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PEANUTGROWER ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC
MAY 2022
THE PEANUT PRODUCER'S MARKETING & PRODUCTION MAGAZINE www.peanutgrower.com
Teaming Up For A Better Peanut
Control Options For The Troublesome Benghal Dayflower
Anticipate, Mitigate Research Provides Disease Problems
Replanting Answers
Sustainability: A ‘Good News’ Story Can Growth Regulators Boost Yields?
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MAY 2022
PEANUTGROWER ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC
MAY 2022
THE PEANUT PRODUCER'S MARKETING & PRODUCTION MAGAZINE www.peanutgrower.com
Anticipate, Mitigate Research Provides
Volume 34 • Number 5
Disease Problems Replanting Answers
Teaming Up For A Better Peanut
Control Options For The Troublesome Benghal Dayflower
Sustainability: A ‘Good News’ Story Can Growth Regulators Boost Yields?
Departments 4
Editor’s Note A trip down memory lane
5
News Briefs Advocacy and service in our nation’s Capital
8
Market Watch Everything from war to weather affecting markets
20 Peanut Pointers Irrigate before planting, not after
Stay Connected
10 Features
10 Thinking About A Planting Do-Over?
Ongoing research provides answers to the biggest questions on replanting peanuts.
12 Benghal Dayflower Control Options
This tropical, perennial weed is expanding across the Southeastern United States.
14 From The Roots Up
Stewardship goes further than complying with rules and regulations.
16 Teaming Up For A Better Peanut
A new collaboration will tackle drought tolerance and aflatoxin.
Sign up for the monthly e-newsletter at peanutgrower.com to have exclusive industry news and content delivered directly to your inbox.
Follow The Peanut Grower on Twitter @PeanutGrower TWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER
18 Can Growth Regulators Boost Yield? The answer is knowing when and how to use PGRs effectively.
Cover photo by Amanda Huber MAY 2022 • THE PEANUT GROWER /
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EDITORIAL/PRODUCTION Editor Amanda Huber ahuber@onegrower.com Copy Editor Cassidy Nemec cnemec@onegrower.com Art Director Ashley Kumpe Digital Content Manager Katie Guthrie
ADMINISTRATION Publisher/Vice President Lia Guthrie (901) 497-3689 lguthrie@onegrower.com Associate Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Carroll Smith (901) 326-4443 Associate Publisher/Sales Scott Emerson (386) 462-1532 semerson@onegrower.com Audience Services Kate Thomas (847) 559-7514 Production Manager David Boyd dboyd@onegrower.com For subscription changes or change of address, call (847) 559-7578 or email peanutgrower@omeda.com
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Scott Monfort Extension Agronomist University of Georgia Dell Cotton Peanut Growers Cooperative Marketing Assn., Franklin, VA Kris Balkcom Agri-Program Associate Auburn University Dan Anco Extension Peanut Specialist Clemson University
Emi Kimura Extension Agronomist Texas A&M University David Jordan Extension Agronomist North Carolina State University Glen Harris Extension Agronomist University of Georgia Jason Ferrell Extension Weed Specialist University of Florida
ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC Mike Lamensdorf PRESIDENT/TREASURER Lia Guthrie PUBLISHER/VICE PRESIDENT The Peanut Grower (ISSN 1042-9379) is an agribusiness magazine for U.S. peanut producers. Published in eight monthly issues, January through July and November. Annual subscriptions are $40.00. Single Copy price is $5.00. Annual overseas subscriptions are $70.00, including Canada/Mexico. Periodicals postage paid at at Memphis, Tennessee, and at additional mailing offices. Copyright © 2022 One Grower Publishing, LLC, all rights reserved except where otherwise noted. The Peanut Grower ® is a registered trademark, which reserves all rights granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in association with the registration. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO OMEDA COMMUNICATIONS, CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT, P.O. BOX 1388, NORTHBROOK, IL 60065-1388. All statements, including product claims, are those of the person or organization making the statement or claim. The publisher does not adopt any such statement or claim as its own, and any such statement or claim does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. Printed in the USA. One Grower Publishing, LLC, also publishes Cotton Farming, Rice Farming, Soybean South and Corn South.
Editor’sNote Editor’s Note A Trip Down Memory Lane
I
t’s the May issue of Peanut Grower, and it has just dawned on me that 2022 marks 30 years that I have been in the peanut industry. On one hand, looking back to my beginning at the Florida Peanut Producers Association makes me a little sad. A brighter light in this world never existed than Sherry Saunders, who passed away last December. I loved her dearly and will miss catching up with her at Southern Peanut Growers Conference each year. She was the consummate promoter of peanuts and simply the loveliest of persons. Amanda Huber Besides missing friends and a few Editor, The Peanut Grower other bumps in the road, working in this industry is a joy. The same peanut that kept George Washington Carver insatiably curious for more than five decades keeps me interested and fascinated as well. I remember speaking to a group of agriculture students once, and I was asked if after that many years in the industry, surely I knew everything there was to know about peanuts, and it must be boring to still write about. Owing it to their youthfulness, I politely let the young lady know that we had likely only tapped a small portion of what there was to know about peanuts, and researchers were finding out new things all the time. That’s what makes it fun. What got me skipping down memory lane? Something as simple as the American Peanut Research and Education Society announcement on the management agreement with the American Peanut Council. I’ve been around long enough to see organizations come and go, but APRES isn’t going anywhere. Under the two-year administrative agreement, APRES will remain an independent organization with its own board, governance structure, branding, scientific journal, programs and events. The impetus for the move is the retirement of Kim Cutchins. The APC’s Richard Owen, president and CEO, will become executive officer for APRES. APRES President and North Carolina State University Extension peanut specialist David Jordan says, “I’m pleased that we were able to find a strong industry partner to continue the work of APRES following Kim’s retirement. I’ve personally been involved in the peanut industry on a professional level for 25 years, grew up on a farm with peanuts, and the affiliation with APC, whose members represent the peanut supply chain, will bring added value to the important conversations that will provide solutions to the issues we face moving forward.”
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THE PEANUT GROWER • MAY 2022
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NewsBriefs News Briefs PB Delivery To Washington D.C. Food Bank
The U.S. Peanut Federation combined advocacy with service during their Spring 2022 Washington D.C. fly-in. In conjunction with the Georgia Peanut Commission, the USPF partnered with Peanut Proud, the industry’s humanitarian relief organization, to donate 10,080 jars of peanut butter to serve the nation’s capital and surrounding area. Delivery was made possible by Southern AG Carriers. Members of USPF were joined at the Capital Area Food Bank warehouse by U.S. Congressman Sanford Bishop of Georgia. Congressman Bishop is the chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA and Related Agencies. “Peanut butter is nutrition packed, versatile, inexpensive, easy to store,convenient source of protein and heart-healthy fats,” said Congressman Bishop. “It helps reduce insulin resistance and is a good source of fiber. On top of that, it’s good!” USPF chairman Joe Boddiford said, “The peanut butter we’re donating can be used to make more than 141,000 sandwiches. Peanut butter is one of the most requested food items at food banks due to its long shelf life. We are grateful to partner with Peanut Proud and the Capital Area Food Bank to ensure that those affected by food insecurity can have access to safe, nutritional food and delicious peanut butter.” Molly McGlinchy, senior director for procurement and direct programs at the Capital Area Food Bank, expressed appreciation to the peanut industry. “We are so thankful to be able to supply this to the children and families we serve,” she said. The food bank works to address hunger today and create brighter futures tomorrow for the one-half million neighbors across the region experiencing food insecurity. They also work TWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER
in partnership with other critical services to address hunger’s root causes.
Georgia Producers Invest In Research
The Georgia Peanut Commission board of directors has approved $795,205 in research project funding for the 2022-23 budget year. Projects include 36 proposals submitted from the University of Georgia, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Fort Valley State University and the USDA Agricultural Research Service. “As a peanut grower, I’m proud to invest in the Georgia Peanut Commission and in the future of the peanut industry by supporting research that continues to demonstrate a return on our investment,” says Donald Chase, GPC research committee chairman. “We are proud of our partnership with research institutions and look forward to seeing the results that will benefit farmers in the state and enhance the sustainability of our crop.” The research programs primarily focus on peanut breeding, conservation methods, irrigation and water management, as well as pests, weed and disease management. GPC also manages funding for the Southeastern Peanut Research Initiative, which includes research funding of $1,019,686 for projects in Alabama, Florida and Georgia. These projects are funded through the National Peanut Board check-off.
National Peanut Buying Points Elects Officers
Cole McNair of Birdsong Peanuts in Damascus, Georgia, has been elected president of the National Peanut Buying Points Association. Other officers are Byron Brown, vice president of Curry Farm Supply in Shellman, Georgia; Rhonda Dixon, treasurer of Dixon Farm Supply in Alapaha, Georgia; and Monty Rast, Past President of Carolina Peanut,
In Brief • In Washington D.C., producers make Farm Bill visits, food bank donation. • Research project funding brings a return on investment. • Birdsong Peanuts buying point manager in Damascus, Georgia, to lead national group. • Make plans for Peanut Congress, Southern Peanut Growers Conference. • Alabama declares the peanut as state legume. • Georgia peanuts are always in victory lane.
LLC in Cameron, South Carolina. Tyron Spearman and Angela Elder will continue as executive directors based in Tifton, Georgia. The Farm Service Agency peanut market place lists 371 peanut buying points in the United States. Membership in the NPBPA is $1,000 per year; $250 for owned subsidiaries and $400 per year for associate members. For more information, visit their website at www.peanutbuyingpoints.com.
USA Peanut Congress Announced
The American Peanut Council and the American Peanut Shellers Association have announced that the 26th Annual Peanut Congress will be June 13-16, 2022, at Charleston Place in Charleston, South Carolina. A block of rooms are available. To make a reservation, call 800-831-3490 and ask for the USA Peanut Congress room block. An exciting program is being planned, and sponsorships are available. There will also be a Great Cash Giveaway Raffle. Tickets for the $150 donation are already available. Registration forms can be found at www.peanut-shellers.org. MAY 2022 • THE PEANUT GROWER /
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NewsBriefs News Briefs Alabama Hosts PB&J Day March is National Peanut Month, a time to celebrate the perfectly powerful peanut. The Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) kicked off the month strong. On Wednesday, March 9, 2022, Governor Kay Ivey signed a proclamation declaring the month of March as Peanut Month for the state of Alabama. Governor Ivey presented the proclamation to APPA board president Carl Sanders in front of the Alabama Capitol. Sanders was joined by board members, Jerry Byrd, Billy Hixon, Thomas Adams and APPA executive director, Jacob Davis. In addition, the APPA staff and board members grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and handed out peanuts in front of the Alabama State House for legislators Wednesday, March 9. This came at a perfect time as House Bill 350 was passed on Thursday, March 10. Introduced by Representative Wes Allen, along with other co-sponsors, the bill designates peanuts as the official state legume. APPA thanks the members of the
Producer Meeting In Panama City Beach, Florida
Mark your calendars for the 23rd Annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference, July 21-23, 2022, at the Edgewater Beach Resort in Panama City Beach, Florida. This year’s conference offers farmers an opportunity to learn more about legislative issues, peanut promotions and production issues. The registration fee for peanut growers is $195 and includes all conference events and meals. Register by June 30 for this price. The registration fee increases by $50 on July 1. The theme for this year’s confer6/
THE PEANUT GROWER • MAY 2022
(From left) APPA board member Billy Hixon, APPA president Carl Sanders, Governor Kay Ivey, board members Jerry Byrd and Thomas Adams, and APPA executive director Jacob Davis.
House of Representatives for supporting this bill. The bill will now move into the Senate for voting. Peanuts are a $211.4-million industry in Alabama, an important part of the state economy. In Alabama, 33 ence, “Together Towards Tomorrow,” plans to focus on school nutrition, ag labor, carbon credits and more. During the Saturday morning general session, the keynote speaker is U.S. Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Pennsylvania, minority leader of the House Ag Committee. Register online at www.southernpeanutfarmers.org. A tentative schedule, sponsorship packet and additional information can be found on the website.
PB Base To Therapeutic Food
Economic forces and war in the Ukraine is setting the world up for a food shortage. Ready-to-use therapeutic foods will become an even more
out of 67 counties produced peanuts in 2021. There are more than 1,000 farm families across the state. For more information on Alabama peanut production and promotions, visit www.alpeanuts.com. important method of intervention to address global hunger and childhood malnutrition. The U.S. Peanut Federation joined five other organizations to support of this life-saving aid. Malnutrition claims the lives of more children than AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined. In a letter to the chairperson and ranking member of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural De ve l o p m e n t , Fo o d a n d Dr u g Administration and Related Agencies, USPF and partner organizations requested an additional $200 million in funding for procurement of the World Health Organization-compliant RUTF. It is hoped that the funding PEANUTGROWER.COM
NewsBriefs News Briefs will help to address global childhood malnutrition while stimulating the domestic agriculture economy. The United States is already one of the world’s largest and most cost-efficient producers of RUTF and the agricultural inputs needed to produce it. The U.S. Agency for International Development reports roughly $45 million in annual procurement of RUTF, which supports the sourcing of peanuts, soy protein, dairy, vegetable oil and sugar from across the country.
Let’s Go Racing The Georgia Peanut Commission will return to Front Row Motorsports to support NASCAR Cup Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender, Todd Gilliland, at two of NASCAR’s premier tracks in the Southeast. Georgia peanuts will join Gilliland
and the No. 38 Ford Mustang team at the newly repaved Atlanta Motor Speedway on March 20 and again at the Talladega Superspeedway in October. The Atlanta event will mark the 25th anniversary of Georgia peanuts visiting victory lane in the ARCA Menards Series with driver Harris DeVane. The commission is looking once again to make memories with
Gilliland. “We’re proud to support Todd Gilliland this year in his rookie season,” says Joe Boddiford, GPC chairman. “We hope Todd can make more memories for us this season and look forward to his races with us.” Gilliland will represent Georgia peanuts, their farmers and buyers throughout the season.
Renew your subscription online We appreciate your reading The Peanut Grower magazine. The U.S. Postal Service requires that we receive a direct request to continue mailing you our publication. We value your time but ask that you go to www.peanutgrower.com/subscribe to verify the continuation of your FREE subscription. Our editor, Amanda Huber, strives to provide production tips, new product information and profit-making ideas in every issue. Please take a minute to renew online to ensure you don’t miss a single issue. Thank you for your continued support! Lia Guthrie Publisher lguthrie@onegrower.com
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A Tale Of Two Crops
Thanks To Other Crop Prices, The Market May Firm Up
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MAY 2022 • THE PEANUT GROWER /
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MarketWatch Market Watch Everything From War To Weather Affecting Markets
T
he peanut market is very quiet. Shellers have enough inventory to sell for the year but are remaining firm, which is garnering little interest, especially for the 2022 crop. Markets for raw product remain in the mid-50s. The standstill in contracting the 2022 crop may have something to do with farmers’ bullishness on cotton and corn, which at these levels will compete with peanuts for acreage. A farmer-stock price of $475 per ton is not too interesting to farmers. Contracts have ranged from $500 per ton for limited tonnage on runners to $600 per ton for Virginias and even higher for Valencia and Spanish in the Southwest. Both sides are content to wait, and buyers are watching the markets as they have good coverage for 2022 in the books. Buyers wanting to book peanuts for the 2023 calendar year did so earlier this year when offers were available, but most thought that was too risky. Markets At A Standstill Uncertainty has been the buzz word these past few months. Uncertainty over new crop peanut acres has been influenced by the corn market’s slow and steady climb. Putting downward pressure on that market were increased input costs from fertilizer. Peanuts benefit from not needing direct fertilizer. More uncertainty comes from escalating cotton and soybean futures along with soaring diesel costs. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has only fueled rising commodity markets and input costs to growers. It has also led to rising sunflower oil prices and uncertainty over South American peanut exports to the two warring countries. This uncertainty has fed an unwillingness from growers to contract farmer
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THE PEANUT GROWER • MAY 2022
J. Tyron Spearman Contributing Editor, The Peanut Grower
Leading Marketing Indicators (As of April 12, 2022) 2021 Est. Production (+4%) ............................................... 3,194,650 tons 2021 Est. Acreage (5.1%) .. .............................................. 1,533,000 acres 2021 Crop Loan (Total) ..................................................... 2,568,453 tons 2020 Crop Remaining In-Loan ......................................... 1,547,066 tons 2021-2022 Domestic Usage (7 Mo.) ........................................... UP 0.4 % 2021-2022 Exports (6 Mo.) ................................................. DOWN 18.25% NATIONAL POSTED PRICE (per ton) Runners -$424.89; Spanish - $413.05; Valencia and Virginias - $427.70
stock and a lack of buying interest at levels that support what most think it would take to buy peanuts from a grower. In this market, shellers are not able to or willing to do much marketing on 2023 peanuts and, to some extent, on the current crop. Competition For Acres Abroad The next market factors to watch are plantings beginning in the second half of April and weather through the summer as a La Niña pattern is predicted to reach the East Coast by the end of June. The country is in drought from California through Texas to date. With the Ukraine/Russia war and crop plantings of wheat and sunflowers at risk there, the price of various food commodities has skyrocketed. Demand for vegetable oils worldwide and the crimp in supply for sunflower and soy oils, has pushed peanut and other oils prices higher with no relief in sight. Both Argentina and Brazil are harvesting their peanut crops, and Argentina experienced several nights of frost in early April. Going forward, with much higher land rents and competing crops due to vegetable oil demand, both coun-
tries will be hard pressed to plant similar peanut acreage for the next crop. Toss in the normal uncertainty in the peanut market regarding future interest from China in U.S. peanuts, a dash of doubt over where Argentina and Brazil may go with their crop if they can’t export to Russia and/or the Ukraine and stir in the unknowns about weather and crop quality. With all the unknowns, market uncertainty increases. Acreage Estimate With the 2021 crop being one of, if not the best, in terms of quality, it is easy to see why sellers would want to hold on to unsold goods until new crop gets planted and its development is better known. It is difficult to get offers on new crop for 2023, particularly from the Virginia-Carolinas and the Southwest, but Southeast offers are not easy to come by either. Given the uncertainty on what shellers may have to pay to contract 2022 farmer stock and the shelled-goods market not aligning with prices that support levels it would take to contract, we are in a wait and see mode. PEANUTGROWER.COM
MarketWatch Market Watch The U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agriculture Statistics Service prospective planting report shows a decline of 0.9% for the 2022 crop. Growers intend to plant 1.57 million acres in 2022, down 1% from 2021. In Georgia, the largest peanut producing state, expected planted area is down 3% from 2021. If this acreage amount is multiplied by the average of 4,000 pounds per acre, and a 2.5% decline for planted area versus harvested, the United States will end up with a projected production of 3.063 million pounds. This is plenty of peanuts for the amount of demand unless China returns to the market. Eyeing Changes In November Another part of the puzzle is the priceloss coverage payment in October. As the average price of peanuts increases, that means less of a PLC payment. In March, USDA estimated a $51 payment, which would apply to 85% of the farm peanut base. That is not much, but every little bit helps. The U.S. Peanut Federation continues to meet with Farm Bill planners in hopes to continue the peanut program. Leaders understand that the present slate of Washington leaders could all change after November elections and Farm Bill negotiations would have to be repeated. With all the uncertainty, including a possible food shortage, it is a good time to buy a few extra jars of peanut butter. PG
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MAY 2022 • THE PEANUT GROWER /
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Thinking About A Planting Do-Over? From need and timing to placement and maturity determination – ongoing research provides answers on replanting peanuts. By Amanda Huber
P
Determining Need University of Georgia cropping systems agronomist Scott Tubbs is in a fourth phase of replanting research that began eight years ago. What he says was interesting initially is that replanting often does not improve yield over a poor plant stand as often as you might think. “Overall,” Tubbs says, “only when plant stands were as low as one plant per foot of row did replanting improve yield to a point that it would be economically viable to justify the cost of replanting.” However, skips in stands are a sure draw for tomato spotted wilt virus. At the UGA Cotton and Peanut Field Day in September 2021, Tubbs presented some of the replant research findings. In field plots, yellow flags represented the original plant population, with the flag in the crown of each plant, and orange flags were the replanted crop. “If you look at the rows with one plant per foot with no replanting, this plot has a tremendous amount of TSWV,” Tubbs says. That’s the real risk in not achieving the needed plant density. Although peanuts are known to fill in gaps well, Tubbs says some individual data has shown the potential for yield improvement when plant stands were two plants per foot of row or less. 10 /
THE PEANUT GROWER • MAY 2022
SCOTT TUBBS, UGA
eanuts may not be the most difficult crop to achieve a quick germinating, uniform plant stand, but troubles do arise to create a less-than-optimal outcome. Problems with seed quality, improperly calibrated equipment, tractor operator error, unsuitable temperature or soil moisture conditions – all of these can affect producers’ ability to get a good stand of peanuts. Peanut Rx, backed by research and Extension, recommend a planting rate of six seed per foot of row in order to achieve a minimum of four plants per row-foot. If this isn’t what’s coming up in the field, then what is an acceptable stand and what level should trigger a replanting of the field?
When an initial stand is less than 2.5 plants per foot in single rows or less than three plants per foot of row, supplemental replanting of peanut next to the initial stand will help recover yield. Do not terminate the initial stand.
“Hence, if plant stands are at least 2.5 plants per foot of row, whether twin row or single row, strip-till or conventional tillage, and the stands are relatively uniform without large gaps in the field, the chances of gaining a return on the PEANUTGROWER.COM
investment of replanting a field is very low,” he says.
Replant Method And Placement If the decision has been made that the current stand is not sufficient, Tubbs says the method of replanting is also an important factor. “In our research, there were essentially no circumstances where burning down the original stand of peanuts with a herbicide and starting over with a complete replanting of peanut was worthwhile,” he says. “Any instances where replanting showed the potential for a benefit, it was when the poor plant stand was left in the field and peanut was replanted by offsetting the planter two to three inches to the side of the original row and placing supplemental seed in the ground.” In research on single-row planting
SCOTT TUBBS, UGA.
Decision Timing Tubbs says producers will want to make sure they have the full plant population before making any decision about supplemental planting. “Give the seed plenty of chance to germinate. In a study on replant timing, we found that waiting four weeks after the original planting was unsuccessful in gaining an advantage over leaving the original plant stand alone,” Tubbs says. “At two weeks after, you would still be getting some straggler plants coming up and you would not know exactly what your plant population is. You’re okay to replant at two weeks, but you may not need to. “We found that three weeks after the original plant was the timing that worked best in our replant projects thus far,” he says.
Research shows that replanting 3 inches from the initial stand at a rate of three seed per foot is the best strategy to supplement stand and increase yield and grade.
pattern, yield is increased by supplemental replanting when stands were below 2.5 plants per foot, and supplemental replanting was achieved by planting 3.5 inches off the original row. In this instance, a reduced replant rate of three seed per foot was used. On twin rows, if initial stands are less than three plants per foot, the best option is also to supplement the initial stand with a seeding rate of three seed per foot. The take-home message from Tubbs’
research is to make sure the original crop is germinated as much as possible by waiting two to three weeks. If the stand is one plant per foot, then replanting is warranted. When the stand is 2.5 plants per foot of row, supplemental planting may help increase yield. Offset the original planting by three inches and plant again, possibly at a lower seeding rate than the initial planting. Replanting may not be an easy decision, but these points are backed by years of research. PG
How To Determine Maturity In A Replanted Field Determining maturity in a crop that germinated quickly in a uniform stand is not always easy. It’s even more difficult in a field planted twice, weeks apart. Tubbs says while it is a challenge to determine maturity on a replanted field, it is also something they have studied in their replant series. “We did a study on that a few years ago, and we took the original plants and the replanted plants and did a maturity board on those separately. Then, we dug some areas based on original planting, some on replant maturity and some areas half-way between the two. “Based on our research, you’ve got to get to at least that halfway point. You don’t want to dig based on original plant maturity. You
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need the replanted plants to reach maturity.” Tubbs says you will lose some of your original plants’ finished pods, but what you’re gaining in yield on the back end in the replanted plants more than makes up for that, especially if it’s a higher plant population. “What you’re gaining from the replanted plants helps spread out your digging window. At a minimum, take the average between the two planting maturities, but trend toward the replant maturity as much as possible.” Research shows grade is consistently improved by waiting later to dig if the vines are healthy and environmental conditions are favorable to promote maturity. PG
MAY 2022 • THE PEANUT GROWER /
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Benghal Dayflower Control Options This tropical, perennial weed, which is on the federal noxious weed list, is expanding across the southeastern United States. By Mike Marshall, Extension Weed Specialist, Edisto Research and Education Center, Clemson University
I
nvasive weeds are troublesome in agronomic cropping systems and nearby non-crop environments. Benghal dayflower (Commelina benghalensis L.), also known as tropical spiderwort, was first detected in South Carolina by the Clemson University Department of Plant Industry in 2013. Infestations have now been documented in agronomic fields in South Carolina. Once established, this invasive weed reproduces prolifically by producing both aboveground and belowground flowers and fruit, increasing the number of seeds in the soil seedbank. This article discusses Benghal dayflower identification, biology and control options in peanut. Identifying Characteristics Benghal dayflower is a tropical, perennial herbaceous weed listed on the federal noxious weed list and is expanding in distribution across the southeastern United States. Benghal dayflower is native to the tropical areas of Africa, India and the Pacific islands. It has been documented in Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia and California. In the early growth stages, Benghal dayflower resembles other Commelina spp. found in South Carolina including Asiatic dayflower (Commelina communis L.) and spreading dayflower (Commelina diffusa Burm. f.). Identifying characteristics that visually separate Benghal dayflower from other dayflowers include the presence of red or white trichomes or hairs on the apex of the leaf sheath and leaf margins, while the other two dayflowers have smooth, hairless stem, sheaths and leaf margins. Also, Benghal dayflower has tuber-like
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THE PEANUT GROWER • MAY 2022
Suggested herbicide programs for Benghal dayflower control in peanut. Consult the South Carolina Pest Management Handbook for current recommendations for herbicide product use rates and restrictions. Application Timing
Herbicide Program(s)
Preemergence
Valor (flumioxazin) + Dual Magnum (s-metolachlor)
At-Crack
a
b
Mid-Postemergencec
paraquat + Storm (acifluorfen + bentazon) + Dual Magnum or paraquat + Storm + Warrant (acetochlor) or paraquat + Basagran (bentazon) + Zidua (pyroxysulfone) or paraquat + Strongarm (diclosulam) + Warrant or Zidua Cadre (imazapic) + Dual Magnum + 2,4-DB or Cadre + Strongarm + Dual Magnum or Cadre + Warrant + 2,4-DB or Cadre + Zidua + 2,4-DB
Note: aImmediately after planting and before Benghal dayflower (BD) emergence; b14 days after planting, BD less than 2 inches in height; c28 to 30 days after planting, BD less than 2 inches in height.
white spathes or subterranean flowers borne on stolons in the root system. Prolific Producer Each aerial fruit can produce four to five seeds and each subterranean fruit can produce two to three seeds. In one study, aerial seed production was 4.6 times higher than subterranean seed production. As a result, one Benghal dayflower plant can potentially produce up to 1,600 seeds per season. Currently, eight counties in South Carolina have confirmed populations of Benghal dayflower. In cases where infestations are small and isolated, such as in nurseries or urban gardens, hand removal or spot spraying with an herbicide is generally very effective in controlling Benghal dayflower. However, small or initial infestations in agronomic fields typically remain undetected for several years before the grower realizes the severity of the problem. In that time, Benghal dayflower has spread across the landscape, usually by rooting of stem fragments and seed, and added con-
siderable quantities of seed to the soil seed bank. Benghal dayflower seed can remain viable for up to four years in the soil. Control Options In Peanut May is the primary planting window for peanuts in South Carolina; this is close to peak Benghal dayflower emergence (June-July). During this period, peanuts are small with large gaps between rows, resulting in rapid emergence, establishment and spread of Benghal dayflower. Non-selective herbicides, such as Liberty and glyphosate, are not registered for use in peanuts. Postemergence choices for Benghal dayflower control in peanut are limited. In 2016, Strongarm (diclosulam) was registered for postemergence suppression in peanut when applied at the 1- to 2-inch Benghal dayflower growth stage. Strongarm preemergence activity on Benghal dayflower was limited. The key to managing Benghal dayflower in peanut is overlapping soil residual herbicides during the season. Consult the product labels for seasonal PEANUTGROWER.COM
BYRON RHODES, UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA, BUGWOOD.ORG
HERB PILCHER, USDA-ARS, BUGWOOD.ORG, (INSET) THEODORE WEBSTER, USDA-ARS, BUGWOOD.ORG
MICHAEL W. MARSHALL, CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
(a) This picture shows the seedling stage of Benghal dayflower. (b) The presence of red or white trichomes or hairs on the apex of the leaf sheath and leaf margins is an identifying characteristic of Benghal dayflower. (c) Benghal dayflower have both blue and purple-blue aerial flowers, shown here. (d) Subterranean flowers can be found on underground stolons.
application limits on each herbicide, and practice resistance management by rotating herbicide modes-of-action. Benghal dayflower seed typically germinates and emerges later in June to July and continues to grow until frost. Soil residual herbicides tankmixed with postemergence herbicides are a critical tool for long-term control during the growing season. For example, Dual Magnum (s-metolachlor) is a highly effective preemergence herbicide that provides 96% to 99% control six weeks after application. In contrast, Benghal dayflower control was less than 70% with the residual herbicides diuron, Valor (flumioxazin) and Staple. Other herbicides in the same family as Dual Magnum, which include Warrant (acetochlor), Zidua (pyroxysulfone) and Outlook (dimethanemid-p), can provide similar levels of preemergence control, although the length of residual control may be shorter. Control Options In Rotation Crops Cultural, biological and mechanical options are often under-utilized in weed management programs for Benghal dayflower. There are no available biological agents for control. However, modification of crop row spacing, seeding density and planting date are highly effective weed management tools, especially when deployed in combination. For example, the weed-free period (i.e., the time when weeds must be absent to achieve the maximum crop potential yield) for cotton planted on 21-inch rows was only six weeks. In contrast, cotton planted on wide rows (e.g., 31 and 42 inches) needed a significantly longer weed-free period of 10 to 14 weeks for optimum yield. Crop seeding density can reduce the incidence of weeds. With the same herbicide program, Benghal dayflower control increased from 85% to 96% as seeding density increased from TWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER
0.7 to 2.1 plants per foot in single row cotton. In addition, cotton planted on a twin-row pattern resulted in 96% to 97% Benghal dayflower control averaged over seeding density and herbicide program 18 weeks after emergence. Early planting dates (early May) are recommended to minimize Benghal dayflower competition in cotton. Burial through inversion tillage greater than 6 inches can also prevent Benghal dayflower germination. This drastic form of tillage should only be considered when infestation levels are extremely high due to its negative impact on soil structure and the environment.
Key Points
Herbicide Options In Corn, Cotton and Soybean Herbicides are the management tool most often preferred by growers. Corn, cotton and soybeans planted in South Carolina are glyphosate-tolerant. Glyphosate herbicide efficacy on Benghal dayflower decreases rapidly as weed size increases. For example, glyphosate alone in glyphosate-tolerant cotton only provided 53% control of 1- to 4-inch Benghal dayflower. The lower control value of 53% was attributed to the larger Benghal dayflower (3- to 4-inch) plants. Similarly, Liberty (glufosinate) provided 68% control, which is below the acceptable economical threshold of 70%. The tank-mix combination of Staple (pyrithiobac) plus glyphosate in glyphosate-tolerant cotton increased Benghal dayflower control compared to glyphosate alone. In 2017, cotton and soybean varieties were introduced with tolerance to 2,4-D or dicamba herbicides. Benghal dayflower control was 99% and 94% with Liberty plus 2,4-D and Liberty plus dicamba, respectively. PG
▶ Deep tillage greater than 6 inches in depth can effectively bury Benghal dayflower seed to a depth where it cannot germinate. This option should be used as a last resort for out-ofcontrol fields.
For more information, visit Clemson Cooperative Extension Land-Grant Press at http://lgpress. clemson.edu
▶ Benghal dayflower is an invasive weed that spreads via stem fragments and seed and reproduces quickly once established in agronomic fields. ▶ In peanuts and cotton, Benghal dayflower will be more difficult to control due to lack of shading of the soil surface during peak weed seedling emergence.
▶ Combinations of postemergence (e.g., glyphosate, Liberty, Strongarm) and pre-emergence (e.g., Dual Magnum) herbicide programs are required for long-term management of Benghal dayflower in agronomic fields. ▶ In fields where Benghal dayflower infestations are extensive, select a fast-growing crop, such as glyphosate-tolerant corn or soybean, that can be planted early and quickly produce a canopy that shades out the soil surface before the peak weed emergence.
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From The Roots Up Stewardship goes further than complying with rules and regulations.
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he idea of product stewardship is not new in the ag industry. Everyone knows it’s good to be kind to the land, give a crop a fighting chance and protect an investment from start to finish. But stewardship involves more than an arsenal of crop protection products and a prayer that things will turn out reasonably well by the end of the season. It also involves a proactive approach from the field to Washington D.C. Simply keeping a product on the market is a daunting challenge, says Steve Brown, Peanut Research Foundation executive director. “You want to protect your privilege to use a product to produce crops. Stewardship and understanding of the products and how to handle them is critical for keeping products on the market.” Proactive Stewardship At The Top When AgLogic Chemical Co. decided to bring aldicarb (formerly branded as Temik) back to the market, leadership decided upfront that product stewardship would be not only forefront, but also mandatory. Currently, anyone buying, selling or applying AgLogic aldicarb must pass a written certification test designed to reinforce the understanding of product stewardship. The intent was obviously not to make it more difficult to sell the product, but to reinforce the importance of complying with all regulations regarding its use. “In our current modern world of agriculture, you have to go through re-registration every so often,” Brown says. “You’re building a record the whole time you’re out there on the market. Every time there’s a misuse or a complaint, it goes into a file. It’s a black mark against you. It can be any kind of product.”
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Steve Brown, The Peanut Foundation executive director, says growers have a lot of clout in Washington D.C. “When growers make their voice heard through their local organizations, I think it carries a lot of weight in the halls of Congress.”
A Voice To Be Heard Stewardship goes further than complying with the rules and regulations. It’s also the idea of standing up for science and the merits of a product. While that concept is not new, it’s become increasingly important to maintain product availability across the entire agricultural industry. That means getting involved, according to Vern Crawford, long-time former Pest Control Advisor (PCA) with Wilbur-Ellis in Shafter, California. Now retired, he still advocates for the responsible use of pesticides in the industry and the impor-
tance of getting involved from the grower level up regardless of how small one grower might think his or her voice might be. “I’ve seen it a lot of times over the course of my career,” Crawford says. “Growers tend to want to concentrate on their strengths — production and equipment — and leave the marketing and industry oversight to others so they can stay focused on the furrows and the equipment. However, it’s just as important to take a stand in policy that affects the industry. “Growers shouldn’t just leave it up to a company that markets a product,” PEANUTGROWER.COM
Dan Anco, Clemson University Extension peanut specialist, says, “Pesticides are an important tool in our integrated management of peanut. Whether interest seeks greater efficacy, practicality or cost-effectiveness, the voice of farmers is vital to keeping our research activities relevant and applicable.”
Crawford says. “First and foremost, they need to adhere to the regulations, but also be an advocate to maintain continued use of products when that use is beneficial to their individual operation and the industry.” What some growers take for granted is the power of a single voice and the synergy created when that voice, along with others, are united on a local level. “Growers have a lot of clout in D.C.,” Brown says. “It may not be as much clout as they would like to have, but when a grower goes to Congress and says ‘this product is vital to my livelihood, and we can’t grow good crops that are important to our country without it,’ that gets more attention than a company going and saying we want to sell this product because it fulfills an important need to the industry. “It carries more weight,” Brown says. “When growers make their voice heard through their local organizations, I think it does carry a lot of weight in the halls of Congress.” TWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER
Brown has considerable experience with aldicarb when it was marketed as Temik (now as AgLogic.) “I worked with aldicarb when I was a peanut entomologist years ago,” he says. “I think Temik was probably the No. 1 use of aldicarb because of peanuts, cotton and pecans in the state of Georgia. It was one of the best options we had for early season pest control in those crops.” Driving Research And Laying A Foundation Stewardship and grower participation is also critical at the many research stations located across the nation. Without the science and field data to back a crop protection material, that product would not be available to growers. Although research may seem far removed from the grower level, it’s not, according to Dan Anco, Clemson University Extension peanut specialist and associate professor at the Edisto Research and Education Center.
“The research of my program is directly driven by farmer input and needs,” he says. “When farmers share their concerns, it is my duty and interest as a land grant researcher to address these issues. I get both direct input talking to individual farmers, as well as current research needs and priorities from organizations such as the South Carolina Peanut Board.” The importance of that participation from the grower level up cannot be underestimated, Anco says. “Pesticides are a very important tool in our integrated management of peanut. Whether interest seeks greater efficacy, practicality or cost-effectiveness, the voice of farmers is vital to keeping our research activities relevant and applicable,” he says. “It keeps us grounded, and the mutual, sincere exchange of ideas and legwork continues to fine tune the direction of our efforts.” PG Article by Brenda Carol on behalf of AgLogic Chemical Co. MAY 2022 • THE PEANUT GROWER /
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Teaming Up For A Better Peanut A collaboration between Mars And HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology will tackle drought tolerance and aflatoxin.
P
artnering together, two groups hope to tackle two of the biggest threats to the peanut industry. HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology—a nonprofit institute dedicated to developing and applying scientific advances to health, agriculture, learning and commercialization—recently announced a collaboration with Mars Wrigley, a segment within Mars, and maker of some of the world’s most beloved treats and snacks. With the support of Mars, HudsonAlpha Faculty Investigator Josh Clevenger, who made significant contributions to the peanut genomics initiative, will work to create more sustainable crops that use less water and fewer pesticides, promoting regenerative agriculture and safer, more durable harvesting solutions. Solving Challenges Through Collaboration In the new collaborative project, Clevenger and the team at Mars aim to tackle two related crop issues: aflatoxins and drought tolerance. Aflatoxins are a group of toxins produced by the fungi Aspergillus, found in soil. Aflatoxins can contaminate agricultural crops such as peanuts, tree nuts, corn and grains such as wheat. “Teamwork and collaboration are two of the pillars upon which HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology were founded, and they are still integral to our success,” Clevenger says. “We are looking forward to partnering with Mars to help solve two major peanut challenges at once, which could have a substantial impact on food security and help protect the livelihoods of the food producers we rely on.” In addition to the research with HudsonAlpha, Mars is taking a multi-systems approach to managing aflatoxins within the global food supply chain, including through research at the Mars Global Food Safety Center and with leading partners around the world. “Mars is partnering with the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in support of the world we want tomorrow, which is a world with a healthy planet and thriving people. We at Mars want to share groundbreaking solutions for crops that use less water and pesticides, eradicating aflatoxin more quickly and efficiently, and in a way that mutually benefits everyone involved,” says Victor Nwosu, Senior Fellow, Mars Wrigley. Benefitting Economies And Health Grown on millions of acres of land throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, peanuts attract heavy demand and serve as an important protein source in many diets. A successful peanut plant harvest can be threatened by many factors 16 /
THE PEANUT GROWER • MAY 2022
In collaboration with Mars, HudsonAlpha Faculty Investigator Josh Clevenger will work on two top problems in peanuts: aflatoxin and drought tolerance.
including environmental conditions, pests, fungi and diseases. Creating peanuts that are less susceptible to aflatoxin could benefit both the economy and human health. Some markets, such as Great Britain, have strict regulations governing aflatoxin levels in crops. Crops not meeting those standards often sit at ports and are eventually destroyed, causing substantial losses in profit for peanut farmers and contributing to food waste. Peanut varieties that are drought tolerant and aflatoxin resistant and carry other beneficial traits, such as high yield, may be deployed for commercial use. These new lines would be released publicly and deposited in the U.S. Department of Agriculture germplasm collection for dispersal, which freely distributes seed requests to any country in the world. Speeding Up Breeding Efforts Aspergillus fungi produce aflatoxins when conditions are hot and dry. Like many global crops, peanuts are often grown using dry-land production. During times of drought, peanuts become stressed, leading to exacerbated aflatoxin production. Increasing drought tolerance in peanuts could mitigate aflatoxin production and contamination. Quantitative traits, such as drought tolerance and disease PEANUTGROWER.COM
PHOTO BY AMY WEISER (AMYWEISER.COM)
Josh Clevenger, center, is pictured in a peanut test plot with members of his lab (from left) Katherine Sanmartin, Courtney Valerio, Jason Bunn, Walid Korani.
resistance, are controlled by small regions of DNA called quantitative trait loci (QTL). Larger DNA segments that are close to the QTL can be used as markers to determine if a plant inherited the desired trait. Clevenger and his team are using genomics, as well as new computational tools and breeding methods, to identify QTLs that confer drought tolerance. These will be introduced into agronomically viable peanut lines using a technique known as marker-assisted speed breeding. HudsonAlpha will use their 1,600-square-foot indoor facility for year-round production. Two rooms are focused specifically on peanut molecular breeding. Using accelerated growth conditions and continuous light, at least three, and up to four, generations of peanuts can be accomplished in one year, greatly speeding up the process of backcross mediated trait integration. The new lines will be field tested under drought conditions in Tifton, Georgia, in collaboration with the University of Georgia’s Peggy Ozias-Akins, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Supervisory Research Geneticist Corley Holbrook. PG For more information about HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, please visit https://www.hudsonalpha.org/
Faculty tour a new greenhouse facility being built on the HudsonAlpha campus, whose mission is to develop and apply scientific advances to health, agriculture, learning and commercialization. TWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER
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PHOTO BY BARRY TILLMAN, UF/IFAS
With Growth Regulator
Without Growth Regulator
Although a yield increase is not guaranteed with the use of a plant growth regulator in peanuts, in some situations, the treatment can pay for itself and even make money.
Can Growth Regulators Boost Yield? The answer is in knowing how and when to use PGRs effectively. By Barry Tillman, UF/IFAS Peanut Breeder, and Scott Monfort, UGA Extension Peanut Agronomist
E
xcessive peanut vine growth can be problematic in several ways. First, too much vine growth can lead to an increase in disease because the canopy can hold moisture and create its own microclimate. Additionally, fungicides may not be able to penetrate the canopy to get to the point of disease. Vines damaged during mid-season pesticide applications can become areas of disease and contribute to yield losses. Finally, excessive vine growth can slow harvest operations, costing time and money. Control Vines, Increase Yield Appropriate use of the growth regulators Apogee or Kudos (prohexadione calcium) can help to manage vine growth and increase yield. A recent study published in Peanut Science (Studstill et al., 2020; Influence of Prohexadione Calcium Rate on Growth and Yield of Peanut) showed that the growth of peanut was reduced by growth regulator application and that 18 /
THE PEANUT GROWER • MAY 2022
the pod yield of runner-type varieties was increased in farmscale studies in Georgia and Mississippi. Using the 0.75 times rate, or 5.4 ounces per acre, of Apogee plant height was reduced by about 4 inches and yield increased by about 700 pounds per acre. This translates to about an $85 per-acre net return. Although a yield increase is not guaranteed because of specific conditions in each field and season, on average, the treatment will pay for itself or makes money. The Apogee label specifies that peanut should be actively growing and without stress from disease or drought when the application is made. The first application should occur when 50% of the stems are touching in the row middles and a second application 14 days later. Application Tips Scott Monfort, University of Georgia Extension peanut specialist, offers these tips for using a growth regulator. “Timing is very important,” Monfort says. “Apply the first PEANUTGROWER.COM
time when the row middles have reached full lapping — usually around 60 to 65 days after planting.” He says it is better to be a little late on the first application than too early, because it might prevent lapping altogether. The second application should be about 14 days later. “A rate of 4 to 5.4 ounces of product per acre is sufficient for most runner-type peanuts. The addition of ammonium sulfate at one pound per acre or urea ammonium nitrate at one pint per acre is important for uptake. If applying with a fungicide, Monfort says a crop oil is not needed. “Add a crop oil if applying alone at one quart per acre.” Conduct Your Own Experiment Plant growth regulators are not recommended in situations where vine growth is not excessive, such as non-irrigated fields, fields with history of less vine growth or under stressful situations. Can growth regulators boost peanut yield? The best answer is “it depends.” If you have excessive vine growth, the answer is probably yes. If you don’t struggle with vine growth, or are primarily non-irrigated, the answer is probably no. Other potential benefits are reduced disease and improved harvest efficiency, which are not easily quantified. The best approach is to experiment on your own farm with the appropriate timing and rate. PG Plant Growth Regulator Application Tips: •
Apply the first time when the row middles are fully lapping on 50% of vines.
•
The second application should be about 14 days later.
•
Apply a rate of 4 to 5.4 ounces of product per acre for runner-type peanuts.
•
Add ammonium sulfate at one pound per acre or urea ammonium nitrate at one pint per for uptake.
•
If applying with a fungicide, a crop oil is not needed.
•
Add a crop oil if applying alone at one quart per acre.
TWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER
Section 18 Label For Brake Herbicide
A
Section 18 label for Brake herbicide to use against resistant Palmer amaranth has been approved in certain states. Alabama received approval from the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industry in 32 counties. In Mississippi, 37 counties were granted the Section 18 exemption. Contact your Extension agent or state Extension peanut specialist for information on your state and county. Producers can take advantage of this label in the 2022 season. Application Tips Alabama Cooperative Extension weed scientist Steve Li offers these key points regarding the new label: 1. Brake can only be applied to runner-type varieties; do not apply to Spanish or Valencia varieties. 2. Use a rate of 12 to 16 ounces per acre depending on soil type. Do not apply more than 16 ounces per acre per year. Multiple year data from Alabama suggests sufficient peanut tolerance to 16 ounces per acre of Brake when applied pre-emergent. 3. Brake can be applied 14 days prior to planting until 72 hours after planting. Do not spray Brake on emerged peanut as severe injury will occur. 4. Plant-back restrictions are zero months on cotton and peanut, two months on soybean and sweet potato, eight months on wheat, barley and rye, 10 months on corn and sorghum. 5. Tank-mixing Brake with another peanut residual herbicide is highly recommended to defer herbicide resistance and increase the spectrum of weed control. Dual Magnum, Outlook, Warrant, Prowl H2O, Valor and Strongarm are tank-mix partners with Brake for pre-emergent and pre-plant applications. 6. Brake is a good alternative for Palmer amaranth control when Valor splashing injury is a concern. 7. Brake works on cover crop residues and no-till fields in previous field trials funded by Alabama Peanut Producers Association check-off. One-half inch of rain or irrigation is sufficient to fully activate this herbicide. PG
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PeanutPointers Peanut Pointers Investing In A Good Stand As we move into the planting season, there may be a tendency to want to reduce inputs to save money. This is understandable given the anticipated expense of growing the peanut crop in 2022. However, a majority of our inputs pay for themselves. Early in the season, there are two areas that can be DAVID JORDAN North Carolina State scrutinized for contributions University to yield and financial return Extension Agronomist — weed and thrips control. In the Virginia-Carolina region, both of these pests negatively impact yield if not controlled. A solid herbicide program with residuals at the beginning of the season, along with in-furrow insecticide sprays for thrips pay for themselves even when margins are tight. If we cut back on these, we will likely find ourselves playing catchup in June. In my experiences, applying a preplant incorporated herbicide (either Prowl or Sonalan), a chloroacetamide herbicide plus flumioxazin (Valor SX) right after planting and paraquat plus Basagran plus residual herbicides approximately three weeks after planting provides a solid foundation moving into the remainder of the season. In most fields, a follow up of one or two spray(s) is needed.
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THE PEANUT GROWER • MAY 2022
It can be attractive to cut back on herbicides early in the season and focus on postemergence herbicides. However, the challenge is being able to be timely with these sprays, especially at the frequency needed, when residual herbicides are not applied. Equally as important is resistance management. Residual herbicides applied early in the season have different sites of action than some herbicides applied later in the season, which are vulnerable to resistance. Moreover, when we rely heavily on our postemergence herbicides, we are often making applications to larger weeds. Incomplete control pushes weed populations toward resistance. It is hard to keep up with postemergence sprays once weeds get away from us. It is also important to buy time early in the season with thrips control. In-furrow sprays give us protection and provide greater flexibility in terms of follow-up sprays applied to peanut foliage, primarily acephate, if needed. While thrips control with imidacloprid has been inconsistent in recent years in some areas, this insecticide still suppresses thrips in many cases. AgLogic and Phorate are also proven in the marketplace. One might argue that leaving off the in-furrow spray and applying acephate to peanut foliage can save money. However, one spray of acephate is seldom adequate. Can you make a foliar spray within a week or so after peanut emergence and then follow up with a second spray 10 to 14 days later? This is a logistical challenge. In most fields, it takes two sprays — either one insecticide in-furrow followed by a postemergence spray three weeks after planting or making
PEANUTGROWER.COM
PeanutPointers Peanut Pointers two postemergence sprays seven and then 21 days after peanuts emerge. With the acreage we have, the latter approach carries considerable risk. We still need four or five plants per foot of row to optimize yield. An inoculant applied in the seed furrow for biological nitrogen fixation still pays in both rotated fields and new ground. With current nitrogen costs, it is especially important to make sure you deliver live bacteria in the bottom of the seed furrow in a uniform manner to make sure there are no issues with nitrogen fixation. In summary, our approach to getting a stand with adequate biological nitrogen fixation and without weed interference and thrips is essential no matter the price of peanuts or the cost of early season inputs. If you plant peanuts, get them off to a good start.
Seeding Rate, New Herbicide Label With planting season underway, there are a couple of topics I wanted to cover. In previous Peanut Pointers, I talked about tomato spotted wilt virus and the importance of insecticide. However, I did not mention seeding rates. In the past couple of years, we have been looking at higher KRIS BALKCOM seeding rates than the recomAuburn University mended six seed per foot. In Extension Specialist studies, we pushed the rate up to 10 seed per foot of row in test plots to see if we could increase yield with higher plant populations. The higher seeding rates have resulted in the highest yield numerically for both years that we have tested it. However, even though 10 seed per foot has had the highest numerical yield, it isn’t economically feasible to plant that high of a seeding rate because of the price of seed and return on investment. It’s more difficult than ever to have a high contract price for peanuts and inexpensive seed. At least we are looking at a good quality seed for this planting season; therefore, we shouldn’t need higher seeding rates. Don't cut seeding rates either. Keep the seeding rates adequate to ensure a good plant stand and reduce the chance of TSWV. Another issue at planting is pre-emergence herbicides. This is a necessity where there is Palmer amaranth or pigweed. The use of pre-emergence herbicides gives an early advantage to prevent pigweed from coming up and competing with the crop. I have heard from producers who felt that this may TWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER
have hurt the crop stand in certain situations, but there is another option this year. We now have a section 18 label for Brake herbicide when applied as a pre-emergent from 12 to 16 ounces per acre. This is another option in case you need it.
Planting Season Reminders Each year, the goal is to plant into good soil moisture with warm conditions to provide seed with the best situation to germinate, emerge and end up with a uniform stand of four or more plants per foot of row. The unfortunate truth is planting conditions change daily, potentially negatively impactSCOTT MONFORT ing peanut stands. Hopefully, University of Georgia soil temperatures at the 4-inch Extension Agronomist depth in May are well above the recommended 68-degree mark. Therefore, soil moisture is key to achieving the desired stands needed to reduce the risk to tomato spotted wilt virus and promote high-yield potential. Keep in mind the following factors when determining whether to plant a field or farm. First, do not: ■ Place seed in dry soil. If there is no moisture at 2 to 3 inches deep, then keep the seed in the bag. ■ Plant shallower than 2 inches in hopes a light rain event will result in quicker germination and emergence. ■ Plant more than 3 inches, trying to find moisture to plant in. The seedling will have excess soil depth to travel through in order to emerge and will be more at risk for poor stands. If you plant into dry soil and do not get an adequate stand, it was likely not due to poor quality seed. On irrigated peanuts: ■ Irrigate before planting to allow adequate moisture for germination. Do not plant into dry soil and then irrigate after planting. This could shock the seed, causing a slower and more erratic emergence. ■ Irrigate afterwards to activate herbicides, typically only a few tenths. Apply more than a few tenths if needed to make sure the soil profile has plenty of moisture for germination and emergence. I have observed several situations where growers only applied a limited amount of water to activate herbicides and ended up not having the desired stands due to loss of moisture under these extreme hot temperatures. How late can we plant before significantly reducing yield potential? Georgia growers typically plant peanuts from mid-April MAY 2022 • THE PEANUT GROWER /
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PeanutPointers Peanut Pointers
to late June. Based on the research conducted in Tifton in the past five to 10 years, April 26 to May 12 has shown the highest yield potential. This does not mean you cannot make high-yielding peanuts in mid-to-late May. It just means the yield potential starts to decline the later you plant in May, and it’s all about the weather. The timing that I consistently observe significant yield reductions is in June. Research has shown as much as a 20% to 30% yield reduction for peanut planted in June compared to those planted in May. Reach out to your county Extension office if you have any questions or need help.
Irrigate, Then Plant Peanuts are relatively easier to get an established stand than cotton. The larger peanut seed contains more energy, allowing it to emerge out of the ground. However, efforts should be made to plant peanuts under the most favorable conditions. As discussed in the last report, optimum soil temperature for peanut germination is at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit for three consecutive days without a cold front in forecast. Gaines County received less than an inch of rain, 0.72 inch to be exact, since last November, and the other Southwest peanut growing regions are also very dry. If this trend 22 /
THE PEANUT GROWER • MAY 2022
continues through May and June, supplemental irrigation to establish peanut stands will be warranted. For dry soil, irrigate with ⅓ to ⁄ inch of water before planting peanuts. Avoid irrigating after peanuts are planted as the cold water may shock peanut seed, causing erratic EMI KIMURA germination. Dry planting folTexas A&M AgriLife lowed by irrigation may also Extension impact rhizobia bacteria needState Extension Peanut ed for nodulation for nitrogen Specialist fixation. May is important for effective season-long weed management. A plan should include the following: 1. Start clean; 2. Use residual herbicides; 3. Be timely with postemergence applications; and 4. Know your weeds. Rotate herbicide modes of actions and avoid depending on the single mode of action. Finally, when considering in-furrow products, make sure the product does not interfere with the inoculant, which is live bacteria. Read the product label carefully to make sure it is compatible with the inoculum. PEANUTGROWER.COM
Southern Peanut Growers Conference
july 21-23, 2022 Edgewater beach & Golf resort • panama city beach, florida
! There is no longer a block of rooms available at Edgewater Beach Resort for the conference. All rooms are available on a first come, first serve basis. It is very important to reserve your room as soon as possible before the resort books up.
For detailed hotel room, conference and registration information, visit www.southernpeanutfarmers.org. Brought to you by the family farmers of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation
www.southernpeanutfarmers.org
The Perfectly Sustainable Peanut!
Newly released data reports that 3.2 gallons of water is used to produce one ounce of shelled peanuts.
Visit nationalpeanutboard.org for more details on water usage and sustainability.
