Peanut Pointers

After Making A Stand, Assess Gypsum Needs

Planting season is underway! Two of the most important points to remember, as seed are going into the ground, are germination and seed storage. First, ask for the percent germination of each lot of seed you purchase, and record it with your planting data. Second, take care of your seed and protect it from extreme temperatures and moisture by placing it in proper storage until planting.

In May, soil temperatures at planting should not be a concern; however, do monitor soil moisture. As you are planting, if soil moisture starts to disappear and temperatures are hotter than normal, hold up! Do not chase moisture in dryland fields as it might dissipate before the seed can imbibe enough water to germinate. For irrigated fields in the same situation, growers need to make sure to irrigate before and after planting to ensure the seed has the best opportunity to germinate and emerge.

Growers should assess fields at or before 14 days after planting to make sure they have an adequate stand. If a replant decision needs to be made, the quicker the better. Do not use fertilizers or unproven products in-furrow with peanut seed as it may affect your stand.

Once an adequate peanut stand is obtained, growers need to make decisions on their calcium needs. A pegging-zone sample is the best way to determine if a field is sufficient in calcium. University of Georgia Extension recommend at least 500 pounds per acre of calcium and a calcium-to-potassium ratio of at least 3:1 in the pegging zone. If either of these levels are not met, then apply 1,000 pounds per acre of gypsum at early bloom to runner-type peanuts. Furthermore, if you are growing peanuts for seed, growers need to apply 1,000 pounds per acre of gypsum at early bloom, even if these levels are met.

Remember, the Extension service in each state is here to help. Please call your county Extension office if you have questions or comments.