Peanut Grower July 2015

PG July cover v2_CF 11/13 template 6/18/15 9:41 AM Page 1

PEANUTGROWER The

ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, PUBLISHING, LLC LLC

JULY 2015

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

What’s new in

COMBINES Dig Into POD PROBLEMS Prepare For Harvest Success

PG0715 Layout_CF 11/13 template 6/9/15 8:47 AM Page 2

Cotton Spear Round Module Handler

PATENT # USD700,918S • Detachable alloy steel spears pierce modules without damage • Minimizes stalks pinned against module and transported to gin • Lower maintenance, no moving parts or hydraulics • Fastest and easiest operated module handler available • Priced thousands of dollars less than other module handlers

Tommy Wilkins—Kennett, MO

Hal McCay—McCay Gin, Cordele, GA

!

Sammy Henderson—Cairo Farmers Gin, Humboldt, TN

!! !

!

!

! !

!

!

3toc 0715 v3_CF 11/13 template 6/18/15 11:23 AM Page 3

JULY 2015

21

PEANUTGROWER The

Volume 27 • Number 7

16

Departments 4 Editor’s Note If I can do it, you can too!

5 News Briefs What do N.C. producers do to gain top yields?

6 Market Watch An unusual beginning begs for a calm ending.

20 New Products Accelerate nutrient uptake and crop growth with Take Off. 21 Peanut Pointers Tips for managing a lateplanted crop.

Features 10 Assessing Pod Problems Some disease and insect problems, such as pod rot and burrower bug, can only be found at digging.

12 Using Crop Oil Adjuvants Product labels recommend applying one quart per acre or one gallon per 100 gallons of water. Which one do you use?

14 Going With The Flow Now with two rotors, the Colombo peanut combine offers the potential to harvest more acres of whole, clean peanuts.

16 Prepare For Harvest Success Cover photo by Amanda Huber

Know how to prepare equipment and keep it in top form for maximum harvest efficiency.

18 Breaking Down Resistance Sharing knowledge and experience will help on the frontlines of resistance management. .

JULY 2015 • THE PEANUT GROWER /

3

4ednote0715v1.qxp_04editor's note PGR0704 v3.qxd 6/18/15 8:11 AM Page 4

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 Editorial Director Tommy Horton (901) 767-4020 thorton@onegrower.com Sales Manager Scott Emerson (386) 462-1532 semerson@onegrower.com Circulation Manager Charlie Beek (615) 377-3322 Production Manager Kathy Killingsworth (800) 888-9784 kkillingsworth@onegrower.com

For circulation changes or change of address, call (800) 888-9784

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 © 2015 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 SUNBELT FULFILLMENT SERVICES, 307 SOUTHGATE COURT, Brentwood, TN 37027-7987. 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.

One Grower Publishing, LLC 1010 June Rd., Suite 102, Memphis, Tennessee, 38119 Phone: 901-767-4020

4/

THE PEANUT GROWER • JULY 2015

If I Can Do It, You Can Too Let me pull back the curtain a little bit on One Grower Publishing in hopes that what I tell you will encourage you to embrace that new technology you have been thinking about or at least embolden you to seek out answers to the technology questions you may have.

One Grower Publishing is, first and foremost, a company that publishes magazines on production agriculture for producers of peanuts, cotton, rice, soybeans and corn. While that seemed to keep everyone at One Grower plenty busy, about two years ago we came to the conclusion that it was not enough. By not offering digital products, we were missing a key means of communicating with producers and additional ways for our advertisers to reach producers as well.

Sitting around a wooden conference table at the gin office of our owner and taking a hard look at our situation, we all came to the uneasy realization that we had to move forward or simply get left behind. Understand, “forward” scared us all to death because, quite honestly, we didn’t even know what we were talking about. No one knew how to create an e-newsletter, do a webinar or geotarget anything. We didn’t even know what we didn’t know, and yet here we had made a decision to jump in with both feet. We had to do something.

Fast forward two years and we now marvel at how far we have come. To complement each magazine, we also put out e-newsletters each month and can even send special editions to producers in different areas (geo-targeting). Cotton Farming has a Facebook page and The Peanut Grower will have one by the end of the summer. We are also on Twitter and have plans for other digital projects.

The first realization is that someone somewhere had the answers we needed; it was just a matter of finding them. As we answered one question at a time, we were also conquering one fear at a time. Like most things, once we got started, we found that it wasn’t that difficult after all.

Whether it is using a tractor with all new technology, mapping fields to use variable rate technology or implementing remote soil moisture monitoring, there are Extension personnel, crop consultants and farm supply businesses ready to help answer those questions. You just have to be ready to jump in with both feet and learn. If I can do it, you can too.

5,8,nb0715v2.qxp_news briefsv2.qxd 6/8/15 11:38 AM Page 5

SPFF Comments On ‘Actively Engaged’ In March, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued their proposed rule to define what it means to be “actively engaged” in farming and, therefore, eligible to receive federal farm payments. After review by the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation (SPFF) members, there are important issues that concern Southern agriculture including, but not limited to, the limits on the number of farm managers.

The SPFF joined other agricultural organizations, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, National Cotton Council, USA Rice Federation and the Western Peanut Growers Association, in comments to USDA on the proposed “actively engaged” definition.

The SPFF is comprised of the Alabama Peanut Producers Association, the Florida Peanut Producers Association, Mississippi Peanut Growers Association and the Georgia Peanut Commission.

The comment period ended in May. To view the comments submitted by the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation go to www.americanpeanuts.com.

ConAgra Settles In Tainted PB Case ConAgra Foods has agreed to pay $11.2 million in criminal fines and forfeitures to settle a charge that the company shipped salmonella-tainted peanut butter from its Georgia plant more than eight years ago.

Documents outlining a plea deal with federal prosecutors were filed in U.S. District Court in Georgia. ConAgra agreed to plead guilty to a single charge of shipping adulterated food, a misdemeanor, and pay $8 million in fines plus $3.2 million in forfeitures. ConAgra was charged as a company. No executives were charged.

In 2007, a salmonella outbreak linked to the company’s Sylvester, Ga., plant that produces Peter Pan peanut butter was blamed for sickening at least 625

people in 47 states. The Nebraska-based company recalled all peanut butter.

The company signed a plea agreement admitting that it introduced Peter Pan and private label peanut butter contaminated with salmonella into interstate commerce during the 2006 through 2007 outbreak. The criminal fine is the largest ever paid in a food safety case.

The proposed plea agreement and recommended sentence is not final until accepted by the U.S. District Court.

NPB Research Agreement Reached The National Peanut Board has reached an agreement with its research institution partners on language for its Research Institution Agreement (RIA).

The full board approved the following language: 3.5 (e) Cooperator will administer licensing Revenue received for Subject Inventions in accordance with its institution’s intellectual property policy, including a portion returned to further Cooperator’s peanut research program.

3.5 (f ) Subject Inventions will be licensed (domestically and/or internationally) in a manner designed to enhance the competitiveness of U.S. peanut producers. When considering potential international licensing for specific peanut cultivars, cooperator will do so in accordance with its institution’s policies and in consultation with breeders, institutional varietal release committee, agricultural experiment station administration, institutional Office of Technology Transfer, CPPO and NPB. The National Peanut Board maintains its opposition to the international licensing of seed varieties developed with funds from American peanut growers.

NPB Chairman and Texas grower Bob White said, “We appreciate our research partners agreeing to consult with us and our state associations before entering into international licensing agreements on seed. I believe we all share a common goal of doing what is in the best interests of our peanut growers.”

In Brief: • SPFF speaks up for farm managers in comments to USDA on “actively engaged” rule.

• ConAgra to pay largest food safety fine ever.

• Top-yielding North Carolina producers have at least two crops between peanuts plantings and almost half have four-year rotations.

• Producers are reminded of peanut planting reporting deadlines.

• Casino night at Southern Peanut Growers Conference will benefit Peanut Proud.

• Could peanut milk rival sales of almond milk?

• Planters’s new campaign declares, “NUT-rition Starts With Nut.”

The new language will be incorporated effective Jan. 1, 2016. The National Peanut Board has funded over $20 million in production research since its inception.

Survey Answers Of Top Producers As part of the Peanut Yield Champion program, North Carolina producers answered survey of production practices as follows: 87 percent planted in single rows; 78 percent used 36-inch row spacing; 20 percent used irrigation; 38 percent fumigated for Cynlindrocladium Black Rot, 75 percent disked their fields; 47 percent cultivated their fields; 43 percent bedded; 34 percent ripped and bedded; 27 percent used strip tillage; 100 percent had at least two crops between peanut plantings; 41 percent had three years; and 49 percent had a fouryear rotation.

JULY 2015 • THE PEANUT GROWER /

5

6-7 mw 0715v3.qxp_market watchv2.qxd 6/4/15 8:23 AM Page 6

An unusual beginning begs for a calm ending. he U.S. peanut industry has experienced an unusual start for 2015. Seed quantities were good and quality was mostly good as well.

There were some problems getting accurate information on germination and the process was slower than normal.

Weather was most unusual in Texas with flooding during planting season and the Southeast, where 80 percent of peanuts are grown, with no rains until early June.

Georgia and South Carolina had the driest May in history, but are now starting to get scattered showers and seasonal afternoon thunderstorms.

USDA and FSA officials, along with Extension specialists through meetings and publications such as The Peanut Grower, have done a remarkable job explaining the new peanut program and other commodity programs. Whether the farmer has Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC), the rules are different and each farm is different. There are conservation requirements and payment limits.

USDA urged farmers to take time to study the information and the scenarios that would affect the farmer’s operation in the next five years.

Currently, the farmer and FSA are in the “enrollment” stage of the 2014 Farm Bill. Now is when all the rules are applied and formulas are settled on who gets a payment, farmer or landowner or both, how much and when. Farmers are reorganizing to take full advantage of the new safety net.

T

Plantings USDA’s first peanut acreage estimate was for a nine percent increase. The next estimate will be on June 30, 2015, just before this issue hits your mailbox.

Farmers must report acres planted to

6 / THE

PEANUT GROWER • JULY 2015

Leading Market Indicators ( June 2, 2015) •2015 - USDA Acreage estimate up 9% - 1,481,000 acres •2015 - Production estimate on 3,980 lb/A yield - 2,887,500 tons •2014 - Market Loan - 2,122,739 tons in storage •2014 - Market Loan outstanding - 61% - 826,356 tons •2014 - Loan by type (tons): runners - 561,631; Virginias 248,443; Spanish - 14,025; Valencias - 2,257.

•2014-15 Domestic usage (9 mo.) - up 5.4% •2014-15 Exports (8 mo.) - up 10.5% •National Posted Price (per ton): Runners $424.86, Spanish $403.91, Virginia/Valencia $427.79.

peanuts by July 15, so look for an acreage report about August 15, when the final plantings by state are released.

Acreage is the number one factor in buying peanuts for next season. Of course, they have to get into the warehouse.

In 2014, USDA estimated a 23 percent increase in planted acres; the final number was up 27 percent. A nine percent increase means the U.S. acreage would go up from 1,354,000 acres to 1,451,000 acres of peanuts.

USDA recently issued an average yield of 3,980 pounds per acre that would result in a total crop of 2,887,500 tons.

That is a 9.9 percent increase in production over last year. Markets can handle that amount.

Demand USDA predicts a domestic market increase of three percent and the export market another 2.2 percent. Because of

J. Tyron Spearman

Contributing Editor, The Peanut Grower

a strong peanut butter market, peanut usage is up 5.4 percent through nine months. Exports have also trended upward, up 10.5 percent.

If U.S. peanut farmers can harvest a 2,887,500-ton peanut crop, the carryforward from 2015 for next season is estimated at only 1,095,500 tons, a slight increase over the 974,000 tons of 2014 and markets could firm up.

Market Coverage With all the unknowns and rumors of acreage increases of 20 percent or more, most farmers, shellers and even manufacturers have already booked this peanut crop to prevent getting involved in battles and the rumor mill. Farmers covered mostly at $400 per ton on runners, $425 per ton on High Oleic runners, $425 per ton on Virginias and $450 per ton on Spanish. Manufacturers have booked forward into 2016 with prices of shelled peanuts from 45 cents to 52 cents per pound. Shellers are caught in the middle hoping that excess peanuts will not push prices lower.

2016 Peanut Worries The entire industry worries that excessive plantings of 20 to 30 percent could cause the market to essentially shut down by clogging up the peanut pipeline for 2016. A 25 percent increase to 1,656,000 acres making 3,950 pounds per acre means 3,270,600 tons of peanuts. That’s a half-million tons over demand added to the present one million tons. Storage would be a big problem: the sheller would need warehouses for the 2016 crop; the government would start accepting forfeitures with nowhere to go; and prices for 2016 would be $355 per ton. There is likely no need to ask your banker if that price level would keep the farm afloat.

6-7 mw 0715v3.qxp_market watchv2.qxd 6/4/15 8:24 AM Page 7

Wrong Thinking For those producers who think they heard in an educational meeting that farmers with base acres of peanuts could receive up to $535 per ton and the same on generic base accrued from cotton base with the requirement that it is planted, that is wrong. After all the reductions and even the possibility of sequestration, farmers may qualify for an $80 to $100 per-ton payment in October 2015 for the 2014 peanut crop. Prices received by farmers this year are close to $450 per ton over the last three months, and that reduces the 2016 payment for 2015 peanuts.

Be Warned Don’t plant peanuts or anything else chasing a government payment. Take care of business by working with the buying point manager who represents a sheller and has government-approved storage to accept the farmer’s peanuts, even if it rains in August and a farmer exceeds his contract limit. There are many questions regarding peanut storage that

has been reserved by contracted peanuts versus storage of uncontracted peanuts that have yet to be answered.

More Buyers/Better Prices Promotion and marketing at home and abroad will help to expand volume markets. Let’s sell more and eat more. Exports will increase if the U.S. price is competitive. Argentina has a very good crop and will be competing before the U.S. farmer can get this crop harvested and shelled. China can buy more and many are betting on their return to the marketplace. In June of 1997, raw-shelled runner peanuts were trading for 60 cents per pound. Has any other raw ingredient dropped almost 30 percent in 18 years?

Consumers should be getting a great deal on peanuts and peanut butter. Re-

tail price is a manufacturer and grocer decision. Producers should do whatever they can to help survive declining prices, and if markets rebound, then we’ll all be happy. PG

Long-Lasting, Residual Protection.

Quality Peanuts. Better Yields.

For more information visit your nearest Agri-AFC or Alabama Farmers Cooperative location.

JULY 2015 • THE PEANUT GROWER /

7

5,8,nb0715v2.qxp_news briefsv2.qxd 6/8/15 11:38 AM Page 8

Casino Night To Benefit Peanut Proud The 17th Annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference is July 23-25, 2015, at Callaway Gardens near Pine Mountain, Ga. This year’s conference offers farmers an opportunity to learn more about legislative issues, market growth and production issues.

Session 1 on Friday, July 24 will feature a panel of peanut researchers discussing, “The Future is NOW!” Keynote speaker at the Friday luncheon will be Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, Krysta Harden, formerly of Georgia. The afternoon session will be led by Dr. Martie Gillen of the University of Florida on “Keeping the Farm for Future Generations.” Session III on Saturday will include speakers U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho of Florida, Bob Redding of the Redding Firm, Stephanie Grunenfelder of the American Peanut Council and Don Koehler of the Georgia Peanut Commission. The Convention concludes on Saturday night with a show by the Bushman Band. Conference registration can be found online at www.southernpeanutfarmers.org.

During the Southern Peanut Growers Conference, a Casino Night will be held the opening evening from 7 to 10 p.m. to help raise money for Peanut Proud.

Conference attendees will be given a certain number of chips to get started and can then purchase more with proceeds going to Peanut Proud.

For hotel reservations, visit www.callawaygardens/com ASPGC2015.

Market Potential For Peanut Milk Almond milk is growing at double digit consumption rates. Even cashew milk is gaining momentum and now, is peanut milk in our future? No commercial product is out yet, but Bob Parker of the National Peanut Board said the concept has been developed.

Peanut milk delivers eight grams of plant-based protein per serving, comparable to dairy milk, all-natural ingredients with 30 essential vitamins and nutrients and is fortified with calcium.

8/

THE PEANUT GROWER • JULY 2015

Parker says peanut milk has a smooth, slightly creamy mouth feel and taste similar to cow’s milk. The flavor is neutral with no peanut taste.

While peanut milk may have market potential, a timeline for production is proprietary.

2015 FSA Crop Reporting Deadline The annual, timely and accurate reporting of acres for all crops and land uses, including failed acreage, can prevent loss of benefits for a variety of Farm Service Agency programs. Producers are reminded to file their 2015 acreage reports by July 15, 2015, in most peanutproducing counties. However, deadlines are county-by-county, so check with your FSA office.

Prevented planting needs be reported no later than 15 calendar days after the final planting date. For failed acreage, reports must be filed before disposition of the crop, and producers must be able to establish to the satisfaction of the county committee that the crop failed and was prevented from being replanted through the normal planting period because of natural disaster conditions.

Planters Announces New Campaign Planters’ NUT-rition line is getting updated packaging and its first brandspecific national campaign since 2012.

The line includes 12 mixes blended to support a different nutritional or wellness benefit, such as heart health, energy or digestion.

The campaign is themed “Nutrition Starts With Nut,” and includes two television ads. New packaging includes an area where each mix’s specific nutritional benefits and ingredients are showcased.

While NUT-rition’s sales have “flattened,” it was one of Planters’ fastestgrowing lines and continues to have promising growth potential. Nuts and trail mixes have been the fastest-growing segment within snacks, showing 53 percent growth between 2008 and 2013 and is projected to grow at a 60 percent pace over the next four years.

Calendar: • July 8 - Stripling Irrigation Research Park Field Day, Hwy. 37, between Camilla and Newton, Ga. For information, visit striplingpark.org or call 229-522-3623.

• July 9 - Sunbelt Ag Expo Field Day, at the Darrell Williams Research Farm, on the Expo Show Site. Registration at 7:15 a.m., trams depart at 8:00 a.m.

• July 14-16 - American Peanut Research and Education Society Annual Meeting, Francis Marion Hotel, Charleston, S.C. For more information, visit www.apresinc.com.

• July 23-25 - 17th Annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference, Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Ga. For more information, go to the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation website at www.southernpeanutfarmers.org.

• Aug. 4-5 - American Peanut Shellers Association and National Peanut Buying Points Association Pre-Harvest Joint Convention, Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club, Cordele, Ga. For information, call 229-8882508 or 229-386-1716 or visit the website: www.peanut-shellers.org.

• Aug. 12 - Southeast Georgia Research and Education Center Field Day, Midville, Ga. Hear from researchers and Extension personnel on their findings for various crops grown at the research center. For information, call 478-589-7472.

• Aug. 15, 2015 - 26th Annual Brooklet Peanut Festival, Brooklet, Ga. Parade starts at 10 a.m. For more information, go to www.brookletpeanutfestival.com.

PG0715 Layout_CF 11/13 template 6/15/15 8:53 AM Page 9

10-11pods0715v5_Peanut pointers v2.qxd 6/10/15 1:51 PM Page 10

Assessing Pod Problems Some disease and insect problems can only be found at digging.

Editor’s Note: Pod rot and burrower bug symptoms can really only be found after peanuts are dug. Taking an assessment of any disease or insect symptomology will help with subsequent crops. In the case of burrower bug, knowing it was found in a field will help entomologists assess the scope of the problem with this bug and track its movement. See the sidebar from UGA peanut entomologist Mark Abney for more on this.

Below is information on Sclerotinia blight and assessing for pod rot from Jason Woodward, peanut specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Texas Tech University. eather conditions that follow a pattern of moderate temperatures with rainfall and high humidity are ideal for the development of Sclerotinia blight. Two closely related fungi are capable of inciting this disease: Sclerotinia minor, which is more prevalent and aggressive, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.

Samples submitted for diagnosis have recovered S. sclerotiorum. Although this fungus has been associated with the disease, the overall response of the fungus to fungicides is poorly understood. If you are dealing with S. sclerotiorum, the same

W

Recognizing The Cause Of Pod Rot of pod rot caused 3 Symptoms

by Rhizoctonia solani: • Pods brown to black and slightly sunken • Pronounced dry-rot appearance

Symptoms of pod rot caused by Pythium spp.:

• Pods initially light brown turning dark brown • Pronounced greasy or watersoaked necrotic lesions

fungicides labeled for control of fields with a history of pod rot have been used to treat previous to this season.

When considering a fungicide application, weigh the opportunity for damage,

Score severity of pod rot symptoms using this visual scale.

10 /

THE PEANUT GROWER • JULY 2015

4

the length of season and pre-harvest intervals. For example, if moderate amounts of disease are being observed late in the season, the potential to increase yields above and beyond the cost of the fungi-

10-11pods0715v5_Peanut pointers v2.qxd 6/10/15 1:52 PM Page 11

cide are limited. Furthermore, many fungicides labeled for Sclerotinia blight have a 14- to 30-day PHI. Looking For Pod Rot The best time to assess pod rot severity within a field is after digging. This disease complex is comprised of a number of different fungi including Pythium spp., Rhizoctonia solani and Thielaviopsis basicola. However, the overall effect on peanut pods is similar causing a dark brown to black discoloration. Differences in Pythium and Rhizoctonia pod rot can sometimes be observed based on the appearance of the pods.

Pythium is characterized by greasy, water-soaked necrotic lesions on the pod, whereas, Rhizoctonia has a more pronounced dry-rot appearance. Symptoms caused by T. basicola, or black hull as the disease is commonly referred to, are more superficial and generally do not affect the kernels.

Know Problem Areas As anyone who scouts peanuts during the season will attest, the distribution of pod rot within a field can be quite sporadic. While the disease may be clumped in some areas, the random nature of where symptoms occur can limit one’s ability to quantify severity of the disease. Arbitrarily or randomly choosing several areas within a field and estimating the percentage of infected pods can provide insight into the distribution of pod rot within a field. Likewise, assessments made during harvest operations, both digging or combining, may also shed some light on disease severity and/or distribution.

Subsampling infested areas and scor-

Burrower bug nymph and adult (above) and burrower bug damage on peanut kernels

Assessing Burrower Bug Situation Burrower bug continues to be a significant threat to Georgia peanuts, and after two years of little to no pressure, the insect caused severe damage to portions of the crop in 2014.

The burrower bug joins lesser cornstalk borer and two spotted spider mite as pests that thrive in hot, dry conditions. While sometimes a problem in irrigated fields, all three of these pests are most prevalent and damaging in the state’s non-irrigated acreage.

The factors that are known to increase the risk of burrower bug damage are conservation tillage and hot, dry soil conditions. Conversely, deep turning and irrigation reduce the likelihood of infestations.

Many growers have asked the question, “Will abandoning conservation tillage in favor of a turning plow eliminate the burrower bug problem?”

Previous research suggests that the risk of damage will decline, but there are no certainties. Burrower bug damage has been reported in Georgia from fields that were turned prior to planting. Work is currently underway to quantify the risk associated with different production practices, location, soil type, etc. Granular chloropyrifos, Lorsban 15G, is the only insecticide that has been shown to have any efficacy against burrower bug, but it does not provide complete control.

In the near term, management options available to growers who have experienced significant losses due to burrower bug are limited to deep turning and application of granular chloropyrifos.

To know more about the extent of burrower bug problems, if you find burrower bug in your field after digging, contact your county Extension agent or, in Georgia, contact your Extension agent or Dr. Mark Abney, UGA peanut entomologist at 229-386-3374.

ing disease based on the severity of symptoms will provide additional information about the disease within a field. Although identifying infested areas within a field

may be difficult, having a better understanding of problem areas within a field may be useful when scouting or treating subsequent peanut crops. PG

Pearman Peanut Digger-Shaker-Inverter Choose Pearman when every peanut counts!

• 1,2,3,4,5,6 and 8 Row Models – 26 to 40 inches, single or twin rows • Gently harvest ALL Varieties: Runners, Spanish, Virginia and Valencia • Parallel Digging Chains and Three Simple Inverting Rods help save Peanuts • Ask about our PENCO Single Disc Liquid Fertilizer row units and Peanut Moisture Sample Shellers

PEARMAN CORPORATION Pearman Model 606 36 inch twin row runners

351 SHAKY BAY ROAD CHULA GA 31733 USA Phone: 229-382-9947 Fax: 229-382-1362

www.pearmancorp.com bpearman@pearmancorp.com

JULY 2015 • THE PEANUT GROWER /

11

12edit0715v3.qxp_Peanut pointers v2.qxd 6/17/15 2:41 PM Page 12

Using Crop Oil Adjuvants Product labels offer two rate recommendations. Which should you use?

By J. Ferrell and R. Leon, University of Florida, and E. Prostko, University of Georgia

crop oil adjuvant is an essential part of many herbicide applications. When conditions are dry or the weed is a “hard to control” species, a crop oil can often boost herbicide activity. However, when looking at product labels, you will often see recommendations that say, “apply 1 quart per acre or 1 gallon per 100 gallons of water (1% v/v).”

The problem with these two recommendations is that the carrier volume, or the amount of water being sprayed per acre, is not taken into consideration. For example, if you are applying herbicides at 25 gallons per acre (GPA), then a crop oil rate of one quart per acre and one gallon per 100 is exactly the same. But, if your carrier volume is 10 GPA, then one quart per acre will equal 2.5 gallons per 100.

A

So why are the labels written this way?

Years ago, when most of these herbicides first came to market, farms were smaller and spray applications of 20+ GPA were common. In this scenario, the label provided two ways of calculating how much crop oil should be added to the tank because the per acre and by volume calculations were essentially identical. Since then, farm size has steadily increased and carrier volume has steadily decreased. Today, per acre and by volume measurements don’t always add up.

Why is crop oil used?

The point of a crop oil adjuvant is to improve herbicide uptake. It does this by increasing droplet retention on the leaf AND by partially dissolving leaf waxes so the herbicide can more easily pass this barrier. However, if the crop oil rate is too high, you can see leaf burning simply due to the oil stripping the leaf wax away, causing the tissue below to dry out and die. So it is very important to use enough crop oil to improve herbicide performance, but not so much to cause unnecessary crop injury.

Which rate: per acre or per volume?

Currently, carrier volume varies tremendously from farm to farm. There are growers that spray at 5-8 GPA while others use 15 GPA. With this great variation in carrier volume, a “per acre” rate of crop oil should not be used as a blanket recommendation. Therefore, it is easiest and safest to use a per volume crop oil rate so that carrier volume per acre is not an is12 /

THE PEANUT GROWER • JULY 2015

Safe Pesticide Storage Checklist Inspect your pesticide storage area regularly. For any statement below, if your answer is not “yes,” take immediate steps to correct the situation.

Safety ✓ Storage room locked ✓ Storage area signs posted with emergency contact information ✓ No smoking signs posted ✓ Personal protective equipment stored nearby ✓ Clean up supplies stored nearby ✓ Inventory is up to date and stored separately ✓ Labels and MSDS on file ✓ Fire extinguisher in good working order

Storage Area ✓ Ventilation system is working ✓ Area is clean with no debris or combustibles ✓ Floor is clear of spills or leaks ✓ Pesticides stored off floor ✓ Storage area contains pesticides only, no feed, fertilizer or other materials

Container Inspection ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Labels readable and attached to containers Containers marked with purchase date Dry formulations stored above liquids Container caps are tightly closed Used containers are rinsed and punctured

“Storage Checklist” by Wayne Buhler, North Carolina State University, and other information on the proper use and handling of pesticides can be found on the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship website at www.pesticidestewardship.org.

sue. In our research, we have found that crop oil at 1% v/v (one gallon per 100 gallons of water) performs adequately across a wide variety of herbicides, weed species and environments.

Hopefully switching to a 1% v/v solution of crop oil can simplify this issue and add some consistency to your herbicide programs. PG

PG0715 Layout_CF 11/13 template 6/9/15 8:51 AM Page 13

14-15Col0715v4_10-17PGR0204v5.qxd 6/16/15 8:03 AM Page 14

Going With The Flow Now with two rotors, the Colombo peanut combine offers the potential to harvest more acres of whole, clean peanuts.

olombo North America came on the U.S. peanut landscape nearly 10 years ago. Since then, their axial-flow combines garnered the attention of producers for its different way of accomplishing the task of picking peanuts. Recently, Colombo NA changed from an Advanced 4-row to the Twin Master 4-row, which has two rotors to thresh peanuts from the vine instead of one.

Colombo NA marketing manager Jonathan Coody says the Twin Master 4row is the same machine as the Twin Master 6-row with a different pickup head size.

“We expect the Twin Master to offer producers even more productivity because of the fact that less overall material will be entering the machine. To compensate for a smaller quantity of material entering the machine,

C

14

/ THE PEANUT GROWER • JULY 2015

producers can likely increase ground speed to keep the necessary amount of material in the concave to achieve maximum harvest productivity.

Understanding The Flow Coody says it is important for producers operating a Colombo peanut combine to understand how the machine works.

“The Colombo peanut combine is adjusted by pins or fingers on the rotor flighting,” Coody says. “There is also an adjustment for the vacuum that pulls light material and debris from the shaker pan.”

When maintaining consistent harvesting conditions, Coody says, the rotor pins and the vacuum setting should remain the same once properly adjusted.

“The only changes that an operator will need to make throughout the day will be ground speed and PTO revolutions per

minute (rpm),” Coody says. “It is important that an operator maintain a consistent feed of vines into the machine to keep the proper amount of material in the concave for optimum harvest results.”

The Colombo peanut combine does not use fans to blow peanuts into the basket, but instead it uses buckets to transport peanuts into the basket.

“This results in fewer LSKs because the peanuts are not blown against a hard surface,” Coody says. “The Colombo Twin Master peanut combine basket holds 9,000 pounds, which allows the machine to harvest more acreage between dumps.”

Proper Set Up The Key According to Colombo, their peanut combine is capable of harvesting under

14-15Col0715v4_10-17PGR0204v5.qxd 6/16/15 8:04 AM Page 15

most adverse conditions. Coody says the key for success under adverse conditions is both proper machine set up and proper ground speed and PTO rpm.

“When a producer first operates a Colombo peanut combine, it is important that he/she not make much adjustment to the rotor pins or the vacuum baffles,” he says. “Once a producer overcomes the learning curve of operating an axial-flow combine, operating in adverse conditions becomes easier.”

Coody says Colombo combines get the most praise for harvesting clean peanuts with a below-average LSK count.

“Along with these benefits, we can average approximately one mile per hour faster than competitive brands when harvesting in ideal conditions. This results in a more productive work day.”

Less Than Ideal Conditions As with any machine, the less dirt on the vine when entering the combine, the better the results. However, this cannot always be avoided. Because of this, Coody says modifications to either ground speed or PTO rpm will compensate for the increased dirt intake with the Colombo peanut combine.

Peanuts found on the ground after the picker has passed could have been deposited there at different times. Therefore, it is always important to check for

Features Of Colombo Twin Master 4-Row And 6-Row Peanut Combine The low profile pickup head and dual-feed auger assures a smooth flow into the rotor. The head is driven by hydraulic variable speed with reversing. The pickup fingers are made of longlife AR 360 plate steel and the top roller gently turns with the fingers to ease heavy vines into the auger and prevent kick-outs and rolling.

1

Rotary combines are not as aggressive as conventional cylinder machines. The Colombo System uses the rotor’s centrifugal force to pull the peanuts off of the vines and onto the shaker pan rather than the shredding action of combines with spring teeth.

2

In the exclusive Colombo cleaning system, the peanuts are never blown or floated by air. Instead, dual high-volume vacuum fans gently lift the trash from the top of the heavier peanuts as they reach the rear of the shaker pan.

3

The peanuts are gently transported up to the basket in an elevator that uses cups to scoop up the peanuts, take them to the top and then drop them in the bin. A hydraulic auger then levels the peanuts in the basket, increasing the storage capacity.

Colombo’s bucket elevator system eliminates many areas where LSKs are increased in conventional combines that use elevator fans and air ducts to deliver peanuts into the basket.

4

lost peanut pods at every point of the harvest process: before, during and after.

Future Projects Looking ahead, Coody says Colombo North America will begin

manufacturing an unload-on-the-go peanut combine, which will differ in design from competitors by eliminating belts on the unload conveyor.

“The Colombo conveyor will consist of horizontal bars mounted together to allow more dirt to escape as peanuts are off-loaded onto a cart or trailer.”

Colombo will celebrate 10 years in North America in 2016 and is also in construction of a new, larger facility in Adel, Ga., that will allow for a more diversified product line. PG

JULY 2015 • THE PEANUT GROWER /

15

16-17hvst0715v3_Peanut pointers v2.qxd 6/9/15 12:19 PM Page 16

Prepare For Harvest Success Know how to prepare equipment and keep it in top form for maximum harvest efficiency.

se the following checklists provided by Kelley Manufacturing Co. to prepare inverters for digging and combines for harvest before the season starts. Use the list of in-field adjustments to dial in equipment for your field conditions, and use the factors that result in peanut loss to troubleshoot possible problems during harvest.

U

Pre-Field Operation Check Points 1. Check the rattler bar chain for wear and tension. The distance from the bottom of the rattler frame to the top of the chain should be two and one-half inches.

2. Set the knocker wheels. Adjust wheels to strike the bars with sufficient force to remove dirt. Avoid excess agitation; it causes premature chain wear.

3. Adjust rattler frame. It should be parallel to the 45-degree frame member.

4. Check PTO driveline. With driveline attached to tractor, raise and lower the inverter checking driveline travel. It should not separate in the up position or bottom out in the down position.

5. Check tractor and gauge wheel tire inflation for proper pressure as to the tire manufacturer’s recommendation. Make sure they are the same on the machine and same on each of the rear tractor tires.

6. Level the inverter with the tractor axle by sighting a frame member with the tractor axle. Adjust lift arms as needed.

7. Set inverter gauge wheels. Normal vertical position is with two holes showing above the mounting bracket for 8 x 10 tires and one for 8 x 8 tires. The stem located to the outside of the 2 x 5 frame is 16 /

THE PEANUT GROWER • JULY 2015

Factors That Result In Peanut Loss 1. Blade depth too shallow.

2. Dull blades. Blades are dull when they do not cut cleanly through the taproot. If they push on the root, they will drag the plant.

3. Vine cutter springs too loose or coulters too dull.

4. Conveyor pickup running too high above the lifter rods.

5. Tractor RPM or hydraulic flow too fast.

6. Vine flow not synchronized with ground speed and conveyor speed.

7. Inventer not precisely aligned with the row (indicated by tap roots leaning left or right).

the correct position for 36-inch rows.

8. For shank placement, the center of the plow standard should be located 12 to 13 inches off the row. For twin-row peanuts, use the center of the two rows as the measuring point.

9. Set the pitch of the blade. With the inverter on a concrete slab or level surface, set the tractor top link so that the machine rests on the blade tips and gauge wheels. Adjust the frogs to provide threefourths inch of clearance between the rear cutting edge of the blade and the concrete.

10. Set the vine cutters. Coulters should be set as close to the row as possible without cutting off peanuts. The distance will normally be one to two inches

outside the front tip of the blade. The height of the coulter should be two to three inches below the plow blades, but never so low that they drag when turning at row ends. Make sure the springs are tensioned properly to cut.

11. Set the inverter rods. All recently manufactured machines have a decal attached showing proper rod location. Operator’s manuals have this information also. Again with the inverter on a level surface, measure and set the inverter rods to their correct position. Twin-row peanuts may require a slightly wider setting of the lower rods.

In Field Adjustments 1. Set the plow depth. Field conditions often dictate the proper depth for the plow. You should always plow beneath all the peanuts; normally this will leave about two inches of tap root showing below the root crop of nuts. Terraces, washes and hard ground may require varying from this. To set the depth, put the tractor position control lever all the way down and lengthen or shorten the top link to achieve the desired plow depth.

2. Set the proper ground speed. First set the tractor PTO speed at 70 to 75 percent of full PTO speed. Then select a gear that will provide 3 to 3 1/2 miles per hour of ground speed. Proper synchronization of PTO and ground speed is important. Too much ground speed overruns peanuts causing bunching. Too slow of a ground speed through the vines will pull vines apart and pull off peanuts. Adjust the bottom collar to control spring pressure.

3. Set the proper conveyor speed (Hy-

16-17hvst0715v3_Peanut pointers v2.qxd 6/9/15 12:23 PM Page 17

draulic Drive Models). The lower pickup and rear drive shaft of the conveyor should be adjusted between 110 and 118 RPM for normal operation. Approximately 15 gpm for 2, 4 and 6-rows. Approximately 30 gpm for 8-row units Combine Start-up Check List 1. Set tractor drawbar to correct length.

For 1 3/8-21 PTO shafts, the distance from the end of the PTO to the hitch pin center should be 16 inches. For 1 3/420 PTO shafts, it should be 20 inches. See decal regarding driveline lengths.

2. Check drive belts and chains. For spring-loaded belt idlers, set the springs to the recommended lengths shown on the decals. Fixed belt idlers should be set for a tight belt tension. Chains should have approximately one inch of movement in the longest span.

3. Check concave setting. The clearance from the end of a spring tine to the cross rod of its concave should be 9/16 inches for runner peanuts and threefourths inches for Virginias. Set the rear concave to just clear the teeth.

4. Stripper adjustment. Start with all strippers out. Set in enough to remove the peanuts from the vines. For optimum machine performance and sample grades, adjust a few times during the day. Do not set the strippers past the bracket unless absolutely necessary. This will cause the teeth to break prematurely. When one of the two tines breaks, most of the aggressiveness is gone.

5. Set the tailboard as needed to retain lightweight peanuts. On wide-body combines, in most conditions, it can be set all the way up, lower if hay starts building up.

6. Check the fit of the air lift ducts and liners. This is critical for low looseshelled kernels (LSKs).

7. Tractor PTO speed. Start at 900 to 950 RPM. 8. Separator fan speed. Maintain as high a speed as possible to obtain a clean sample but not so high that peanuts are blown out of the rear.

9. Set the delivery air. Begin with the air open, then adjust down to minimize shelling.

10. For green vines, timing of the rear three cylinders will eliminate wrapping.

11. Check the fit of air lift ducts. Check for proper alignment of tank duct to delivery chute. PG

Kelley Manufacturing Co.’s new Unload-On-The-Go peanut combine

KMC’s new Unload-On-The-Go has the following features: • Tank raises hydraulically providing easy access to threshing cylinders • Vertically folding conveyor arm folds compactly against the tank for stability during transport • Wider conveyor belts provide fast unloading • More tank capacity (3 1/4 tons) for more efficient use of Dump Carts • Steeper angle on tank panels for better off load in wet conditions • Stronger hydraulic motors

KMC’s 2015 Digger Shaker Inverter includes these features: • • • • •

Designed to allow for easier maintenance Rattler sections easily detach from main frame providing convenient maintenance Easy access to inverter chain drive for inspection and adjustment Swivel style coulters require less maintenance Quick conversion between chain and belt style conveyors

JULY 2015 • THE PEANUT GROWER /

17

18edit0715v5_Peanut pointers v2.qxd 6/9/15 12:10 PM Page 16

Breaking Down Resistance Sharing knowledge and experience will help on the frontlines of resistance management.

group of agricultural advisers are leading the charge against resistance. Syngenta founded the Resistance Fighter of the Year Leadership Program in 2009 to recognize agricultural advisers for their foresight into the threat herbicide resistance poses to agriculture and their drive to implement proactive techniques to manage that threat.

Since then, the program has expanded to advisers fighting resistance in diseases, insects and nematodes. The program consists of county extension agents, sales agronomists and other agricultural advisers who have made significant contributions to managing resistance in their areas.

A

Membership Has Its Benefits By connecting real-world experts working on the frontlines of resistance, the program has become a network of practical knowledge and experience. Members consult one another about resistancemanagement techniques to learn what has worked and what has not. With members from different regions, odds are good that at least one member has insight about a specific resistance issue.

The Resistance Fighter Team

Herbicide-resistant Palmer amaranth

Through the program, Syngenta is able to provide members with resources and opportunities that otherwise may not be available, such as interactions with resistance experts from around the world and getting a first look at some of the latest Syngenta resistance-related research.

Becoming A Resistance Fighter To be a member of the Resistance Fighter of the Year Leadership program or to nominate an agricultural adviser who deserves to be honored for their efforts to manage resistance, visit www.resistancefighter.com and select the “apply/recommend” tab for further instruction. PG Article submitted on behalf of Syngenta.

Evidence Of The Need Of Resistance BMPs A survey from researchers at Kansas State University featured in the most recent issue of the journal Weed Technology shows that herbicide-resistant weeds have begun to change the weed management practices used by growers.

For the period before 2007, 85 percent of respondents reported effective control of kochia in most fields using only glyphosate, and 91 percent reported effective kochia control using glyphosate plus dicamba. However, the percentage of respondents finding effective kochia control using only glyphosate decreased to 44 percent during 2007 to 2010 and eight percent during 2011 to 2012.

18 /

THE PEANUT GROWER • JULY 2015

Active members of the Resistance Fighter of the Year Leadership program are: • Josh Bailey, Security Seed & Chemical, Clarksville, Tenn.

• Paul Barchenger, Hutchinson Co-op, Hutchinson, Minn.

• Clint Einspahr, Cargill Inc., Arapahoe, Neb. • Tim Hambrick, N.C. Cooperative Extension Service, WinstonSalem, N.C. • Scott Holder, Helena Chemical Company, Boyle, Miss.

• Jeremy Kichler, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, Moultrie, Ga. • Steve Muhlenbruch, NEW Cooperative Inc., Dows, Iowa • Joel Spring, AgriLand Farm Services, Centerville, Iowa • Scott Stallbaumer, JB Pearl Sales & Service Inc., Saint Marys, Kan. • Jason Weirich, Ph.D., MFA Inc., Columbia, Mo.

Although drought stress in the region partially explained poor control achieved in some years, the rapid and dramatic decline in effective control in this Kansas example emphasizes the need for growers to adopt weed resistance best management practices (BMPs) despite the added costs and reduced short-term profitability. The adoption of BMPs is required to maintain the same level of return as before on-farm occurrence of weed resistance. Diversifying weed management practices will help reduce the risk of weed populations evolving resistance to additional herbicide modes of action.

For more information, go to www.wssa.net, Weed Technology, Vol. 29, Issue 2, April-June 2015.

PG0715 Layout_CF 11/13 template 6/9/15 8:43 AM Page 19

Sign up for peanut E-News You’re already a long-time reader of The Peanut Grower magazine. In fact, you’ve been a loyal reader for many years. So, how else can you stay informed on the latest developments in the peanut industry?

Subscribe today to The Peanut Grower monthly E-News. You’ll find industry information, crop and program news, plus a calendar of events and other quick updates.

It’s easy staying informed on everything happening in the world of peanuts.

The Peanut Grower E-News will help keep you plugged in.

Sign up Go to www.peanutgrower.com and look for The Peanut Grower E-News link in the upper right corner of the home page. It's quick and easy.

20np0715v4_news briefsv2.qxd 6/9/15 11:41 AM Page 20

Pump Series Expansion Franklin Electric Co., Inc., has expanded its proven line of VR Series vertical, stainless steel multi-stage pumps that deliver clean water under pressure for a wide range of applications. These booster pumps are now available in 3, 5, 9, 15, 20, 30, 45, 65 and 95 m3/h options with a flow range up to 600 gallons per minute and 750 feet of total dynamic head (TDH).

In the VR Series, each pump features stainless steel hydraulic components for optimum durability, efficiency and performance – even in corrosive water applications. Impellers and diffuser stages are fabricated from heavy gauge stainless steel using advanced welding technology. The oversized ball bearing/coupler assembly eliminates the need for stack height adjustment and supports the axial thrust load. The elimination of axial thrust allows the VR Series pumps to utilize industry standard motors instead of the high-thrust motors commonly required in similar industry applications.

VR Series pump installation is made easier with standard in-line ports, along

with the choice of round, Victaulic, or oval flange connections. Rugged construction ensures long life and make them ideal for use in tough applications, including: light industry; water treatment; irrigation and agriculture.

For more information, visit the website www.franklinwater.com or contact your local Franklin Electric Distributor.

Accelerate Nutrient Acquisition Take Off technology launched by Verdesian Life Sciences helps protect farmers’ fertilizer investments by boosting crop growth and increasing yield. Take Off works inside the plant to accelerate nutrient acquisition and assimilation

John Deere Adds To Mobile App John Deere is adding more tools to its Operations Center within MyJohnDeere and making it easy to wirelessly transfer data from older John Deere equipment and non-John Deere displays to the Operations Center with Mobile Data Transfer.

Mobile Data Transfer enables customers to wirelessly transfer agronomic data to and from non-John Deere displays and from John Deere’s GreenStar 3 2630 display (in older John Deere equipment that is not JDLink compatible) to the Operations Center. It enables producers to consolidate data from multiple branded displays into one centralized location for their use or to be shared with trusted advisors.

Mobile Data Transfer is the simple solution for customers who run older or mixed-fleet equipment and want immediate access of information stored in their displays. It eliminates the manual transfer of data and uses a USB to WiFi device that plugs into the display and transfers data using your smartphone via the Mobile Data Transfer app. Your phone sends the data to the Operations Center to give farm managers and trusted advisors immediate access.

There are multiple ways to get data into the Operations 20/

THE PEANUT GROWER • JULY 2015

while improving nitrogen efficiency in corn, soybeans and cereals.

According to Verdesian, Take Off allows more applied nitrogen to be taken up by the crop, which leaves less in the soil and possibly lost to volatilization and leaching. Take Off quickens germination, emergence and establishment, which increases plant biomass and leads to healthier, more robust crops and more bushels in the bin.

Six formulations of the multi-patented technology include: Take Off ST, Take Off Sulfone, Take Off Phite MZ, Take Off Calci-Phite, Take Off Magnum and Take Off P+K. The technology offers growers a tailored approach to nutrient management that aids in crop growth rate, carbon dioxide fixation and photosynthesis.

For more information and to find a dealer near you, contact your Verdesian technical sales representative by visiting vlsci.com or calling 800-868-6446.

Center where it can be put to use. Mobile Data Transfer works with a variety of in-cab displays and mobile devices to facilitate the transfer of information. If you are running older John Deere equipment and have not yet moved to a JDLink Connect enabled machine, Mobile Data Transfer is a great way to get started.

To learn more about Mobile Data Transfer, the latest additions to the Operations Center and other developments in machine intelligence and data management, see your John Deere dealer or visit www.JohnDeere.com/Ag.

21-22 0715v4_Peanut pointers v2.qxd 6/10/15 9:16 AM Page 21

Managing Late-Planted Peanuts The pendulum has swung the other direction as to drought conditions in the Southwestern United States.

As of June 1, only 20 percent of the region was characterized as abnormally dry. This is the lowest intensity rating producers have seen since 2007.

While the moisture has been welcome, the frequency, JASON WOODWARD intensity and duration of rain Texas Agri-Life Extension that fell delayed planting Plant Pathologist throughout much of Oklahoma and Texas. Such a delay has led some to wonder what impact late planting will have on peanut yields and quality. As is the case in most years, we will have to wait and see what the fall holds in store.

Hopefully, we will have favorable conditions the latter part of the season, which will allow the crop to utilize what soil moisture has been stored.

In the meantime, it may be necessary to examine production plans and adjust to different scenarios accordingly.

For example, weed pressure remains high as the early season rain led to numerous flushes; therefore, it is imperative that producers remain diligent in making herbicide applications.

Furthermore, it is important to monitor growth and development, as well as soil conditions, especially as the crop transitions to flowering and pegging. Limiting stress during these stages will result in a more uniform crop that will allow for the optimization of yields and higher grades.

Several diseases may be more severe in late-planted peanuts. For example, later-planted peanuts are often more

Late-planted peanuts are often more susceptible to foliar disease.

vulnerable to foliar diseases. Although symptoms of spotted wilt have been relatively low the past several years, delayed planting may result in a resurgence of the disease.

Keep Good Rainfall Records The peanut crop is up and growing well throughout the Georgia and the Southeast.

Growers have been engaged in cleaning up weeds and weed escapes, initiating fungicide programs and deciding on gypsum applications for the last several weeks. As we move into July and August, growers hope the rains continue and SCOTT MONFORT there is not a repeat in the University of Georgia mid-to-late season drought Extension Agronomist from last year. Unfortunately, based on weather predictions and history, the Southeast will likely have some dry conditions during July and August. With this in mind, the irrigation specialist, Wes Porter, has put together a few important points on the water needs of peanut and irrigation: • Water use will move into peak amounts around 10 to 16 weeks after planting, ranging from 1.5 inch per week up to 2.1 inches per week.

• Water use will drop off around 14 weeks after planting and will continue to drop further into the season.

• Don’t overwater your peanuts, either. Try to do a good job tracking rainfall and irrigation throughout the season.

• Remember, intense rainfall may not be 100 percent effective to meet water needs, and irrigation events are typically 85 percent effective.

Insect Management For 2015 For insect management, a lot depends on weather, says Mark Abney, UGA peanut entomologist. Lesser cornstalk borer, two spotted spider mite and burrower bug are dry weather pests.

If conditions are favorable for mite infestations, growers need to watch for mites and catch them when the infestations are building. Do not wait until the plants start turning yellow and brown. Avoid using pyrethroids in fields where spider mites are present.

Most of the caterpillar and three cornered alfalfa hopper treatments that are made in Georgia will go out in July and August. Growers are reminded that there are thresholds for

JULY 2015 • THE PEANUT GROWER /

21

21-22 0715v4_Peanut pointers v2.qxd 6/10/15 9:17 AM Page 22

caterpillars, and spraying when populations are below threshold will not make their money back.

There is no threshold for three cornered alfalfa hopper, so growers will have to make a best guess about treating for them. However, do not be overly aggressive in treating for TCAH because the broad-spectrum materials used, mainly pyrethroids, also kill beneficial insects and can flare secondary pests. On the other hand, you cannot afford to ignore a heavy infestation.

The most important thing growers can do to minimize potential problems is to have someone walk their fields on a weekly basis.

Disease Primary Concern In July Many foundational decisions have been made for the V-C peanut crop by July.

Weeds, thrips and gypsum have been taken care of by this point, although there will be weed escapes in many fields through July and August.

Annual grasses that escape can be a challenge even when they emerge later in the season. A well-timed application of a DAVID JORDAN graminicide will be worth the North Carolina State University expense.

Extension Agronomist Fall armyworms and corn earworms and, possibly, beet armyworms can be an issue, and populations need to be kept in check. Careful identification and insecticide choice are important when making insect management decisions.

While this column will come out at the end of applications for rootworm, there may be some fields still at risk.

Look at the risk index Ames Herbert and Rick Brandenburg developed, and treat accordingly. Always be mindful that spider mites can be an issue, and apply as few insecticides as possible to minimize issues with mites. Treating patches of mites as they first begin showing up is a good way to manage this pest in many fields. Leave ditches and border areas undisturbed. Farming a “little ugly” can minimize movement of mites into fields. Try not to travel across fields too often as mites can hitch a ride and spread quickly.

If we run into a situation where gypsum and insecticides for rootworms are delayed (excessive rainfall for example), these inputs can still be valuable when applied all the way through July.

The major focus this month is disease management. With improved genetics, we can be successful with a four-spray program for leaf spot and stem rot in many fields. Starting and ending with chlorothalonil alone or in mixture serves us well with the two or three sprays in the middle being very flexible in what is used. Always rotate chemistry to minimize resistance development.

22 /

THE PEANUT GROWER • JULY 2015

There will be a lot of questions about mixing plant protection products. Read product labels, check with other farmers, consultants and Extension/research folks to see what can and cannot be applied together. With a zillion possible combinations, you don’t want any surprises.

For the upper V-C, keep in mind that Sclerotinia blight is still a major player in the region. A well-timed early spray often brings in the most dividends. There are some options and a good number of resources to make your selection.

Production guides in North Carolina and Virginia have good information on what programs to pursue for this disease and others.

Lastly, don’t forget boron, especially on sandy fields, and manganese.

Treat For Soilborne Disease While hoping everyone’s crop is off to a good start this season, I know some folks were not able to plant as early as they wanted because of rain delays. But, we can’t make peanuts without the rain; therefore, we just have to work with it. It’s probably good that we had some breaks in planting this year since we have KRIS BALKCOM increased acreage and this Auburn University would allow a chance for the Agri-Program Associate buying points to keep up with the rate of harvesting.

A wise man once said that the best thing a grower could put in the field was his shadow. I encourage you to get out and scout your fields. Now is the time to treat for soilborne diseases, and, remember, hot and dry weather leads to increased white mold.

Watch out for foliage feeders, but don’t use pyrethroids to treat with this early in the season, which always leads to spider mite trouble if it turns off dry like last year.

Hot, dry weather leads to increased white mold.

PG0715 Layout_CF 11/13 template 6/9/15 8:44 AM Page 23

BECAUSE PERFECT POWER SOURCES DON’T JUST GROW ON TREES. 7 powerful grams of plant-based protein Over 30 essential vitamins and nutrients

The most preferred nut in America Nothing beats a handful a day for heart health

Jeffrey Pope, Virginia Peanut Farmer

SM

nationalpeanutboard.org

ScientiďŹ cevidencesuggestsbut doesnot provethat eating1.5ouncesper dayof most nuts, includingpeanuts, aspart of adiet lowinsaturatedfat &cholesterol mayreducetheriskof heart disease.

PG0715 Layout_CF 11/13 template 6/9/15 8:44 AM Page 24

Enhances Pegging and Pod Set Improves Grade and Quality Stimulates Plants Immune System Field Proven and University Tested

The Industry Standard for High Production Peanuts.

TRIANGLE CHEMICAL Sycamore, GA Albany,, GA Albany Ashburn, GA Donalsonville, GA Statesboro, GA Sylvester,, GA Sylvester Groveland, FL VVenus, enus, FL Plant City City,, FL Aberdeen, MS Bolton, MS

(800) 277-1121 (800) 780-7401 (229) 567-9661 (800) 738-8229 (877) 489-8763 (229) 776-5514 (877) 724-8787 (866) 893-7848 (813) 754-3083 (662) 369-2733 (601) 866-9394

CARDINAL CHEMICAL Kinston, NC Wilson, NC Windsor,, NC Windsor New Bern, NC Edenton, NC Aberdeen, NC Greensboro, NC Wilmington, NC Linwood, NC Williamston, NC Hobbsville, NC Conway,, NC Conway

(800) 326-0743 (252) 291-6007 (252) 794-4117 (252) 638-1196 (252) 482-2090 (910) 944-7878 (336) 621-0381 (910) 254-9800 (336) 242-6043 (252) 792-3627 (252) 221-4397 (252) 585-0150