Peanut grower april 2018

The

PEANUTGROWER ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

APRIL 2018

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

Risk Vs. Reward With Valor Use Four Keys To Insect Management

Leaf Spot Now Late, Not Early Alternatives To Fungicide Shortages

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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 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.

To learn more, visit SyngentaUS.com/Elatus.

©2016 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 1ELA6006-7.875x10.75 03/16

The

APRIL 2018

PEANUTGROWER ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

APRIL 2018

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

Risk Vs. Reward With Valor Use

Volume 30 Number 4

Four Keys To Insect Management

Leaf Spot Now Late, Not Early Alternatives To Fungicide Shortages

Departments 4

Editor’s Note A word about the NCSU Peanut Information cover

6

News Briefs Financial stress on the farm

14

10 Market Watch Consumption is still a positive factor 20 New Products Reduce planter tire wear 21 Peanut Pointers Side-by-side planting speed comparison

Stay Connected

Features

12 Crop Reports By State

Extension peanut specialists offer projections for 2018.

14 Late, But Ever Present

Foliar disease has shifted from early to late leaf spot, and fungicide shortages will mean a change in management plans.

16 It’s A Trade Off

Producers must weigh the reward of weed control with the risk of herbicide injury.

18 Four Keys To Success

The relationship between peanut yield and insect management is complicated.

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

Cover photo by Amanda Huber T WIT TER : @PE ANUTGROWER

APRIL 2018 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

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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 (847) 559-7324 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 © 2018 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. One Grower Publishing, LLC, also publishes Cotton Farming, Rice Farming, Soybean South and Corn South.

Add It To The List

T

he cover of the 2018 NCSU Peanut Information book shows an interesting chart of peanut acreage and pod yield in North Carolina from 1909 to 2016. The solid line of yield goes from a little more than 600 pounds per acre in 1909 to a high point of about 4,400 pounds per acre most recently. The dotted line of peanut acreage, when multiplied by 100, starts at about 180,000 acres in 1909, reaches a high of more than 300,000 acres in the early 1940s and then declines slowly, mostly leveling off in the 2000s around 95,000 acres.

Amanda Huber The yield line is mostly level with a Editor, The Peanut Grower slight upward movement from 1909 through mid-century. In the late 1950s, the lines cross and average yield moves in a definite upward trajectory while acreage declines. From 1991 to now, average yield increases from around 2,500 pounds per acre to the yields achieved today, which are often above 4,000 pounds per acre.

For this period of time of rapid yield gain, David Jordan, North Carolina State University Extension agronomist has a name that he has even considered adding to Wikipedia’s list of effects, a list for observable phenomena in their respective fields of study. He calls it, “The Isleib Effect.”

That’s what happened in 1991. Dr. Tom Isleib came on board North Carolina State University as a peanut breeder and so began a period of tremendous growth in peanut cultivar development of Virginia-type varieties. His first cultivar, released in 1996, was NC 12C, a variety with Cylindrocladium Black Rot resistance. Varieties that produce greater yield and are resistant to key diseases are an important reason for the yield jump in the last 25 years. These varieties have also met the needs of the entire peanut industry. Even after suffering a stroke several years ago, Dr. Isleib fought his way back through recovery to work on Bailey, Sullivan and now the release of Bailey II. Dr. Isleib is retiring this spring and he will be missed for his exceptional work in boosting the economic vitality of the peanut industry in the Virginia-Carolina area and possibly almost as much for his sense of humor and wit.

The 2018 NCSU Peanut Information, with its yield and acreage graph, is a visual representation of Dr. Isleib’s work. As Dr. Jordan says, “This graph is another reminder of his legacy and contributions to peanut growers in the region.”

Thank you, Dr. Isleib. You will be greatly missed.

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

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THE PE ANUT GROWER • APRIL 2018

PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

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DON’T JUST APPLY A HERBICIDE. UNLEASH A STORM.

For peanut growers, it’s a powerful part of any resistance management program.

Resistant weeds can spell disaster in your fields. Which is why now more than ever, you need Storm herbicide from UPI. Storm is proven to control a wide spectrum of broadleaf weeds. And with its dual mode of action, it is especially effective on glyphosate and ALS resistant Palmer amaranth. Storm is prominent in State Extension herbicide programs.

And it’s a critical part of your weed management program, too. So, this season, protect your peanuts with the power of Storm. To learn more, contact your UPI distributor or sales representative or visit www.upi-usa.com.

Always read and follow label directions and precautions. Storm and UPI logo are trademarks of United Phosphorus, Inc. ©March, 2018. UPI, 630 Freedom Business Center, King of Prussia, PA 19406. www.upi-usa.com.

2017 Crop Value

According to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, the price of peanuts last season averaged $0.230 per pound, or $460 per ton, 21.6 percent higher than 2016. The value of the 2017 peanut crop at farm level is $1,638,095,000, a 50.5 percent increase from 2016. Harvested peanut acres were up 16 percent.

The highest average price was paid in New Mexico at $578 per ton, followed by Texas at $542 per ton.

The lowest price average was paid in Mississippi at $.207 per pound or $414 per ton. Arkansas was next lowest at $.212 or $424 per ton. Georgia was the averaged $.216 per pound or $432 per ton. About 47.6 percent of the revenue from peanuts was produced in Georgia, followed by Texas with 12.5 percent and Alabama at 9.5 percent.

Seed Update

In Georgia, certified peanut acres increased to 147,000 compared to 130,000 in 2016. Inadequate isolation is the most frequent issue leading to rejected acres. The top five cultivars available are Georgia 06G (132,663 acres, 90 percent); Georgia 09B (7,954 ares, 5.4 percent); Georgia 14N, (3,474 acres, 3.4 percent); and TUFRunner ‘297’ (955 acres, 0.6 percent).

All 52 certified buying points and additional warehouse facilities were inspected in the fall. Georgia Crop Improvement Association staffers are currently inspecting shelling and treating facilities. The GCIA is strongly urging farmers to plant certified seed.

Reasons why are that producers are more able to know the performance of these varieties, the seed are never more than two generations from Foundation class seed, fields are inspected for varietal purity and freedom from noxious weeds.

Officials also noted that certified peanuts are laboratory tested and 6 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • APRIL 2018

meet or exceed minimum standards for germination and purity. Seed are monitored from the field, to storage, through the conditioning facility, to sampling and labeling.

Few Farm Bill Changes Expected

C ongre ssma n R ick Craw ford, (R-Ark.), who serves on the House Ag Committee and is chairman of the General Farm Commodities and Risk Management, recently addressed the Peanut Buying Points Convention regarding the Farm Bill.

“We don’t expect a lot of changes. Peanuts should stay the same, and we’re proud that we could bring cotton back into Title I of the Farm Bill.”

Crawford noted that most people forget, or either don’t know, that 80 percent of the Farm Bill comes under the nutrition title. “Our goal is to make this area more efficient and more effective.”

He also said conservation is an area that needs some consolidation and better communications between agencies. He praised the tax-relief package as a help to Americans and businesses and promised more relief on rules and regulations that impede progress.

Changing Economic Trends

Adam Rabinowitz of the University of Georgia told peanut buying point managers that elimination of generic base means planted acres are fully decoupled from Title 1 commodity program. Therefore, growers need to plant for the market, and it is more important than ever for growers to know their cost of production.

With charts on the average cost and average return, Rabinowitz shows that a $400 per-ton peanut on irrigated land would equate to $.70 per-pound cotton, also irrigated. As to the peanut outlook, he said, “Planting expectations should be less than 2017 but likely more than 700,000 acres. Other influences include other crop prices,

In Brief: • 2017 crop value 50 percent greater than 2016 crop • Varietal purity one reason to buy certified seed • Conservation needs consolidation, communication within agencies • Financial stress on the farm a growing concern • Three options for peanut crop insurance • Commission holds mandated vote on checkoff • Peanut butter donations to food banks, soldiers

elimination of generic base and the need for rotation.

Demand continues to be strong, and with record carryover stocks keeping prices down, will interest from China and other Asian countries increase?

On the downside, R abinowitz expressed concern about commodity prices continuing to be volatile, the decline of net farm and cash income and the growing problem of financial stress on the farm.

Buying Insurance

Peanut producers were busily buying federal crop insurance for the coming year in February and March. In 2017, USDA’s Risk Management Association sold 8,307 policies covering 1,641,673 acres. Total liability was $858,613,639.

Farmers can buy crop insurance under three plans: Yield Protection (YP), Revenue Protection (RP) and Revenue Protection with Harvest Price Exclusion (RP-HPE). YP only covers yield losses based on the elected insurance coverage level.

PE ANUTGROWER .COM

The Seam Joins Field to Market

GPC Holds Referendum

The Seam, a leading provider of agribusiness software and trading solutions, recently announced its affiliate membership with Field to Market, an alliance for sustainable agriculture dedicated to defining, measuring and advancing the sustainability of food, fiber and fuel production.

“We are excited to join Field to Market to begin integrating sustainability metrics and associated algorithms from the Fieldprint Platform into The Seam’s agribusiness software products,” says Mark Pryor, Chairman and CEO at The Seam. “Combined with blockchain technology, these integrations provide us with a powerful new tool set for delivering provable sustainability attestations, selective transparency, data security and privacy through a comprehensive platform.”

Field to Market began as a conversation on sustainability between agricultural supply chain stakeholders back in 2006. Since then, it has built a diverse group of more than 125 members representing all facets of U.S. agriculture, which includes grower organizations; agribusinesses; food, beverage, restaurant and retail companies; conservation groups; universities and public-sector partners. Its Fieldprint Platform, which links all points on the agricultural value chain, is a pioneering assessment framework that empowers brands, retailers, suppliers and farmers at every stage in their sustainability journey, to measure the environmental impacts of commodity crop production and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Notable agribusiness members of Field to Market include American Peanut Council, Cotton Incorporated and the National Cotton Council, all of which The Seam is involved with as well.

For more information, visit www. theseam.com.

The Georgia Peanut Commission will hold a referendum March 16 through April 16 giving peanut producers an opportunity to vote on reaffirming the commission. State law mandates that a referendum be held every three years. Georgia peanut producers invest $2 per ton to fund the commission and its research, education, promotion and communication programs.

The last referendum in 2015 passed with a 92.41 percent reaffirmation.

“I urge all peanut producers to vote in this referendum. Research, education and promotion continue to be the core focus of the commission,” says Armond Morris, GPC chairman.

“With continuing budget cuts at the federal and state level, it is important for growers to continue supporting research and promotional efforts through checkoff dollars. One way for farmers to do that is by continuing their support of the Georgia Peanut Commission.”

GPC E xecutive Director Don Koehler urges producers to contact him by email at don@gapeanuts.com or 229-386-3470 if they have any questions about commission activities or the referendum.

Producers who do not receive a ballot may obtain one by calling the commission. Anyone receiving a ballot who is no longer farming, write, “no longer producing” on the certification envelope and return it to the commission at P.O. Box 967, Tifton, GA. 31793. This will assist the commission in updating its mailing list.

The Certified Public Accounting Firm of Allen, Pritchett, and Bassett will count the votes.

T WIT TER : @PE ANUTGROWER

NPB Launches Peanutvision.Org USA-grown peanuts are perfectly positioned as the food of now and the future. To help the peanut industry tell this story, the National Peanut Board

Calendar • June 23-27 - USA Peanut Congress, Ritz Carlton Amelia Island, Fla. For more information, visit peanut-shellers.org or call 229-888-2508.

• July 10-12 - American Peanut Research Education Society Annual Meeting, Doubletree Hotel, Williamsburg, W.V. For more information, visit www. apresinc.com.

• July 19-21 - Southern Peanut Growers Conference, Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, Miramar Beach, Fla. For more information, visit www.southernpeanutfarmers.org or call 229-386-3470.

• July 24 - Sunbelt Ag Expo Field Day, Moultrie, Ga. For more information, visit www.sunbeltexpo.com or call 229-9851968.

• Aug. 7-8 - American Peanut Shellers Association and National Peanut Buying Points Association Pre-Harvest Meeting, Lake Blackshear Resort and Golf Club, Cordele, Ga. For information, go to www. peanut-shellers.org.

• Oct. 16-18 - Sunbelt Ag Expo, Moultrie, Ga. For more information, go to www.sunbelt expo.com.

has launched a new online resource: The Peanut Vision at peanutvision.org.

This platform gives a 360-degree view of peanuts’ benefits in these key areas: Wellness, Environment, Food Safety and Community.

“These areas of focus align with expectations we’re hearing from retailers, millennial consumers, health and nutrition communities, and international groups,” said NPB President & CEO Bob Parker. “Retailers want proof of a commitment to sustain7

APRIL 2018 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

Virginia Food Bank Donation In honor of March’s National Peanut Month, the Virginia Peanut Growers Association teamed with Peanut Proud to contribute peanut butter to the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, a partner state association of Feeding America.

Virginia’s peanut growers have contributed two pallets (2880 jars) to kick off the March celebration for the past seven years. This year the donation increased significantly with a 5 pallet (7200 jars) contribution from Peanut Proud, an industry-sponsored charitable organization that reacts to existing needs, whether it is food banks or disaster relief.

“Peanut butter is at the top of the list of needed products for food banks,” said Dell Cotton, VPGA executive secretary. “The nutritional benefits of our industry’s most popular product makes it a necessity for the people who are served by food banks. I hope others will follow our lead and contribute much needed food items, including peanut butter, to their local food relief organization.”

“Protein is the most in-demand food item throughout our network of 2,000 hunger relief agencies,” said Eddie Oliver, executive director of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks. “Peanut butter is a valued source of nutrition for Virginia families, and we are so grateful for the ongoing commitment of our peanut industry to supporting hunger-relief efforts throughout the Commonwealth.” ability. Millennials, the generation with the most potential for economic impact, want more information about the sources of the foods they eat.”

For more information, go to www.

PeanutVision.org.

Climate Roundup Shows Dry Spring

David Zierden, state climatologist, Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies, reported recently that a “moderate drought” has developed in the tristate region where most of the U.S. peanuts are produced.

Drought conditions also exist in West Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.

La Niña in the Pacific, which favors a warm and dry spring, should dissipate in the next two month.

PB For Special Forces

Florida Peanut Federation Executive Director Deborah Tannenbaum and FPF Allied Member, Craig Mikell of Florida Farm Bureau Alachua recent8/

THE PE ANUT GROWER • APRIL 2018

ly announced the FPF’s donation of 120 jars of peanut butter to Keeping Families United’s “Patriots at the Beach.” The jars of peanut butter will be shipped to 120 Special Forces soldiers serving in an undisclosed combat zone.

The Florida Peanut Federation became partners with the organization in 2017 and donated 100 jars of peanut butter, which were included in a food basket giveaway to special forces families during a Memorial Day getaway organized by “Patriots at the Beach.”

Permit Needed In Florida

Ne wly registered for Florida, AgLogic 15GG (gypsum formulation) is a granular nematicide available for use in Florida cotton and peanut.

The active ingredient in this product is aldicarb, which was the same as Temik. Producers who plan to utilize this product for the upcoming 2018 crop season are required to obtain an aldicarb permit through the

Florida Department of Agiculture and Consumer Services prior to application. A separate permit application is required for each field where aldicarb will be applied.

The one-page application for aldicarb in Florida can be submitted to FDACS by email to Tamara James at tamarajames@freshfromflorida.com or fax (850) 617-7895. The website for submitting applications on the existing aldicard (Temik) page should be updated soon.

Aside from the aldicarb permit, producers will also need to be in possession of a restricted use pesticide license, and strictly follow the label instructions for this product. See label for mandatory minimum distances between the nearest well and aldicarb application, as these distances vary based on soil type and well casing.

Grazing restrictions are also associated with this product. Peanut hay and vines cannot be fed to livestock following AgLogic application.

PE ANUTGROWER .COM

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Technology

UNLOCK THE NUTRIENTS IN YOUR SOIL Increase nutrient uptake to help maximize yield potential in your peanuts with TagTeam® LCO biological seed treatment. This triple-action technology helps enhance nodule formation, increase nitrogen fixation and make phosphate more readily available to the plant.

“The peanuts with TagTeam® LCO technology outyielded the untreated check by about 350 lbs.”

– James Bookhart, South Carolina Peanut Grower and Monsanto Employee

Hear more from James at MonsantoBioAg.com/Peanuts Follow us @MonsantoBioAg *Individual results may vary, and performance may vary from location to location and from year to year. This result may not be an indicator of results you may obtain as local growing, soil and weather conditions may vary. Growers should evaluate data from multiple locations and years whenever possible.

Monsanto BioAg & Design™ and TagTeam® are trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC. ©2018 Monsanto Company. All rights reserved.

Peanuts May Be In Excess, But Consumption Is Still Positive

F

or a peanut farmer, it’s hard to get excited about 2018. Contract prices are down $100 per ton, or most of the possible profit, the generic base that allowed a base payment on peanut base and converted cotton base is gone, prices for about all inputs are up including seed and fertilizer, farm labor is almost impossible to find and prices for alternative crops are disappointing.

Farmers are also aware of the possible renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreements and that it could negatively affect agriculture, and already the European Union is threatening tariffs on peanut butter in retaliation for the Trump administration’s import tariff on steel. Additionally, one of the industry’s strongest ambassadors for agriculture, U.S. Senator Thad Cochran of Mississippi is retiring for health reasons April 1, which has led some to call for a delay in the Farm Bill until next year.

Although some peanut farmers are doing okay, USDA reports that farm income is forecast to decrease $4.3 billion (6.7 percent) from 2017 to $59.5 billion in 2018, the lowest net farm income level in nominal dollar terms since 2006.

Plenty Of Peanuts The 2017/18 U.S. peanut crop is estimated at 7.234 billion pounds or 3,617,000 tons. Inspections show a crop of 3,531,275 tons inspected as of Feb. 13, 2018. That is a difference of 85,725 tons. Also, 25,000 tons were lost to a fire. So the supply of peanuts could be estimated at 3.5 million tons.

USDA shows a peanut demand at 3,130,000 tons, which includes domestic food use at 1,586,000 tons, exports at 700,000 tons followed by crush at 400,000 tons and seed/residual at 444,000 tons. This month, crush was

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THE PE ANUT GROWER • APRIL 2018

J. Tyron Spearman

Contributing Editor, The Peanut Grower

Leading Marketing Indicators (March 9, 2018) 2017 Acreage Up 12% .................................................... 1,870,000 acres 2017 Production (4,074 lbs/A)............................................ 3,616,800 tons 2017 FSIS Inspections (3-6-18)............................................ 3,532,916 tons 2017 Market Loan (for 2017 crop)...................................... 2,734,773 tons 2017-18 Domestic Usage (6 Mo.) ................................ Up + 3.2 percent 2017-18 Exports (5 Mo.) ................................................ Down 9.8 percent NATIONAL POSTED PRICE (per ton) Runners - $424.43; Spanish - $413.60; Valencia/Virginias - $430.46

reduced 50,000 tons, which caused a slight increase in the ending stocks and now totals 1,270,000 tons. The tremendous amount of ending stocks has depressed offers to farmers for 2018.

Loan Movement/PLC Payment As of March 2017, the 2016 Market Loan had redeemed 39 percent as shellers paid back the farmer’s market loan except for a few forfeitures. USDA liquidated those peanuts with almost no cost to the government. In contrast, this year on this same date only 28 percent has been redeemed. In the past, heavy loan volumes have caused USDA to lower the price to prevent late-season forfeitures. An unknown number of 2017 peanuts remain unpriced in the loan.

Shellers have offered $375 per ton in the Southeast, but farmers have nine months to hope for more and can always opt to forfeit at the end.

Farmers are expecting a Price Loss Coverage payment on pea nuts in October based on last year’s prices. The average price paid to farmers for the first 6 months is $456 per ton, indicating an $80 per ton PLC payment. USDA is

predicting a higher number, but remember – it only applies to 85 percent of base and will likely have a 6.5 percent sequestration deduction.

Contracts Buying points are reporting good response to $400 per ton for runners on the first ton and $425 per ton for high-oleic peanuts. The remaining tonnage produced can be contracted for $380 per ton with an option of $25.

One sheller was offering a 2018 crop flex contract at $ 370 ton ($ 15 option).

The price range on mediums on the 2018 flex is 0.46 minimum to 0.56 maximum.

The seller is eligible to collect $13.50 per ton for each 0.01 that mediums price exceeds 0.46. The price discovery period for the 2018 flex begins Aug. 1, 2018.

These contracts are limited on tonnage.

The shelled market price (med- Runners) reported today is $.465 per pound Peanut 2018 Acreage A survey of the peanut Extension specialists showed an expected acreage total for 2018 at 1,581,000 acres, which would be a decrease of 12.3 percent. If Georgia PE ANUTGROWER .COM

reduces acres to 675,000 because of the increase in cotton prices and the loss of generic cotton base, total acreage would drop 14.3 percent to 1,546,000. The U.S. total for 2017 was 1,803,000 acres.

USDA releases their first prospective plantings report on March 30.

Domestic Usage Peanut stocks in commercial storage as of Jan. 31, 2018, totaled 5.03 billion pounds equivalent farmer stock, compared to 3.99 billion pounds last year, up 26.7 percent. This includes 4.28 billion pounds of actual farmer stock, up 30.1 percent from last year. This is another reason the price is suppressed.

January was an “okay” month with no double digit changes except on in-shells.

For the past six months, peanut usage has been strong at +3.2 percent. Peanut butter dropped slightly in January but still remains positive, up 1.8 percent for the year. Peanut candy and snack

peanuts posted positive gains in January and now shows a 4.3 percent increase for usage in candy and a 1.3 percent increase for usage in snack nuts.

Export Update The drought in Argentina continues.

In terms of rainfall and soil moisture conditions, sources estimate that 40 percent of the area would be good, 30 percent normal and 30 percent bad.

With that scenario, expectations for the country’s peanut crop grow worse every day that it does not rain. Virtually no moisture reserves exist now in most of the soils in peanut production areas. Clearly, certain areas have sustained drought damage from which plants cannot recover, even if it begins raining immediately.

Peanuts and peanut products shipped in December totaled 50,848 metric tons, 18.8 percent less than last year’s 67,627 metric tons (MT). The major buyer was China with 18,905 MT, followed by

“

With a positive domestic consumption and possibility of another record export number, prices should improve if we reduce acreage 10 to 12 percent and get the Farm Bill passed this year.

Mexico with 8,680 MT and Canada with 7,754 MT. Not As Bad As It Sounds Markets are strong for peanuts, although we get negative signals from some news outlets. With a positive domestic consumption and possibility of another record export number, prices should improve if we reduce acreage 10 to 12 percent and get the Farm Bill passed this year. PG

Working to provide profitable production strategies that boost your bottom line.

www.peanutgrower.com

T WIT TER : @PE ANUTGROWER

@Peanut Grower

APRIL 2018 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

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CROP REPORTS BY STATE

A

t the recent National Peanut Buying Points meeting, University of Georgia Extension specialist Scott Monfort offered the following reports from his counterparts throughout the peanut belt. Besides highlighting last year’s acreage, yield and conditions, the specialists also offered projections for 2018.

NEW MEXICO Naveen Puppala

VIRGINIA Maria Balota In 2017, 23,333 acres were planted and averaged 4,476 pounds per acre. Overall, it was very good year for peanuts with no incidents. Acres are likely to drop in 2018. A new high-oleic Bailey has been released and offers higher yields than regular Bailey.

NORTH CAROLINA David Jordan

About 5,000 acres and an average of 2,200 pounds per acre. Challenges include seed, stand, rotations and disease concerns. Germination has been erratic in all market types this year and there were unusually cold temperatures in May. The biggest issue is water. Organic contracts are up to $1,500 per ton with about 18,000 acres of organic production in West Texas and New Mexico.

The average yield of 4,100 pounds per acre was achieved in 2017 on 120,000 acres. Weather was good across the region with no major disease, but spotted wilt incidence was higher and there has also been an increase in leafspot disease. In 2018, acres will be down to about 105,000 acres. Farmers are concerned about resistance of all major groups of pesticides, fungicides, insecticides and even herbicides.

TEXAS Jason Woodward

SOUTH CAROLINA Dan Anco

2017 could end up as much as 180,000 to 200,000 acres.

Dryland acres were never harvested. The state average yield was 3,700 pounds per acre, with exceptional yields in some areas of 7,000+ pounds and grades over 80 percent.

Fluctuations in soil moisture early in the growing season led to an increase in Aspergillus crown rot. Pod rot continues to be the primary disease. In 2018 – irrigated acres will remain stable with dryland continuing to decline due to generic acres.

In 2017, 118,000 acres were planted with an average yield of 3,808 pounds per acre. Weather was very favorable overall. Volunteer peanuts from the two previous years may be the reason for the increase in leafspot, and TSWV was also increased. Acres in 2018 are expected to be down to 117,000 acres, and there is concern regarding the expected chlorothalonil and generic tebuconzole shortages, plus increased input prices and lower contracts.

ARKANSAS Travis Faske Producers planted 29,000 acres with a few thousand acres in Missouri. The state averaged 5,040 pounds per acre, but grades were down some. Sclerotinia popped up in a couple of fields, along with late leaf spot. In 2018, no changes are expected but it depends on contracts. There has been good weather at harvest the past two years.

MISSISSIPPI Jason Sarver A little more than 42,000 acres were planted in 2017, with an average yield of about 4,400 pounds per acre.

While most insect and disease problems were average for the year, more intense pressure came from peanut leaf spot, both early and late. Acreage is expected to be slightly reduced for this year.

OKLAHOMA John Damicone In 2017, 20,000 acres were planted with an average yield of 3,700 pounds per acre. It was a good year with above-average rain and below-normal temperatures. Foliar diseases were an issue with the increased moisture. Web blotch was severe on Spanish-type peanuts. On Oct. 27, a freeze impacted maturity of runner-type peanuts. In 2018, fewer acres are expected, depending on contracts.

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THE PE ANUT GROWER • APRIL 2018

FLORIDA David Wright The state’s producers planted 180,000 acres in 2017 and averaged 3,650 pounds per acre. Some yield was lost due to storms and cloudy weather plus nematode issues. Yields were down on deep sands in Suwannee Valley and even in Jackson County. Some of these acres have been in peanuts for 15 to 25 years.

ALABAMA Kris Balkcom In 2017, planted acres totaled 195,000 and averaged 3,550 pounds per acre. Late-season rains increased disease pressure and caused some yield loss because of the inability to harvest on time. Acreage in 2018 is expected down 10 percent.

GEORGIA Scott Monfort Acreage planted in 2017 by Georgia producers totaled 828,713 and averaged 4,300 pounds per acre. However, grades were high in the range of 75 to 80. Non-irrigated peanuts had higher yields than normal. Irrigated peanuts also had good average yields, but growers reported losses up to 750 pounds per acre on irrigated. Problems reported included poor vigor, chemical injury, Aspergillus crown rot and nematode damage. Acreage in 2018 is expected to be reduced to around 710,000 acres. PG PE ANUTGROWER .COM

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Late, But Ever Present Foliar disease has shifted from early to late leaf spot, and fungicide shortages will mean a change in management plans.

By Amanda Huber

C

limate conditions, coupled with continued shorter rotations, put peanuts square in the cross hairs significant for leaf spot disease in 2017.

“It was the biggest leaf spot year we have had in a while,” says Albert Culbreath, University of Georgia plant pathologist. “We’ve shifted primarily from early leaf spot to late leaf spot.”

Revisit Peanut Rx “Regardless of variety planted, most producers will need to apply fungicides and use some cultural practices,” Culbreath says.

Last year offered extremely heavy pressure in which to test varieties, and Culbreath says there are varieties with better resistance to leaf spot than the variety, Georgia-06G. On Peanut Rx, Georgia-12Y, Tifguard and TifNV-HiOL offer the least amount of risk points.

Earlier planting favors less leaf spot, as does reduced tillage, though it is only a five-point difference on the risk index.

14 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • APRIL 2018

Risk Factors For Late Leaf Spot: • Short rotations (less than 2 years out of peanuts) • Highly susceptible variety (e.g., Virginia types, Georgia 13M, Spain, TUFRunner ‘511’) • Late planting (May 26 and later) • Poor control of volunteer peanuts in rotational crops • Poor end of season control of late leaf spot in an adjacent upwind field the previous year • Starting fungicide programs any later than 45 DAP; better early than late • Extending spray intervals beyond 15 days • Repeated, frequent periods of leaf wetness: excessive rain, frequent irrigation • Rain off immediately after application – wait 24 hours to irrigate • Consecutive use of fungicides with the same mode of action (except chlorothalonil) Source: Peanut Money-Maker 2018 Production Guide

PE ANUTGROWER .COM

Expect Fungicide Shortages Plant pathologists across the peanut belt have been warning producers this spring about the likelihood of shortages of two commonly used fungicides: chlorothalonil and tebuconazole.

“The supply of some fungicides commonly used to protect the peanut crop from disease will likely be impacted in the upcoming season by production issues, especially in China,” Kemerait says. “Growers are encouraged to work with their Extension agents, consultants and chemical dealers to develop appropriate and effective fungicide programs based upon the level of risk in their fields and the anticipated availability of specific fungicides.”

“As always, an effective disease management program strongly benefits from the combined use of multiple integrated pest management practices such as variety resistance, length of rotation period and planting date,” Anco says.

In anticipation of a limited supply of chlorothalonil and tebuconazole in 2018, Anco offered example programs, shown in the chart, in the Clemson Cooperative Extension’s Peanut Money-Maker 2018 Production Guide.

“Where available supplies are further limited, the more effective 1.5 pint rate of Bravo listed may be reduced to the 1 pint rate or substitutions may be used,” Anco explains. PG

Increase Use Of Cultural Practices Bob Kemerait, University of Georgia Extension plant pathologist, says “Risk to leaf spot is of increased concern in 2018 because of limited supply of some important fungicides and concerns over current efficacy of some of our once ‘better’ products. Growers should develop a plan for best management of leaf spot diseases that includes variety selection, timing of application and fungicide selection.”

Most Fields At Risk Dan A nco, Clemson Universit y Extension specialist, says it was a problem even for some South Carolina growers with good fungicide programs.

“Late leaf spot did get out of hand in a number of fields,” he says, and field history greatly affects late leaf spot risk because leaf spot spores persist on peanut residue in the soil.

“Adjacent fields that had late leaf spot at the end of the previous season can be a source of significant infection this season.”

Then again, Anco says, late leaf spot spores can be carried for many miles in the wind and, therefore, any field is at some risk regardless of peanut history.

“All fields should be rotated out of peanut for a minimum of two years to reduce late leaf spot pressure,” he says.

Late leaf spot is diagnosed by the black spores on the underside of dark brown to black lesions on leaves. Yellow halos may or may not be present surrounding late leaf spot lesions. PG T WIT TER : @PE ANUTGROWER

APRIL 2018 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

15

It’s A Trade Off Producers must weigh the reward of weed control with the risk of herbicide injury.

By Amanda Huber

T

he phone started ringing off the hook around the middle of May, says Eric Prostko, University of Georgia Extension weed scientist. Herbicide injury was one of the early suggestions as to crop problems last season, but for the peanut team weed science man in the largest peanut state, the calls come anyway. It is usually all about injury from Valor herbicide, the go-to pre-emergence herbicide from Valent USA since the proliferation of pigweed.

“If you remember about that time we had significant rainfall over a four-day period. Some areas received as much as six inches of rain. If you had planted peanuts five to 10 days earlier, then you were going to see decent Valor injury.”

Risk Versus Reward “Across the United States, 60 percent of the crop is treated with Valor,” Prostko says. “In Georgia, it is over 70 percent of the peanut crop.”

The thing we have to remember is whenever we use a herbicide is there’s always a risk and reward, he says. The risk is having injury that is unacceptable or having a little more injury than you want, but there’s always a reward.

“If you don’t think Valor is doing any good for you, leave it off and you’ll see how much value Valor brings to the table,” Prostko says. “On the flip side, we have the injury issues.”

Every year, when Valor is applied to peanuts and there is a rain, depending on when you plant, you are going to get injury, he says.

Effect On Yield However, Prostko says in studies, even at two-times the rate followed by an average of five inches of rain, they have not seen yield reductions of significance.

“Our high-yield growers – 86 percent of them are using Valor, and they are consistently making some of the highest yields in the state, more than 7,000 pounds.”

What are the factors that affect Valor use in peanuts?

Prostko says, “Rate, plant depth, time of application, moisture around emergence and seed quality are the factors that affect Valor.”

While factors such as rate and moisture are more obvious factors, he explains why seed quality is also a factor.

“As we have seed quality issues and lower-quality seed, we are likely to see more Valor injury, especially if there is a rain

16 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • APRIL 2018

when the peanuts are coming out of the ground.”

Why Follow The Label?

“Plant high-quality seed at least an inch deep. Apply three ounces no later than two days after planting,” Prostko says.

If you have irrigation capability, he says his preference is for you to irrigate immediately after application.

“If it rains at emergence, no matter what we do, you are going to see injury 100 percent of the time,” he says. “But studies show that even with injury, yield should be fine.

“Keep in mind, when you read the label and it says ‘plant an inch and a half deep, use three ounces and don’t apply it after two days after planting,’ there’s good reason why that’s on the label.”

All those recommendations are designed to minimize the peanuts’ contact with potentially damaging levels of Valor, Prostko says.

“Play around with those recommendations and you’re going to subject yourself to more potential for injury,” he says.

It’s a risk verses reward situation, Prostko says. Great weed control with the potential for injury. PG Valor Application Recommendations: • • • •

Plant high-quality seed at least an inch deep Apply 3 ounces of Valor no later than two days after planting Irrigate immediately after application if possible Expect injury if it rains at emergence PE ANUTGROWER .COM

PG0418 Layout_CF 11/13 template 3/22/18 8:40 AM Page 17

No nut has a better sustainability story than peanuts

Water Use

Chemical Use

Resource Use

Peanuts use less water than comparable sources of nutrition.

Peanuts are hardy, nitrogen-ďŹ xing plants, meaning they need less fertilizer and pesticides.

Less water, fertilizers and pesticides mean that peanut production has a reduced carbon footprint.

To view the full report, visit 360.NationalPeanutBoard.org

Four Keys To Success The relationship between peanut yield and insect management is complicated.

By Amanda Huber

U

niversity of Georgia Extension entomologist Mark Abney offers four keys to successful insect management in 2018.

 Monitor pest populations regularly.

Understanding the risk factors that contribute to pest outbreaks and weekly scouting are the foundations of a successful insect management program.

“There’s nothing like having real-time information about what’s going on in your field,” Abney says.

Check multiple locations in and around the field before making a management decision. “Ten different locations within the field is a good number,” Abney says.  Use the information from scouting to make management decisions.

Insects and mites can cause severe economic loss, but not every field will be infested with damaging populations every year. Pest species also vary from year to year and from field to field within a year.

“It’s not very much good if you have a scouting report and you don’t use it,” Abney says. “If you don’t find anything in your field, but your neighbor is spraying his peanuts and you say, ‘Well, I didn’t find anything, but he’s spraying, so I’m going to spray, too’ that’s not making sense economically.

Choose pesticides based on expected efficacy, cost and risk of flaring secondary pests.  Ask questions.

Abney says when you do select an insecticide or miticide, don’t be afraid to ask questions of your chemical dealer.

“Don’t just take the jug as it’s handed to you across the counter and not ask questions,” he says. “First, is it going to work for the insect I have in my field?”

For example, Abney says, you might be recommended a product for worms. But there are a lot of species of worms. “Is it going to kill the specific ones you have? Ask that question,” he says.

Producers have also got to consider cost.

“If you’ve got a $16 an acre insecticide, it’s probably not worth spraying redneck peanut worm because they aren’t going to do $16 worth of damage.”

18 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • APRIL 2018

One of the questions a grower must ask when considering applying an insecticide is, “If I apply this product now, what is the risk it will flare another insect, predominantly spider mites?”

Another question to consider, Abney says, “If I apply this product now, what is the risk it will flare another insect, predominantly spider mites?  Get all the information you can.

The relationship between peanut yield and insect management is complicated, explains Abney. Insects are feeding on the stems and leaves, but that’s not what we are selling. For soil insect pests, such as burrower bug, the concern is more about quality and the risk of grading Seg. 3, than quantity and the few pounds the bugs will eat.

Many pests are also sporadic.

“That means a field down the road from you may have an infestation of caterpillars and there’s no caterpillars in your field or something completely different,” he says.

Because of the complicated nature of insect management, Abney suggests that producers arm themselves with as much information as they can.

“There are a lot of good Extension agents out there for you to use as a resource,” he says. Other sources include grower meetings, publications, the Internet and more. Understanding peanut insect risk factors and scouting are the foundation of successful insect management. PG PE ANUTGROWER .COM

PG0418 Layout_CF 11/13 template 3/20/18 12:43 PM Page 19

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Mud Rx For Planter Tires In damp or muddy conditions, planters and air seeders invariably are plagued with mud-plugged wheels from mud f inding its way between the tire a nd d i s c . T he operator mu st stop, m a nu a l ly remove the wheels and clean the mud out by hand. It’s a miserable job and it slows planting to a halt. With this easy to install, smooth UHMW plastic product on each gauge wheel, planters and air seeders keep moving and keep planting.

In dry, abrasive soil conditions the Mud Rx keeps small particles, rocks and debris from wearing the tire edges down close to the disc. With Mud Rx installed, the developers estimate three to five or more times the tire life.

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New, Improved FieldNET App Lindsay Corp. recently launched a new and improved FieldNET mobile app. Available on Apple App Store and Google Play, the app includes enhancements that of fer a more user-friendly experience with improved access, visibility and control of center pivots and lateral irrigation systems.

The award-winning FieldNET technology offers seamless remote monitoring and control, integrating a grower’s irrigation tools and systems. The platform, which is compatible with almost any electric pivot brand, delivers real-time information, so growers can see exactly what their systems are doing and control them quickly and easily from a smartphone, tablet or computer.

20 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • APRIL 2018

Authority Supreme Herbicide FMC Agricultural Solutions introduces Authority Supreme herbicide, a new tool to combat resistant weeds in soybeans, sunflowers and dry field peas.

Authority Supreme herbicide provides two effective sites of action: The combination of a Group 14 PPO herbicide with the newest Group 15 herbicide molecule enables long-lasting residual control of small-seeded broadleaf weeds and grasses. The new herbicide is effective against ALS, triazine, HPPD, ESPS (glyphosate) and PPO herbicide-resistant weed biotypes.

It controls a wide spectrum of weeds including waterhemp, Palmer amaranth, pigweed, nightshade, lambsquarters, kochia, morningglories, smartweed, foxtail, barnyard grass and fall panicum.

Authority Supreme herbicide is the only premix of sulfentrazone and pyroxasulfone, two effective active ingredients against waterhemp and Palmer pigweed.

Available in a convenient low-use-rate formulation, Authority Supreme herbicide is labeled for fall and spring preplant and preemergence applications, up to three days after planting. It can be used in LibertyLink, Roundup Ready, Roundup Ready 2 Xtend and conventional soybeans as well as Clearfield, ExpressSun, conventional, oil and con-

Key features and new, real-time functionalities now available via the FieldNET mobile app include: • The abilit y to enable/disable auto-restart and auto-reverse • Powerful end-gun controls, providing aerial views • Improved search tools for equipment and groups • The ability to shut down multiple pivots simultaneously

fectionary sunflowers.

For information, visit FMC.com.

Terrasym Biological Technology NewLeaf Symbiotics announced the launch of its Terrasym technology and the sale of its first two nutrient enhancing products, a new class of natural, beneficial biologicals called M-trophs.

Terrasym 402 is a bio-complement applied to peanuts that provides season-long performance and higher yields.

Terrasym 401 is a seed treatment for soybeans that maximizes the yield potential by enhancing plant nutrition.

Both products are marketed through a network of strong regional partners.

NewLeaf uses its prescriptive biologics genomics platform to identify best fit M-trophs for each crop, use and geography. Terrasym 401 and 402 are distinct strains of naturally occurring beneficial plant microbes. M-trophs work season long to augment plant performance.

NewLeaf ’s products are designed to enhance plant nutrient acquisition during critical stages of development.

Treated crops grow more vigorously, and improved nutrient uptake makes them stronger and better able to withstand environmental stresses.

For information, visit NewL ea f Symbiotics at www.newleafsym.com.

• Displays time remaining for current circle or until the next stop • Streamlined status alerts now delivered via push notification, if desired • An improved one-touch method to access a free demonstration.

Additional features that are expected to be integrated into the app include variable rate rrigation and FieldNET Advisor, new technology that helps growers decide when, where and how much to irrigate. Currently available for use on corn and soybean crops in the U.S. and Canada, with additional crops and regions coming soon.

For more i n f or m at ion a b out FieldNET and FieldNET Advisor, talk to your local Zimmatic dealer or visit www.myfieldnet.com.

PE ANUTGROWER .COM

Planting Speed Comparison Adequate stands can mean the difference between great yields and average yields. Last year, seed quality and weather played a role in skippy stands resulting in greater tomato spotted wilt virus and decreased yield in some fields. Based on the quality of the 2017 peanut crop, hopefully skippy stands because of poor germination SCOTT MONFORT University of Georgia and/or low vigor seed will be Extension Agronomist minimal. Follow the weather to make sure you are not planting in cool, wet conditions that might increase seedling loss.

After talking to many growers, I found out that some stand issues were from planting too fast. The picture shows a University of Georgia variety trial (right) planted next to a grower field. The UGA trial was planted at 2.5 miles per hour. The grower planted at 4.5 miles per hour. One of the main impacts of the skippy stand was a 15 percent increase in TSWV. This impact in tractor/planting speed has also been documented in research conducted by Scott Tubbs, UGA cropping systems agronomist. The tractor/planting speed research showed the faster the planter moves through the field, the more skips that occur and reduces plant stand. In comparing tractor speeds of 2 to 4 miles per hour, the data showed a 15 to 17 percent improvement in plant stand and a statistical improvement in yield using the slower speed.

While it is unrealistic to expect growers to cover the ground they need to cover while traveling that slowly, the take-home message is that the slower you travel at planting, the closer your plant stand will be to your targeted seeding rate.

A grower may decide the answer to this problem would be to increase seeding rate to compensate, but it depends on your planter. Tubbs mentioned that simply gearing the planter for an increased seeding rate does not mean that Grower Field

T WIT TER : @PE ANUTGROWER

UGA Twin/Single Variety Trial

more seed are going to be dropped in the furrow. The seed plate would be spinning at an even greater rate and may cause even more skips. The tractor speed still needs to be at an appropriate operating level for the planter to function correctly and eliminate an unacceptable level of skips.

With that said, many of the new hydraulic and electric driven planter units can do a better job at planting at higher speeds but are not immune to similar problems with speed and stand establishment. The cost of time from slowing down a little will pale in comparison to the cost of time, and other expenses, of having to replant. Call your Extension agent if you need any assistance.

Do What It Takes To Start Clean Many of you are making final plans on field selection and tillage for the coming season. Keep in mind the value of rotation sequence and the importance of a clean seedbed when peanuts begin to emerge, either from adequate and uniform tillage or an effective burndown program or both. I say both because in wet springs, DAVID JORDAN North Carolina State fields may be tilled only to University wind up covered in weeds Extension Agronomist because of planting delays.

There are also circumstances in which winter vegetation and emerged summer weeds are big because of delays in initial tillage operations because of excessive rain. Tilling several times in a narrow window can result in big weeds simply being covered up with soil.

Amazingly, these big weeds “resurrect” from the tilled ground. This is when the conventional farmer becomes a reduced-tillage farmer.

One effective herbicide spray several days or a week before the primary tillage operation can substitute well for a pass or two with a disk. It is important to do everything it takes to start clean!

On another topic, in the Integrated Pest Management class I teach, we discuss the economic injury level and economic thresholds (EIL/ET). We often think of these with respect to insect populations and making sound economic decisions on treating. But the concept can be applied to other pests. In May, it is critical that we manage weeds and thrips because both pests can limit yield if not controlled.

We know from previous field history (weeds) and from growing peanuts or cotton in the region (thrips) that in most instances these pests will be above the EIL during the first 3 weeks of the season if we don’t apply herbicides and 21

APRIL 2018 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

an insecticide. In North Carolina, we can safely assume that preplant and preemergence herbicides and a systemic insecticide applied in the seed furrow at planting are good economic investments and will pay dividends well above their costs. We correctly make this decision even though we have not gone through the exercise of calculating the EIL. Of course, we could treat after the peanuts are up and the pests or damage appear, but in most instances we will be making later applications than needed to provide protection of yield. Similarly, we know that soil pathogens will prevent us from obtaining an adequate stand in the V-C region unless seed is treated with fungicide. The first 3 weeks of the season set the stage for success – a good stand of peanuts that is protected from interference by weeds and injury from thrips is well on its way to meet our expectations.

Reasons For Inoculant Use A major benefit of incorporating peanut into a crop rotation is that it responds well to residual soil fertility. For this reason, fertilization practices for the previous crop are extremely important. Residual nutrients must be available uniformly throughout the root zone. Soil test results will JASON WOODWARD indicate which nutrients need Texas Agri-Life Extension to be applied to meet the yield Plant Pathologist goal for this coming season.

Applications of fertilizers should be made before land is prepared for planting.

Primary tillage operations will distribute the fertilizer throughout the root zone. Starter or pop-up fertilizers may be an option. However, it is important to use appropriate rates. Placement is also critical as germinating peanut seed are extremely sensitive to salt damage.

Peanut plants are capable of utilizing nitrogen from nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Rhizobium spp.) in the soil. These bacteria are what comprise peanut inoculants that are available in granular or liquid formulations, which are applied to the seed furrow at planting. Following effective inoculation, nodules form on the taproot compared to nodules that occur on lateral roots resulting from native Rhizobium spp. or bacteria from previous peanut crops.

Survival of these bacteria is effected by the duration of crop rotation and soil conditions. The bacteria are unable to survive long periods without peanuts being planted, as populations are specific to peanut. Furthermore, the hot, dry conditions that were experienced throughout the late fall and winter may also impact survival in the soil. Thus, 22 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • APRIL 2018

it is recommended that inoculants be used when planting peanuts in West Texas.

Several types of peanut-specific inoculants are commercially available. Shallow planting depth, even in moist soil, can greatly reduce the efficacy of inoculants. Liquid inoculants are currently the most popular and achieve high levels of nodulation, but granular inoculants may be more effective under harsh, dry conditions. Contact your Extension office for more information regarding peanut inoculants.

Early Insecticide Use It is almost peanut planting time. Many growers have talked with me about planting earlier this year, and this is fine if conditions such as soil and air temperature are favorable. One difference in planting earlier is the use of an insecticide. Some producers planting later in the season haven’t been using anyKRIS BALKCOM thing for thrips, which I don’t Auburn University disagree with when planting Extension Specialist late. However, when planting early, I would recommend using some type of insecticide for thrips whether it is phorate, aldicarb or imidacloprid in-furrow. Thrips pressure is usually the greatest early in the season. Therefore you need some protection during that high-pressure period for young plants to get kicked off to a good start.

I also recommend adding a fungicide if you’re setup for liquid in furrow. The past few seasons have given us some significant yield benefits from in-furrow fungicide treatments.

Is there more disease pressure with wet, cool or hot, dry conditions? The answer is both. If the soils are cooler and wetter, the risk of seedling disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani increases. In soils that are hot and dry, the risk of Aspergillus crown rot and Diplodia collar rot increases. I hope this planting season finds you with adequate soil moisture and a great start for the 2018 peanut season.

PE ANUTGROWER .COM

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