this summer and of the late crop. We very well may need to start earlier, at 35 to 40 days after planting, with the soilborne disease materials if we endure a lot of heat coupled with moisture.

I hope everyone has a great rest of the season this year, and I look forward to seeing you in the field. PG