Peanut grower april 2016

The

PEANUTGROWER ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

APRIL 2016

THE PEANUT PRODUCER'S MARKETING & PRODUCTION MAGAZINE www.peanutgrower.com

Activation Of SoilApplied Herbicide Weed Management Tips For 2016

Minimize Disease Risk

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The

APRIL 2016

PEANUTGROWER ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

APRIL 2016

THE PEANUT PRODUCER'S MARKETING & PRODUCTION MAGAZINE www.peanutgrower.com

Activation Of SoilApplied Herbicide

Volume 28 • Number 4

Weed Management Tips For 2016

Minimize Disease Risk

Departments 4

Editor’s Note The pot is talking to the kettle

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News Briefs Prices down, but value up

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Market Watch Industry cost-cutting startling

20 New Products New items from Nelson Irrigation 21 Peanut Pointers Not a year for untested products

Stay Connected

11 Features

10 NPBPA Convention Recap

Buying point convention speakers offer some thoughts on the 2016 season.

11 Incorporating S-metolachlor

Follow these recommendations to properly activate this herbicide.

12 Arkansas On The Increase

Producers are encouraged to keep sustainability in mind.

14 Disease Management: Part Of The Plan Consider variety selection, resistance management and product placement in combatting disease.

16 Heirloom Peanut Makes Comeback Clemson researcher revives ancestral peanut, finds market in Charleston’s restaurants.

Sign up for the monthly e-newsletter at peanutgrower.com to have exclusive industry news and content delivered directly to your inbox.

18 Is Sicklepod Next?

UGA weed scientists are looking at the possibility of herbicide-resistant sicklepod.

Cover photo provided by Scott Monfort.

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APRIL 2 016 • THE PE ANUT GROWE R /

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EDITORIAL/PRODUCTION Editor Amanda Huber ahuber@onegrower.com Copy Editor Carroll Smith csmith@onegrower.com Art Director Ashley Kumpe

ADMINISTRATION Publisher/Vice President Lia Guthrie (901) 497-3689 lguthrie@onegrower.com Associate Publisher Carroll Smith (901) 326-4443 Sales Manager Scott Emerson (386) 462-1532 semerson@onegrower.com Circulation Manager Charlie Beek (615) 377-3322 Production Manager Kathy Killingsworth (901) 767-4020 kkillingsworth@onegrower.com

For circulation changes or change of address, call (847) 559-7578

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD John Beasley Extension Agronomist Auburn University Dell Cotton Peanut Growers Cooperative Marketing Assn., Franklin, VA Kris Balkcom Agri-Program Associate Auburn University Craig Kvien Coastal Plain Experiment Station,Tifton, GA

Jason Woodward Extension Plant Pathologist 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 Memphis, TN. Copyright © 2016 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 600651388. 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.

Reasons To Throttle Back

L

et me fess up that my message today falls squarely under the heading of “the pot calling the kettle black.” Why? In several meetings and field days recently, I have heard Extension agents and specialists tell producers they need to slow down when spraying pest products in peanuts and all other crops. Yep, me telling someone they need to slow down -that IS the pot calling the kettle black!

From the time I was 16 until, well, now, I have always liked to drive fast.

Not dangerous, out of control fast, Amanda Huber but faster than the speed limit, which Editor, The Peanut Grower seems overly, cautiously, mind-numbingly slow. I know the worst spots in the Southeast for getting a ticket, and I know the Clerk of Courts by name in more counties than I should.

But when it comes to applying pesticides, there are many reasons to slow down. One of the primary reasons is to reduce drift. Tractor speed is only one factor in effectively managing off-target pesticide movement. Other important ones are wind speed, spray pressure, boom height, terrain and the product and formulation used. Reducing drift and the resulting complaints are necessary if you want to continue having the ability to spray pesticide products, and that alone is a good reason to dial back the throttle just a bit.

Another reason is for pesticide effectiveness. In the disease management article on page 14, Bob Kemerait, University of Georgia Extension plant pathologist, talks about making sure fungicides for soilborne disease are placed in areas where they work to help control white mold. While he mainly talks about increasing pressure or volume and the need for irrigation, spraying at the proper speed is part of achieving efficacy. As Scott Monfort says in his Peanut Pointer, it is not the year to try untested products; nor is it the year to not get maximum use of the pesticides you have paid for just for an extra mile per hour or two.

One Grower Publishing, LLC, also publishes Cotton Farming, Rice Farming, Soybean South and Corn South.

One Grower Publishing, LLC 6515 Goodman Rd., Box 360, Olive Branch, MS 38654 Phone: 901-767-4020

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THE PE ANUT GROWE R • APRIL 2 016

PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

U.S. Peanut Crop Value

According to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, the price of peanuts averaged 19 cents per pound or $380 per ton last season, 13.6 percent lower than 2014. The value of the 2015 peanut crop at farm level is $1,186,903,000, a 2.3 percent increase from 2014.

The highest average price was paid in North Carolina at $474 per ton, followed by Oklahoma at $464 per ton. The lowest average price was paid in Mississippi at 15.5 cents per pound or $310 per ton followed by Alabama at $324 per ton.

About 55.3 percent of the revenue from peanuts was produced in Georgia, which had a 31 percent increase in production. Revenue in Alabama was down 2 percent and Florida was down 14 percent.

In 2014, the average price was $.22 per pound or $440 per ton with a value of $1,158,251,000.

Southeast Seed Supply

Billy Skaggs, Seed Certification Program Manager with the Georgia Crop Improvement A ssociation, recently issued an update on seed availability for the 2016 season.

Certified peanut acres approved were up 6,800 over 2014 acres at 135,096 with 138,869 actually applied for and 3,773 acres either rejected or removed from certification. Rejected acres are most often the result of isolated issues and most of those removed were dryland.

Field inspections were completed in late September, and at the request of industry, inspectors made a point of documenting whether fields were irrigated or dryland. Skaggs reported that all 52 certified buying points were inspected as shelling/treating plant inspections are underway. He noted that 2016 supplies of foundation, registered and certified GA-06G are up over 2015; supplies of some minor T WIT TE R: @PE ANUTGROWE R

varieties are down from 2015.

Since Feb. 1, certified germinations were averaging in the upper 80s; A. flavus type mold seemed to be a factor affecting overall quality causing Skaggs to conclude that seed quality and quantity were a mixed bag so far this year.

“Location, how long peanuts were in the field after digging, and drying temperature and duration are all factors. Quality could vary this year from lot-to-lot and location-to-location,” he said.

Crop Insurance Available

Crop insurance provides protection against crop production losses due to natural perils such as drought, hail and excessive moisture. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available at a ll USDA Ser vice Centers and online at the R M A Agent Locator.

In 2015, the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation reports 23,437 policies were sold for peanuts, including 2,039 catastrophic policies. Peanuts covered totaled 1,496,001 acres with total liability of over $735.6 million.

Premiums paid by farmers were $72.5 million with the government subsidy of $43.7 million. Indemnity totaled $91.8 million or a loss ratio of 1.27.

NPB Sponsors Allergy Webinar

The National Peanut Board recently sponsored a webinar for the School Nutrition Association about managing food allergies in schools. The webinar, “Managing Food Allergies: What You Must Know,” was moderated by Sherry Coleman Collins, registered dietitian. The educational session featured J.J. Levenstein, pediatrician and chair of the NPB Food Allergy Education Advisory Council, and Sally Schoessler, former school nurse and director of education for Allergy

In Brief: • Farm-level value of crop increased from previous year.

• Inspectors document whether seed is dryland or irrigated.

• 1.4 million acres covered by crop insurance in 2015.

• Current trends favor U.S. peanut butter export growth.

• India’s production is down; Argentina is also forecast lower.

• NPB approves 51 production research projects.

and Asthma Network.

More than 600 people logged on for the presentation, making it one of the best-attended webinars offered by the NPB. During the session, Levenstein and Schoessler detailed how to identify and treat a reaction, offered strategies for reducing risks, and made the case for a comprehensive approach to food allergy management, including why banning foods doesn’t work.

Participants had many excellent questions about managing food allergies, including how to make reasonable accommodations, myths about inhalation and about stock epinephrine.

Speakers discussed recent research results to help reduce peanut allergies among children at high risk.

Feedback after the webinar was outstanding; including comments such as, “this was truly one of the most informative and best webinars you have provided,” and “the webinar was a great learning experience for me.” This underscores the importance of continuing to reach out to school nutrition professionals as part of NPB’s efforts to help promote evidence-based approaches to food allergy management in schools.

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APRIL 2 016 • THE PE ANUT GROWE R /

Fallout from cost cutting will change the industry landscape

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nless the Southeast region of the peanut belt experiences a weather disaster, such as a drought or a major flood, peanut prices will likely stay flat during the 2016 growing season and beyond. Shellers are using every way possible to discourage wall-to-wall peanut acreage because they know that another bumper crop is likely to keep shelled peanut prices too low to survive.

The tactics stunned the peanut industry as shellers have dropped peanut buying points. The downsizing was a cost savings and significant; but the farmers and that local buying point were left with nowhere to go. Buying points begged other shellers to add their tonnage, but many were rejected. The shake-down in shellers and buying points is not over.

Industry leaders have warned farmers to not plant peanuts unless you are connected to a buying point or sheller that has available approved peanut storage. The $355 per-ton loan cannot be obtained without federally approved warehouse space, either by the buying point, sheller or on the farm.

Peanut Contracts Farmers were encouraged to sign a contract with a buying point/sheller essentially guaranteeing peanut storage space, a market loan and less worry.

Contracts were being offered in the Southeast for 2015 uncontracted loan peanuts for $375 per farmer-stock ton.

Tonnage was limited. Shellers must redeem peanuts from the loan before shelling; however, some farmers have not signed for shellers to secure the peanuts.

New 2016 runner-type contracts were $375 per ton on 50 percent of the farmer’s production, some even at 45 percent. Premiums of $25 per ton are being added for production of peanut seed or

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THE PE ANUT GROWE R • APRIL 2 016

J. Tyron Spearman

Contributing Editor, The Peanut Grower

Leading Marketing Indicators (As Of March 10, 2016) 2015 Acreage - Up 20.4% ............................................. 1,568,000 acres 2016 Acreage (estimated) ....................................................... March 31 2015 Production (estimated) ........................................... 3,107,000 tons 2015 Inspected (2-19-16) .................................................. 3,005,700 tons 2015 Market Loan .............................................................. 2,094,753 tons 2015 Market Loan Redeemed (3-12-16 ) ............................ 537,576 tons 2015-16 Domestic Usage (6 Mo.) .............................................. Up 3.0% 2015-16 Exports (5 Mo.) ................................................................ Up 2.6% NATIONAL POSTED PRICE (PER TON) Runners -$424.51, Spanish - $407.34, Valencia and Virginias - $429.28

high-oleic production, if seed is available.

Tonnage is limited at each buying point.

Virginia-type contracts were being offered for $430 per ton on 80 percent of last year’s farm production. The remaining 20 percent would enter into a sheller pool.

High-oleic Virginia type were $400 per farmer-stock ton with 70 percent of production at $400 per ton and remaining 30 percent is shifted to a sheller pool. Runner-type contracts are $375 per ton, same as the Southeast. Seed cost on Virginia type is 78 cents per pound cash and 81 cents per pound if the payment is made in the fall at harvest.

Runner-type peanut seed were mostly 76 cents per pound with an added 3 cents for fall payment.

Peanut Base And Payments Some leaders strongly state that if cotton was 85 cents per pound, the peanut safety net payment would not be an issue. In 2014, the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) payment was $95 per base ton.

For the 2015 peanut crop, USDA has estimated that the national seasonal aver-

age price for peanuts of $366 per ton translates into a projected PLC rate of $169 per base ton. The current national seasonal average price for the Aug. 1, 2015 to Feb. 6, 2016 time period is $383 per ton, which translates into a projected PLC rate of $152 per base ton. These two projected PLC rates provide a farmer with a realistic estimate of their projected 2015 safety net payments. The payment is based on the PLC rate 85 percent of the base acres and payment yield. Because of sequestration, USDA will reduce the 2015 and 2016 payments by 6.8 percent as was done for the 2014 payments.

Some farmers have decided to rest their land this year and receive the PLC payment on the peanut base. Farmers with generic cotton base will have to plant the peanuts to collect payment.

Farmers had another problem solved since last season. Producers who have crops pledged as collateral for a marketing assistance loan can now purchase a commodity certificate that may be exchanged for the outstanding loan collateral essentially avoiding the $125,000 limit for each entity.

PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

Peanut Acreage The f irst acrea ge estimate will be issued by USDA on March 31.

Specialists estimate 1,600,000 acres, up slightly from last year. Unfortunately, estimates as high as 1,700,000 are floating around. For base owners, a PLC payment of $150 per ton on 85 percent of the base is encouragement to plant if seed is available. Seed is about 76 cents per pound, up from 67 cents per pound last year and more for fall payment.

A two-ton average yield on 1.6 million acres would be a 3.2 million-ton crop, another 4 million tons carry-forward with demand at 2.75 million tons.

Shellers will buy from the loan for peanuts needed by manufacturers, and the government will force forfeitures into a flooded market.

Supply/Demand The U.S. peanut crop for 2015/16 is estimated at 3,107,000 tons and ending stocks or carry-forward is estimated at

Storage Facility Loans The Farm Storage Facility Loan Program provides low-interest financing for producers to build or upgrade permanent facilities to store commodities. Since its inception in May 2000, more than 33,000 loans have been issued for on-farm storage, increasing storage capacity by 900 million bushels.

A series of improvements have been developed to better tailor Farm Storage Facility Loans to finance on-farm storage and handling for small and mid-sized farms. The changes also allow for the first time to cover the structure and equipment required to get fruits and vegetables washed, treated and packed along with the cold storage that had been previously covered exclusively.

Eligible commodities include peanuts, grains, oilseeds, pulse crops, hay, honey, renewable biomass commodities, fruits and vegetables. Eligible facility types include grain bins, hay barns and facilities for cold storage.

Other new changes to FSFL will allow Farm Service Agency state committees to subordinate Commodity Credit Corporation’s lien position, and producers may use an irrevocable letter of credit and the storage structure to secure the FSFL. FSFL security requirements have been eased for all types of loans between $50,000 and $100,000. Now FSFL loans up to $100,000 can be secured by a promissory note only. For information, contact your local FSA Office.

1,443,000,000 tons. Domestic food use for peanuts is predicted to increase 2.3 percent, presently up 3 percent. Exports are predicted to increase 3.1 percent with present levels up 2.6 percent.

Peanut Revolution The industry will adjust to a new way of doing business, including cost cutting to survive. The new reality will test management. Stay informed. PG

The boost you need for the results you want. · Plant growth regulator · Apply foilar at 3-5 leaf stage · Promotes massive roots, broad leaves · Powerful vascular system for retrieving transmitting moisture and nutrients

For more information visit your nearest Agri-AFC or Alabama Farmers Cooperative location. Visit us online at www.agri-afc.com.

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APRIL 2 016 • THE PE ANUT GROWE R /

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PB Exports Trending Upward

Peanut butter is a small but important conduit by which U.S. peanuts enter the global market. According to USDA’s Foreign Ag Service, peanut butter accounts for nearly 20 percent of total peanut exports. Assuming a conversion rate of 2 kilograms of peanuts per kilogram of peanut butter, U.S. peanuts exported as peanut butter, either from the United St at e s or i nd i re c tly through Canada, totaled approximately 105,000 tons (inshell basis) in calendar year 2015. Over time, it’s likely that peanut butter exports will grow in importance as part of the overall disappearance of U.S. peanuts in the international market.

The United States has always been a major player in global peanut butter trade and continues to be the world’s largest exporter. China is the chief competitor and, together with the United States, the two countries account for nearly 80 percent of peanut butter trade. Over the past 6 years, the U.S. share of global trade (U.S. plus net Canada exports) has risen from 45 to 55 percent in a market that has grown more than 60 percent over the same period. This translates into an increase of approximately 50,000 tons, a doubling of peanut butter exports produced from U.S. peanuts since 2009.

This acceleration in peanut butter exports is a relatively recent event and ref lects the changing dynamics in the global market. China’s export growth slowed in response to a growing domestic demand for peanuts and peanut oil, and the growth in global peanut butter demand since 2010 has been supplied by U.S. products.

Given current trends in the market, the United States is in a favorable position for continued export growth. The degree of U.S. growth in peanut butter exports will reflect any overall expansion of the global market.

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USDA’s Oil Crop Outlook

The USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Ser vice reports that an ongoing decline in India’s production will tighten the oil supply. India is the second largest producer of peanuts behind China.

Globa l pea nut production for 2015/16 is forecast down 715,000 tons from last month to 40.1 million tons because of lower crop estimates for India, A rgentina a nd Sout h A frica.

Indian peanut production for 2015/16 is seen 6 0 0,0 0 0 ton s lower this month to 4.1 million based on a lower area estimate. W hile the brunt of the 2015/16 production decline may be shouldered by a reduction in peanut crushing, down 500,000 tons this month to 2.65 million, exports are also seen falling to a three-year low.

I nd ia’s oi l se e d produc t ion i s expected to fall to a nine-year low in 2015/16. As a consequence, a reduction in peanut oil output is exacerbating the loss in other domestically produced vegetable oils this year, including soybean oil, rapeseed oil and cottonseed oil. To replace the losses in domestic production, USDA is forecasting an increase in Indian imports of palm oil and soybean oil. Soybean oil imports are seen surging 30 percent in 2015/16 to 3.65 million tons while palm oil imports may rise five percent to 9.6 million.

In Argentina, area sown for peanuts in 2015/16, which are concentrated in the province of Cordoba, did not live up to prior expectations. Low prices and planting delays because of cold October weather led to a four percent decline. With yield unchanged, the Argentine peanut production forecast was lowered by 100,000 tons to 1.07 million versus 1.19 million tons in 2014/15. Argentine peanut exports are still competitive in world trade, particularly to Europe, so the loss of

Calendar • April 13-15, 2016 - International Peanut Forum, Madrid, Spain.

For more information, visit www.peanutsusa.com.

• June 25-29, 2016 - USA Peanut Congress, Charleston Place Hotel, Charleston, S.C. Go to www. peanut-shellers.org for info.

• July 12-14, 2016 - American Peanut Research and Education Society Annual Meeting, Hilton Clearwater Beach, Clearwater, Fla. For information: www. apresinc.com.

• July 21-24, 2016 - Southern Peanut Growers Conference, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Sandestin, Fla. For more information, visit their website at www.southernpeanutfarmers. org.

supply is seen tightening 2015/16 ending stock.

NPB Approves Research Funds

The National Peanut Board held its quarterly board meeting in Atlanta recently and addressed funding for fiscal year 2016 (FY-16). For state production research projects, 51 project proposals totaling $1.98 million were reviewed and approved. Since 2001, NPB has invested more than $25 million in research to increase efficiencies for U.S. peanut farmers.

During the meeting of the Diversity Advisory Council, Leigh Allen, executive director of the National Black Growers Council (NBGC), made a presentation to the group. Bob Parker, NPB president and CEO, spoke at the Council’s annual meeting last month and encouraged minority peanut farmers’ involvement in agricultural leadership at the local and national levels. The mission of the NBGC is to improve the efficiency, productivity and sustainability of black row-crop farmers.

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Say this is a peanut field with white mold.

This would be the Elatus treated area.

Anyone who grows peanuts knows white mold can take over an operation by storm. But now there’s Elatus®, the fungicide with a powerful new active ingredient that controls white mold (also known as Southern Stem Rot), leaf spot and a broad spectrum of other diseases with long-lasting protection. This results in strong, healthy plants, better peanuts, and much higher yield potential.

Contact your Syngenta agronomist to hear how Elatus can help you harvest peanuts like the sky’s the limit.

SyngentaUS.com/Elatus ©2015 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some crop protection products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties.

Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration status. Elatus®, the Alliance Frame, the Purpose Icon and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. Syngenta Customer Center 1-866-SYNGENT(A) (796-4368).

MW 14145010-7.875x10.75 8/15

NPBPA Convention Recap Speakers from the buying point convention offer some thoughts on the 2016 season.

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he National Peanut Buying Points Association, representing more than 400 peanut buying locations, held their annual convention in February at the famous Peabody Hotel in Memphis, Tenn. The following is a recap of some of the presentations made at the convention.

Make Data-Based Decisions Karl Zimmer, CEO of Premium Peanut, shared some observations at the buying point convention from the perspective of a newcomer to the industry, since both Zimmer and Premium Peanut fall into this category.

A key topic of Zimmer’s message centered around asking questions and understanding why actions are taken based on data and fact versus perception or opinions.

As part of their discovery process and in order to compete long-term, Zimmer says, “We should understand how the various elements of the peanut supply chain, grower, buying point, sheller and manufacturer, are interlinked and work together to make decisions that will lower the total cost of the entire supply chain. Unless we look at how our individual actions impact both our supplier and customer, we are at risk of adding total cost to the peanut – which only makes us all less competitive.”

Zimmer encouraged the audience to challenge existing practices in the industry in order to find new and innovative ways to move forward as an industry. In addition to moving to data-based decisions, Zimmer highlighted opportunities to develop and implement information technology systems integrating the whole supply chain and sharing risks/ rewards to incentivize the right actions in each step in the supply chain. He also

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THE PE ANUT GROWE R • APRIL 2 016

emphasized the importance of developing international markets and supporting them on a continual basis instead of only in years when the United States has an excess peanut supply.

World Peanut Market Anupaw Gindel, Olam International, Ltd., president and head of peanuts division, said that the world peanut market is assured of a plentiful supply of over 40 million metric tons of peanuts.

India’s production ha s declined because of poor weather, but a substantial increase in runners comes from the United States and Argentina. Argentina had a record crop in 2014-15, and 201516, despite reduced production expectations, will be one of their larger crops.

Ending world market stocks at over 2,004 million metric tons is significantly impacting global prices, which was led by United States because of its position as cost leader. Chinese delinked peanut prices from the world price trend because of the short crop in 2014.

Argentina followed suit with a lag but maintained a small premium.

His conclusion was that “barring extreme weather events in multiple geographies, low prices are here to stay.”

Peanut Storage Must Be Approved Ned Bergma n, chief of the Examination Branch of the Warehouse License and Examination Division, told attendees at the buying point convention that the peanut industry has 32 licenses with 334 warehouse locations approved for storing peanuts.

The capacity approved is more than 3.8 million tons, but for farmers, the warehouse location may not be near their farm or shelling plant. This compares to 29 licenses covering 308 ware-

Kathy Sayers, FSA Price Support Division, talks about new software systems that will hopefully help with the flow of peanut harvest.

houses and 3.45 million tons last season.

Farmers have been concerned and warned to not plant peanuts unless arrangements have been made for storage and possible collection of loan rates of $355 per ton. Storage must be approved

by Warehouse License and Examination Division prior to the start of the season.

Review Of The Peanut Program Kathy Sayers, Peanut Price Support Specialist with USDA’s Farm Service Agency told buying point managers that although 2015 had been a tough year with a lot of changes at USDA, “We made it!” She listed major projects such as two new software systems, a new reporting format, new transmission ID formats, new guidelines and handbook, plus five new handlers.

She knew that legislation passed would enable the use of commodity certificates for market loan gain, which would help with payment limitation, was a positive step and that “most software issues have been identified and corrected.”

What are USDA’s key issues for 2016?

Sayers said the potential for another increase in peanut acreage, storage issues, an unknown amount of forfeitures and hoping that adjustments to FSA software would make this coming harvest better are some of the key points they will be watching. PG Information provided by Tyron Spearman, NPBPA Executive Director.

PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

Incorporating S-metolachlor Follow these recommendations to properly activate this herbicide with irrigation.

By J. Ferrell and R. Leon, University of Florida Weed Scientists

H

erbicide-resistant weeds have changed how we design our weed management programs. To combat these weeds, we are increasingly returning to soil-applied herbicides. However, a soil-applied herbicide has to be mixed in the soil, or activated, to be effective. If that herbicide is simply left on the soil surface, it will often breakdown in sunlight within seven to 14 days of the application.

An Essential Process S-metolachlor, or Dual Magnum, is an example of a soil-applied herbicide that provides effective control of a wide range of weed species, including herbicide-resistant species such as Palmer amaranth. Other advantages are that this herbicide has a wide window of application timings, can be tankmixed with multiple preemergence and postemergence herbicides, and it has few rotational restrictions. Therefore, S-metolachlor is an excellent tool component of weed management herbicide programs for peanut production. However, incorporation after application is essential.

A fast and cost-effective way to incorporate herbicides, particularly in minimum-tillage systems, is with irrigation.

But, how much irrigation is required to properly activate these herbicides?

Irrigation Rate Needed Research was conducted at the University of Florida to determine how much irrigation S-metolachlor required to work at maximum effectiveness. The herbicide was applied in a location with a sandy soil and heavy Palmer amaranth pressure. The site was tilled to ensure all seedlings were destroyed, and the herbicide was applied to the freshly tilled area. We then applied irrigation at rates of 0.5 inches, 0.25 inches, 0.12 inches, 0.6 inches or zero inches. No additional rainfall or irrigation was received within the next seven days.

After seven days, the whole study received 0.5 inches of irrigation to stimulate weed germination. The number of Palmer amaranth seedlings emerging in these plots were then counted for the next 35 days to determine effectiveness.

Balancing Effectiveness, Cost As expected, we found that S-metolachlor performed better as irrigation volume increased. We also found that the minimum amount of irrigation to gain effective control was 0.12 or 1/8 inch. Few differences between 0.12 inches and

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S-metolachlor with 0.5 inch irrigation.

0.5 inches were observed. We feel confident that one-half inch of irrigation is not required to adequately incorporate S-metolachlor, but we would not recommend using less than 0.12 inches. So somewhere between these two, such as one-quarter inch, should work well on most sites.

We would also expect that applying even a low amount of irrigation immediately after S-metolachlor application is better than waiting a few extra days or applying none at all.

S-metolachlor offers many benefits to a weed management program. However, a full one-half inch of irrigation is not always required for effective weed control. Using less irrigation can result in good herbicide activity while also reducing irrigation cost. PG 11

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Arkansas On The Increase As producers plant more peanut acreage, they are encouraged to start with sustainability in mind.

By Ryan McGeeney, U of A System Division of Agriculture

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e a nut pro duc t ion i n t he Arkansas Delta is expected to continue moderate growth over 2015 numbers, say experts and growers. After being recognized as a major peanut-producing state by the National Peanut Board in 2014, production jumped about 60 percent in a year’s time, with growers planting more than 16,000 acres in 2015.

Travis Faske, Extension plant pathologist with the Division of Agriculture, says he now expects an approximately 20 percent growth in acreage over 2015 numbers.

Arkansas Peanut Fast Facts • Production expected to increase 20 percent over 2015 • Good rotation and profitability in sandy loam soils • Popular option for cotton growers in Delta region

“I expect profitability to stay about the same, given the limited number of buyers in the area and the number of peanuts in storage,” says Faske, who has been serving as the Division of Agriculture’s de facto peanut agronomist. “If growers liked how they did last year, they’ll like what they see this year, too.”

The past three years have seen a growing number of cotton producers in the Delta, already with the requisite sandy loam soil, turn to peanuts.

Farm Bill Offers Options David Wildy, a Mississippi County producer who has primarily farmed cotton for 38 years, planted peanuts for the first time in 2015, breaking ground with 12 /

THE PE ANUT GROWE R • APRIL 2 016

760 acres. He also planted about 1,200 acres of cotton — the least amount of land he had ever given to the crop.

“With the new Farm Bill, cotton acreage was basically generic acreage, as far as support went,” Wildy says. “So that gave us a little freedom to maneuver. Peanuts faired a little better under the new bill and looked more profitable, so we decided to give it a look. We’re on sandy loam soils in our area, and peanut production was going to fit very well.”

Wildy says peanuts were a natural fit for rotation with cotton. This year, he plans to double peanut acreage and quadruple cotton acreage.

Don’t Ignore Threats As peanut acreage gradually rises in Arkansas, Faske says he hopes to help sustain the growth by getting producers to focus on disease and pest management, rather than ignoring threats until they become a substantial obstacle to profitable production.

“What I tell growers is that we need to think about how we’re going to sustain production for the next 10 to 20 years,” Faske says. “What do we need to be doing now to reduce disease pressure over a longer period of time, avoiding a spike after four or five years?

“Plenty of growers in other states wish they would’ve had the disease management tools we have at our disposal,” Faske says. “Disease pressure is going to pick up, but if we can just slow it down for a longer period of time, we’ll be in better shape.”

Start Sustainably Faske says that many new growers are going through similar “growing pains”

Dr. Travis Faske, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension

as they strive to master a new crop well into established careers, departing from well-worn commodities. In addition to requiring specialized harvest equipment — Wildy calculated a capital outlay of about $280,000 for digging and fluffing equipment — growers must also budget significantly more time for a peanut harvest than they would for soybeans or other row crops.

“On the farm, everything’s pretty fastpaced,” Wildy says. “But with peanuts, you’ve got to slow down. Everything’s a slower pace. You’re going to plant slower, and the harvest is a much slower process.”

Take It Slow Faske says growers should expect to harvest no more than about 30 acres of peanuts per day — about the same amount of time in which growers might harvest 100 acres of beans.

“You might be able to plant fast, but peanuts will slow your overall harvest down,” Faske says. “If you want to be out of the field by mid-October, you need to aim for having mature peanuts well in advance of Oct. 1, depending on how many acres you’re talking about. If you’re still out there in November, you could run into problems with peanuts rotting in the field.”

To learn more about peanut production in Arkansas, contact your Extension agent, or visit www.uaex.edu. PG PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

PG0416 Layout_CF 11/13 template 3/14/16 9:28 AM Page 13

Part Of The Plan Consider variety selection, resistance management and product placement in your efforts to combat disease.

By Amanda Huber

W

hat disease management lessons from 2015 can producers take into 2016? Two issues from last year involving leaf spot and white mold offer precautions for disease management this year.

In the case of leaf spot, Bob Kemerait, University of Georgia Extension plant pathologist, gave the following example: Good, experienced growers had significant defoliation from late leaf spot in fields where premium fungicide programs had been used.

Variety Susceptibility “They found severe premature defoliation from late leaf spot in fields where strong fungicide programs were used,” he said. Yield losses of 30 to 40 percent resulted from this defoliation.

“These producers were not cutting corners. No using reduced rates. No using inexpensive products to make up for the costs of growing peanuts.”

In look ing for a n expla nation, Kemerait says the first thing that was determined was that severe defoliation did occur in one specific variety that had susceptibility to leaf spot.

“In 2015, it was Tuff Runner™’511’ and the year before, it was Georgia13M,” he says. “There is not anything wrong with these varieties, but both of them are more susceptible to leaf spot.”

Product Overuse The second factor Kemerait found was that although strong fungicide programs were used, the programs were all built around strobilurin products.

“I cannot say or confirm that there 14 /

THE PE ANUT GROWE R • APRIL 2 016

Peanut variety Georgia-12Y offers very good resistance to white mold and good resistance to tomato spotted wilt virus and leaf spot. It may have increased susceptibility to Rhizoctonia limb.

PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

Golden Peanut ad 1 12 15_CF 11/13 template 1/12/15 2:44 PM Page 1

is resistance to strobilurins at this time, but I can say that on June 14, 2014, The updated 2016 a z ox y st robi n, Peanut Rx app is our go-to stroavailable for free as “Peanut Rx” at the bi lu rin, went iTunes App Store generic, which and “UGA Peanut mea ns more Rx” at Google Play. and more of it is being used.

“This is an a t-r i s k f u ngicide that is very popular in corn, soybeans, peanuts and now cotton,” Kemerait says. “If it’s overused, no one is surprised if we begin to see a combination of more susceptibility and a problem with resistance.

That’s why we are seeing more premixes and tankmixes with other products.”

Peanut Rx Smartphone App Available

White Mold Weather In 2015, very warm temperatures drove severe epidemics of white mold, and many affected fields were non-irrigated.

“Temperatures were phenomenal for white mold,” Kemerait says. “Conditions were wet in the early season, which means rank vine growth. In mid-to-late season, it was dry, but there was enough moisture to trigger white

mold. Infrequent rains meant that fungicides were not being moved down into the crown of the plant and to the soil line.

“I don’t point the finger at the fungicide,” he says, “I point it at the kind of year we were having.”

Critical Placement The key to managing white mold is all about fungicide placement. Getting fungicides where they need to be during the initial deposition might involve increased spray volume, increased pressure or revisiting the need to spray at night or in the early morning when the leaves are folded up and the fungicide is more likely to move down into the target area of the plant, says Kemerait.

“Irrigation or a rainfall within 24 hours of a fungicide application is our recommendation,” he says. “For a lot of these products, irrigation as early as 12 hours is recommended.”

For 2016, remember that variety selection, fungicide overuse and fungicide placement interact with weather to drive disease expression in the field. Attention to details and timeliness are the producers best plan of action. PG Disease Management Lessons: • • • •

Choose varieties carefully.

Variety selection alone may not be the problem.

All producers need to be concerned with fungicideresistance management.

Weather changes everything.

Get your crop off to a good start.

Plant quality Golden Peanut Seed.

For more information, contact your local Golden Peanut dealer today.

T WIT TE R: @PE ANUTGROWE R

Golden Peanut Company, LLC 100 North Point Center East, Suite 400 Alpharetta, GA 30022 • www.goldenpeanut.com

15

APRIL 2 016 • THE PE ANUT GROWE R /

Heirloom Peanut Makes Comeback Clemson researcher revives the South’s ancestral peanut and finds a market for the distinctive taste in Charleston’s restaurants.

C

lemson University researcher Brian Ward has revived the South’s ancestral peanut, successfully germinating nearly 1 million Carolina African runner seeds from just 20.

The heirloom crop offers a niche, but valuable product, for South Carolina growers and restaurants. Last year’s heavy rains and floods cut yields dramatically, Ward says, but the long-lost African runners, once highly valued for their oil and distinctive taste, were nursed enough that they’re ready for larger tests on farms and at other Clemson research stations throughout the state.

“We have to validate its yield on a commercial scale. That’s what we’ll be doing this year. I’m feeling pretty confident,” says Ward, a research specialist at the Clemson Coastal Research and Education Center (REC) near Charleston.

From 20 To Many Working with the Carolina Gold Rice Foundation, Ward was given what is considered to be half of the world’s remaining Carolina African runner peanut seeds three years ago.

From those 20 seeds, he grew plants and harvested 1,250 seeds the first year and has continued to build supply the past three years.

The nonprofit Carolina Gold Rice Foundation is a partnership of private industry, educators and agricultural researchers, including Ward and others at the Coastal REC. The group is focused on the restoration and preservation of heirloom grains with deep roots in South Carolina history. Chefs and growers regularly attend the foundation’s meetings.

One-Of-A-Kind Flavors Lowcountry Chef Forrest Parker of the Old Village Post House in Mount Pleasant credited the group’s restoration of the Carolina African runner peanut and other heirloom grains with giving unique flavor to the Lowcountry’s bustling tourism and hospitality industry.

Parker says, “They’re really at the forefront of agricultural research that’s going on right now, and I think that continues to be one of the things that sets the dining scene in Charleston apart from many other places in the United States,” says Parker, who was named a 2016 South Carolina Chef Ambassador by Gov. Nikki Haley and has prepared dishes with the first African runners harvested at the Clemson University Coastal REC. “The reintroduction of the Sea Island red pea, the purple cane sugar, which was thought extinct; those are fantastic stories. They’re fantastic flavors 16 /

THE PE ANUT GROWE R • APRIL 2 016

Chef Forrest Parker says the use of ancestral lines of food ingredients sets the Charleston restaurant scene apart.

that people can’t experience elsewhere. They’re going to have to come here.”

Unique Opportunity Sumter County grower Nat Bradford is one of five South Carolina farmers who will plant Carolina African runner seeds this year. Bradford previously worked with the Carolina Gold Rice Foundation on the restoration of his family’s lost Bradford watermelon, which has been greatly received by South Carolina chefs. He also grows collards, okra, an ancient wheat called emmer and cover crops to harvest as “green manure” to be used as fertilizer for his prized Bradfords.

A Clemson alumnus, Bradford comes from a long line of South Carolina farmers but had never farmed until the past few years. He says he could have never afforded the capital investment required of traditional row-crop farming. The restoration of the Bradford watermelon and now the Carolina African runner peanut offers a niche product for a niche market and a real business opportunity for small-scale farmers.

“This heirloom food movement and reconnecting with historic foodways, this has given me an opportunity to break into agriculture, which I have loved since I was little,” Bradford says. “To have something that hasn’t been grown in so many, many decades, to be part of the revival of lost foods and getting people excited about foods and their histories… I’m elated.”

PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

In addition to harvesting seeds as part of the restoration process, Bradford plans to experiment with recipes, perhaps pairing his Bradford watermelon molasses with Carolina African runner peanuts in candy.

“I’m sure we’ll experiment with cold-pressing them for their oil. I think it’s an all-around good peanut. You can roast it. You can boil it. We’re going to experiment with different products, too,” Bradford says.

A Nut With History The Carolina African runner peanut is about two-thirds the size of modern runner peanuts typically used in candies.

The versatile nut dates to the 17th century, says Shields, a professor at the University of South Carolina. Southern chefs and cooks favored it for roasting and grinding into meal, and Carolina African peanut oil was so desirable it frequently was used in soaps and exported, Shields says. A delicacy, the nut began to slip from favor during the Great Depression, giving way to newer varieties with larger seeds.

This year, African runner peanuts will be grown at five South Carolina farms, the Edisto Research and Education Center and the Pee Dee Research and Education Center to build seed supply and test the crop’s productivity in different environments.

“We just completed our third year with this peanut,” Ward says. “I think by our fifth year, you should start seeing it in restaurants and you might see some bigger growers plant it in a couple years. It’s just got a really good flavor.”

Ward’s restoration of the Carolina African runner peanut was funded by the Carolina Gold Rice Foundation, Glenn Roberts and Anson Mills, and the South Carolina Peanut Board. PG

BRYCE DONOVAN

An Amazing Find Carolina Gold Rice Foundation Chairman and food historian David Shields found the last remaining African runner peanut seeds several years ago in a cold-storage facility at North Carolina State University. He requested seeds be sent to Ward. Ward received 20 seeds without knowing at that time they accounted for half of the world’s remaining African runner peanut seeds.

“One of the issues with these heirloom crops is they all were developed before industrial agriculture. Brian Ward is an expert in organic cultivation, the closest thing to production in that time. The seed has not been grown out in any scale since the 1930s. It’s only with Brian Ward’s work in the fields now that it is coming back,” Shields says. “Those old crops are drought-tolerant. They were produced when (petroleum-based) fertilizers weren’t added to the soils. They also had a fair amount of genetic diversity.”

Flavor is the heirloom peanut’s greatest attribute, though,

Shields says, and the reason chefs like Parker are paying attention. Ward says the peanut also could find a larger commercial market for its oil, which can be used for cooking or in peanut butter.

Carolina African runner peanuts are dug at the Clemson University Coastal Research and Education Center in Charleston.

T WIT TE R: @PE ANUTGROWE R

17

APRIL 2 016 • THE PE ANUT GROWE R /

Is Sicklepod Next?

University of Georgia weed scientists are looking at the possibility of herbicide-resistant sicklepod.

CLINT THOMPSON/UGA

UGA weed scientist Eric Prostko studies sicklepod in a greenhouse on the UGA Tifton Campus in 2015.

By Clint Thompson, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

T

he possibility of sicklepod weed becoming resistant to herbicides is a potential concern for Georgia peanut farmers, says Eric Protsko, a weed scientist with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Sicklepod weeds look similar to peanut plants, though the leaves are a little wider and a lighter green than those of the peanut plant. The weed is a concern for peanut farmers every year because the seed remains viable in the soil for at least five years and can germinate from a 5-inch soil depth. This makes the weed almost impossible to control with residual herbi18 /

THE PE ANUT GROWE R • APRIL 2 016

cides, and there are no peanut herbicides that provide adequate residual control.

Diagnosis Takes Time Sicklepod is especially threatening, considering it is self-pollinating, meaning it doesn’t require additional plants or insects to spread throughout a field.

Approximately 14,000 seeds are produced per plant, far fewer seeds than Palmer amaranth.

Cotton farmers have struggled to contain Roundup-resistant Palmer amaranth in recent years, and now some peanut farmers are having difficulty managing sicklepod.

Sicklepod PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

ric pod in UGA 5.

Through greenhouse research on the UGA Tifton Campus, Prostko is studying whether this is a production problem or a resistance issue.

“Now that our senses are heightened because of our problems with Palmer amaranth, we are looking at whether every failure we’ve had has been a true herbicide resistance problem. That’s the issue,” Prostko says. “Enough people start talking about it, a couple of good growers tell you they’re experiencing management concerns, then maybe we do need to take a closer look at it.”

Suspect Populations To complete this research, Prostko, UGA graduate student Wen Carter and fellow UGA weed science researcher Bill Vencill are studying the effects of the herbicide Cadre, which may be farmers’ best treatment option against sicklepod.

The research project has more than a year left before it’s complete, as 30 populations need to be screened.

In some preliminar y screenings, Vencill identified a few suspect sicklepod populations, according to Prostko.

“However, we don’t know how widespread it is or how much of a problem it is. I think there are other issues that might be going on, such as delayed applications or reduced spray coverage at faster tractor speeds. The only way to know for sure is for us to do what we’re doing and come up with a better picture of what might be out there,” Prostko says.

Don’t Let It Go To Seed Timing is crucial for the researchers as they don’t want to allow the test plants to produce seeds. “If we let them go to seed, you’ve just made a big deposit in the soil seed bank, which could be a potential problem,” Prostko says.

Farmers’ best mode of action is to treat with Cadre; however, those actions may be futile if resistance is truly an issue.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if we had a lot of resistance because it (the herbicide) has been around a while,” Prostko says.

“I try to tell growers when we’re talking to them, ‘Just because you’ve had a failure, this doesn’t mean it’s always a resistance issue.’ But if you have a good grower who’s trying to do things right, and you know that grower is a good grower, if he observes something wrong, then it does make you wonder. That’s how it starts, somebody says, ‘I’m not really seeT WIT TE R: @PE ANUTGROWE R

2016 Weed Management Tips • Producers are strongly encouraged to complete the major portion of their weed control program by 40 days after planting (DAP). This strategy encourages more timely postemergence applications, which should result in better weed control and limit herbicide applications during potentially sensitive growth stages. Peanuts are most sensitive to certain postemergence herbicides when applied between the R5 (beginning seed) and R6 (full seed) stages of growth.

• Use of Dual Magnum (s-metolachlor) and Warrant (acetochlor) has increased because of Palmer amaranth and tropical spiderwort/Benghal dayflower. Generally, there is no advantage to using Dual Magnum or Warrant + Valor at planting for the control of Palmer amaranth. Prostko says he would prefer to see either of these herbicides used in combination with postemergence herbicides (Cadre, Cobra, Gramoxone and Ultra Blazer) to improve the residual control of Palmer amaranth. However, if the problem is tropical spiderwort/Benghal dayflower, especially when planting later in May and June, producers could benefit from a Dual or Warrant + Valor tankmix.

• Cotton and soybean producers will likely transition to auxin-tolerant crops (2,4-D choline, dicamba), which will require the use of nozzles that reduce drift potential

ing what I used to see. What’s going on?’”

Prostko says the best time to manage sicklepod is when it’s 2 to 3 inches tall. This can be hard to see later in the year, when the peanuts are covering the

Tropical spiderwort (AIXR, TTI, etc.). These nozzles produce larger droplets, which can have a significant influence on spray coverage. Many peanut herbicides are contact in nature (Cobra, Gramoxone, Storm, Ultra Blazer) and require maximum coverage. Research conducted in 2015 suggests that there was no difference in the performance of peanut weed control systems when applied using 11002DG, 11002 AIXR or TTI02 nozzles. If growers are timely, wherein weeds are less than 3 inches tall, application speeds are reduced and the optimum spray-boom height is maintained, it is likely these nozzles could be used in peanut production.

ground. As the weed increases in size, the success rate of treating it decreases.

“By the time you do see it, it’s up to the top of the canopy, and it’s really too big to treat,” Prostko says. PG

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19

Thimet Offers Thrips Control, Good ROI

F

or decades, Thimet has provided peanut farmers consistent, reliable thrips control under variable weather conditions. With new products continually being introduced, recent research shows Thimet is still the product that provides consistent control of thrips, aiding in additional yield with a positive return on investment.

Based on independent, academic research conducted by scientists at multiple universities during the summer of 2015, Thimet had a higher return on investment than some of its competitors.

The lower cost-per-acre of Thimet — around $15.75 per acre — along with a yield of 6,007 pounds per acre resulted in a return on investment of $5 for every dollar spent.

Ned French, AMVAC product development manager for the southern region, facilitated the research studies.

“Data from 15 universit y tria ls across the peanut-growing region has shown that Thimet continues to average lower thrips damage ratings compared with Velum Total, Admire Pro and CruiserMaxx, as well as untreated

Thimet® 20G Averages Higher Peanut Yields

Project 15C18I005, Across Trial Summary, 2015, n=15.

Yield Value ($)

Dynasty® PD

5,572

$1,003

N/A

N/A

CruiserMaxx®

5,812

$1,046

$16.80

2.6

Thimet® at 5 lbs/A

6,007

$1,081

$15.75

5.0

Velum® Total at 18 oz/A

6,102

$1,098

$33.66

2.8

Treatment

Based on all available data points from Virginia Tech, NC State University, University of Georgia, and Auburn University cooperators.

peanuts. The damage ratings collected during the trials show Thimet outperformed CruiserMaxx in 14 of the 15 studies,” French says. “The combination of reduced thrips damage ratings and a substantial boost in peanut yield give producers a positive return on their

New Up-Top Plate For Spinner Nelson Irrigation has added a new plate to the Spinner product offering that gives irrigators another up-top option for center-pivot irrigation. Nelson’s Pivot Spinner is known as a low-pressure alternative to fixed sprayheads, providing higher uniformity with better overlap and lower application rates.

The Lime Plate was engineered for up-top usage and gives the Spinner increased throw with minimal crop interference. Many irrigators prefer the Spinner’s unique droplet characteristics. The pressure range for the Lime Plate is 6-15 pounds per square inch (0.4-1.0 bar). At 6 psi, the minimum nozzle size is a #24 nozzle. At 10 and 15 psi, the minimum nozzle size is a #14. Nelson recommends using a 10 psi pressure regulator.

For more information, go to www.nelsonirrigation.com.

20 /

THE PE ANUT GROWE R • APRIL 2 016

Estimated Treatment Estimated ROI Cost ($/A)

Peanut Yield (lbs/A)

investment.”

Thimet has proven over the years to be effective in a variety of weather conditions and continues to be a proven and reliable choice for peanut growers. PG Article provided by AMVAC Chemical Co.

Windfighter - Rotator Technology With its famous wind-fighting ability, the R2000WF is outperforming other row-crop sprinklers. It’s achieving better germination and higher uniformity. Gentle droplets reduce sanding and promote establishment.

The R2000WF’s highly engineered stream rotates at an optimal speed, and since there is no drive arm creating splash, there is no excess water around the riser.

The Mini Drain Check option makes sure there is no drooling on start-up or shutdown — the sprinkler is on at 35 pounds per square inch and off at 35 psi, which eliminates any marking on the seed beds. Use the Part Circle R2000WF (with road guard) for high uniformity all the way to the edge of the field. Orange color differentiates it from in-field sprinklers.

For more information on this and other Nelson products, go to www.nelsonirrigation.com.

PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

Not A Year For Big Risks Survival mode is a valid approach to this year as long as growers do not cut too much or take too many risks to produce the 2016 crop.

The question is: what is too little/too much and what are the risks on your farm? The place to start would be information disseminated by county Extension agents and state SCOTT MONFORT University of Georgia Extension faculty. This is not Extension Agronomist the year to spend extra on untested products.

What do growers need to be aware of before putting seed in the ground? The first thing is rotation, and there has been a lot of discussion around short rotations for the 2016 growing season. The greatest risk of short rotation is the potential for increased disease pressure and yield loss. In this situation, be prepared to use a more effective fungicide program instead of the bare bones chlorothalonil/tebuconozole program.

Other risks to consider are soil fertility and planting too early when soil conditions are not optimum. Take soil samples in order to determine if fertilizer is needed. Although peanut requires less in the way of fertility, some fields may be at risk for having a deficiency or toxicity, and a soil sample is the only way to determine if a problem exists.

Another risk not worth taking is whether to inoculate peanuts. Inoculate if a field has been out of peanut more than three years.

Optimum soil conditions for temperature and moisture

T WIT TE R: @PE ANUTGROWE R

provide the seed the best opportunity to germinate and emerge quickly, reducing potential stand issues resulting from seedling disease. Uniform stands also help reduce the risk for Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV). Soil temperatures need to be at least 68 degrees for three consecutive days with no risk of a coming cold front the week after planting. Do not chance the need to replant in a season when contract prices are low and seed prices are higher. If you plant before May 10, remember that you are at higher risk for thrips damage and TSWV. Applying Thimet in-furrow is one way to reduce the risk of TSWV in early planted peanuts.

Plan To Start Weed Free Weed management takes season-long attention and is critical to maximizing yield and quality in peanut production.

Yield reductions can result from weed competition for water, sunlight and nutrients. Severe weed infestations can also disrupt digging and harvesting operations, as well as physically strip pods from vines during JASON WOODWARD threshing. Plant fragments and Texas Agri-Life Extension Plant Pathologist fruits are classified as foreign material contamination.

Research has shown that a four to six week weed-free period early in the season will minimize yield reductions. It is important to begin the season with a clean seedbed. This can be achieved with cultivation, as well as burndown herbicide applications of products such as Gramoxone Inteon or Roundup.

Use of a preplant-incorporated dinitroaniline (yellow) herbicide, such as Prowl, Sonalan and Treflan, provides an excellent foundation on which to build a successful weed management program. Proper incorporation providing uniform distribution of the herbicide into the top two to three inches of the soil is needed for optimal performance with preplant-incorporated herbicides. Furthermore, a minimum of 0.75 inches of rainfall or irrigation is needed to properly activate these herbicides.

Applications of at-plant herbicides, such as Valor, Dual Magnum or Parallel, will extend the level of control by lengthening the level of residual activity into the growing season. Subsequent flushes and weed escapes may require additional herbicide applications or hand removal from the field.

Always read and follow all label recommendations when using herbicides or any other pesticides.

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APRIL 2 016 • THE PE ANUT GROWE R /

The coarse texture of the sand has a lower water-holding capacity than the finer textured clay soil. Moisture is slow to react to temperature change. Therefore, a clay soil with plenty of moisture is slower to warm up but is more stable and less likely to drop from a cool front.

Cover crops keep the soil cooler longer in the spring time by blocking the sun’s rays from hitting the soil; while tillage has an adverse effect causing warming of the soil more quickly by stirring it and exposing it to direct sunlight.

Remember these factors about soil temperature to ensure a good, solid stand of peanuts and avoid the possibility of having a less desirable stand forcing a replant situation.

Tools Help Identify Risk

Soil Temperature Factors

KRIS BALKCOM Auburn University Agri-Program Associate

As we get into April and planting time draws near, begin checking the soil temperature to see if it’s warm enough to plant. It is recommended that the soil temperature at a depth of four inches be 68 degrees for three consecutive days to be followed by an extended forecast of consistent or similar weather.

Several factors affect soil temperature, such as air temperature, soil type, soil mois-

ture, cover crops and tillage.

Air temperature is important because of the extended range forecast. A passing cold front could cause a drop in temperature resulting in a reduced plant stand.

Fluctuations in air temperature affect soil types differently. Sandy soils warm up faster than do clay or loamy soils.

Conversely, they decrease in temperature faster from a passing cold front.

22 /

THE PE ANUT GROWE R • APRIL 2 016

Considering all the possibilities at planting can be daunting. Having a plan is essential and being able to adjust as needed, and quickly, are keys to success. Over the years, I have been responsible for handling local arrangements for several mid-size meetings like our annual APRES meeting.

As a planner, you want to have DAVID JORDAN North Carolina State it all in place and know the University outcome, even when the meetExtension Agronomist ing is six months away. One quickly realizes that it doesn’t work that way and that patience and flexibility are essential.

I’ve heard phrases like, “I’d rather be lucky than good,” and “hard work creates luck.” I would add that planning, especially relative to timely implementation, creates the framework for success. I would also add that planning needs to create opportunities for adjustment along the way.

Growing peanuts requires adjustment at key points. What have you put in place when you walk away the day after planting to minimize risk or at least stack things in your favor to only have “known and predictable risk?”

We have several tools that can help you think of both risk and minimizing risk. My colleagues at NCSU and surrounding states have created a peanut risk management tool that helps you see the combined or aggregate risk. This is designed to help you plan and implement practices that minimize risk. Running through various scenarios will help you be more informed about the complexity behind pests and their management. Being as prepared as possible going into the season is not the total answer to having a fabulous crop of peanuts. But, it can provide a strong foundation that will help along the way as practices are maintained or adjusted throughout the season.

PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

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