Peanut grower june 2016 by One Grower Publishing

The

PEANUTGROWER ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

JUNE 2016

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

Consider Extra Insecticide For Thrips Will A Solution Be Found For Propiconazole Use?

Weed Management Mid- To Late-Season Options

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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

JUNE 2016

PEANUTGROWER ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

JUNE 2016

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

Consider Extra Insecticide For Thrips

Volume 28 • Number 6

Will A Solution Be Found For Propiconazole Use?

Weed Management Mid- To Late-Season Options

Departments 4

Editor’s Note Three reasons to be optimistic about the industry.

News Briefs Opinions sought on crop insurance program.

Market Watch Exports to China, Vietnam are welcome news.

20 New Products Aldicarb poised to make market return. 21 Peanut Pointers Remember to check for nodulation of inoculants.

10 Features

10 Mid- To Late-Season Options

What’s available for weed control after early season herbicides have dissipated?

14 What Has Changed With Stay Connected

Propiconazole Use?

What happens now that the European Food Safety Authority says this fungicide lacks sufficient residue data?

16 Seed Treatment Resistance In Thrips

Researchers study the resistance of tobacco thrips to neonicotinoid seed treatments; additional insecticide may be needed.

18 Premium Peanut Open For Business Sign up for the monthly e-newsletter at peanutgrower.com to have exclusive industry news and content delivered directly to your inbox.

Even before the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Premium Peanut is sending peanuts overseas.

Cover photo by Amanda Huber. T WIT TE R: @PE ANUTGROWE R T WIT TE R: @PE ANUTGROWE R

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

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

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

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

Jason Woodward Extension Plant Pathologist Texas A & M University David Jordan Extension Agronomist North Carolina State University Glen Harris Extension Agronomist University of Georgia Jason Ferrell Extension Weed Specialist University of Florida

ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC Mike Lamensdorf President/Treasurer Lia Guthrie Publisher/Vice President The Peanut Grower (ISSN 1042-9379) is an agribusiness magazine for U.S. peanut producers. Published in eight monthly issues, January through July and November. Annual subscriptions are $40.00. Single Copy price is $5.00. Annual overseas subscriptions are $70.00, including Canada/Mexico. Periodicals postage paid at Memphis, TN. Copyright © 2016 One Grower Publishing, LLC, all rights reserved except where otherwise noted. The Peanut Grower ® is a registered trademark, which reserves all rights granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in association with the registration. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO OMEDA COMMUNICATIONS, CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT, P.O. BOX 1388, NORTHBROOK, IL 600651388. All statements, including product claims, are those of the person or organization making the statement or claim. The publisher does not adopt any such statement or claim as its own, and any such statement or claim does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. Printed in the USA. One Grower Publishing, LLC, also publishes Cotton Farming, Rice Farming, Soybean South and Corn South.

Reasons For Optimism

arehouses are full. Prices are low, and prices of other c om mo d it ie s a re e ven lower. Inputs are not lower, except maybe fuel, and now the European Union is dictating what products can be used on peanut, that is if you could possibly be sending your product overseas to one of their ports. With all of this, is there any reason to be optimistic? Of course there is. Reason #1: Growers are confident enough in the peanut industry to invest significantly. As you can read on page 18, Premier Peanut celebratAmanda Huber ed their Grand Opening in late April. Editor, The Peanut Grower More than 200 producer-shareholders embarked on a $70 million investment for a state-of-the-art shelling plant with seven buying points. The great news, as told by Karl Zimmer, CEO of Premium Peanut, was that they were already sold out through July. “Today we are shipping 14 containers to China plus shipments to Canada and Mexico,” he said. “Our 200 local farmer owners, who were willing to invest in marketing their product, will be proud to learn that after two months of full operation, we are in the black!” Reason #2: Peanuts are continuing to ride the wave of good nutrition news. According to The Peanut Institute, peanuts and peanut butter play a key role in the five Dietary Guidelines for Americans as follows: 1) Follow a healthy eating pattern – peanuts are part of all the healthy diets studied; 2) Focus on variety, nutrient density and amount – peanuts are one of the most nutrient dense foods available; 3) Limit sugars, saturated fats and sodium - most peanut products are minimally processed and low in all three; 4) Shift to healthier foods – peanuts and peanut butter improve nutritional status when substituted for other snacks and proteins; and 5) Support healthier eating in all settings – peanuts are convenient, affordable and portable and ideal for schools, workplace and on the go. With a focus on nutrients and protein, peanuts are positioned to keep reaping the benefits of this good news. Reason #3: The 2018 Farm Bill is not far away. Granted this is not so much a reason for optimism as it is a mantra to just “hang in there” until hopefully the ship can be righted. Already, groups of producers are working to improve protection of the peanut market from shifts in other commodities. Two to three years is not a long time. These are three of the reasons I see for some optimism in the industry.

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

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PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

AgriLogic Farmer Survey A g ri L og ic C on su lt i ng , L LC , is conducting a sur vey rega rding the performance of the Peanut Revenue Federal Crop Insurance Policy. This program was developed by AgriLogic Consulting in cooperation with peanut grower organizations, industry experts, peanut brokers and the United States Department of Agriculture R isk Management Agency. The result of these efforts was the development of an insurance program that allows peanut growers to choose between Yield Protection, Revenue Protection and Revenue Protec t ion w it h Ha r ve st Pric e Exclusion as options to manage their exposure to both production and market risk. An annual program review is conducted to ensure that crop insurance for peanuts is meeting the risk management needs of growers. Farmers are urged to participate in this process by completing the survey found at https://www. surveymonkey.com/r/GMHJSKH.

Farm Storage Loans The Farm Storage Facility Loan Program provides low-cost financing for producers to build or upgrade on-farm storage, handling facilities, and storage and handling trucks. FSFL’s can be used for items such as drying and cooling equipment, safety equipment, cold storage buildings, hay barns and grain bins. The FSFL program benefits producers who lack local commercial storage options or have limited marketing options for their commodities at harvest time. Having on-farm storage helps producers to sell their crop at a time when the market is favorable for them, rather than being forced to sell immediately after harvest or pay for commercial storage. On-farm T WIT TE R: @PE ANUTGROWE R

storage allows producers to better serve their customers who buy commodities throughout the year. FSFLs are not to be used for crop production equipment. New provisions of the program recently announced include: loans are up to $50,000 (aggregate outstanding balance), five percent down payment and reduced documentation for determining the storage capacity need, storage and handling equipment (portable or permanently affixed, new or used), storage and handling trucks (new or used) and all FSFL-financed equipment, structures and storage and handling trucks must have a useful life for at least the FSFL term.

Syngenta #RootedinAg Contest Syngenta is offering producers and ag professionals the opportunity to describe how their agricultural roots have helped them thrive to win prizes and charitable donations. The contest asks growers and ot her industr y professiona ls to describe how t heir agricu ltura l roots help their families and communities thrive. In exchange, the five best entries will each receive a mini touch-screen tablet. From those f inalists, one grand prizewinner will receive a $500 gift card, plus Syngenta will make a $1,000 donation in the winner’s name to a local charity or civic organization. “At Syngenta, we share a proud history with the men and women who help make U.S. agriculture the leader in feeding, fueling and clothing the world,” says Wendell Calhoun, communications manager at Syngenta. “Our contest gives us a chance to reward and recognize a few of those individuals.” To participate, go to www.syngentathrive.com and click on the #RootedinAg icon. Using the online entry form, describe how your agri-

In Brief: • AgriLogic seeks opinions on meeting peanut risk management needs. • Low-cost financing available for on-farm storage, handling equipment, trucks. • NASS reports used by Congress to shape farm policy, an incentive to participate. • Peanut Proud sets new donation record in 2015. • Share your story of being #RootedinAg to win prizes, charitable contribution. • NPB positions peanuts as culinary ingredient to world-renown chefs, restaurateurs. • Mr. Peanut, the world’s most iconic brand, turns 100 this year.

cultural roots are helping you, your family and your community thrive in about 200 words. Upload a photograph or video that visually supports your written entry. The deadline for entries is June 30, 2016. After which, a panel of judges will choose f ive f inalists. Syngenta will then post all finalists’ entries on the Thrive website and ask visitors to help choose the grand prizewinner by voting for their favorite. These votes, along with the judges’ scores, will determine the winner. Online voting ends Sept. 15, 2016, with Syngenta announcing the grand prize winner in October. To apply or learn more about the #RootedinAg contest, visit w w w. syngentathrive.com. 5

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Export market picks up with shipments to China, Vietnam

he U.S. peanut market is getting mixed signals at home and abroad causing the producers to be concerned as to how to manage under the present peanut program. The Commodity Credit Corporation is successfully moving ahead with selling or exchanging 2014 forfeited farmer-stock peanuts to clear out warehouses. USDA is seeking bids on major purchases to go to nutrition programs in schools and other federal feeding programs and to food banks. At the same time, exports are suddenly picking up steam, up 37 percent in March 2016 versus March 2015. Argentina has suffered long-term wet weather followed with by early frost. European traders report any price reaction to the Argentine situation has yet to materialize, but the United States is standing by with supplies for Europe. China is slowly increasing buying lots of 2015 farmer stock peanuts for edible oil, plus edible shelled peanuts and is likely to be a net importer, rather than an exporter of peanuts. Plummeting Prices At the same time, farmers are being urged to cutback because of the large ca rr y-for wa rd of 1,40 0,0 0 0 tons. Farmers are being warned to scout out buying points and shellers that have available warehouse space for storage, so a farmer can get the guaranteed loan of $355 per ton for nine months. Producers with a peanut base are advised that the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program could yield about $150 per ton on 85 percent of the farm base less a 6.5 percent budget reconciliation. Peanut producers with no cotton base are fuming that the program failed them and pushed their prices to the lowest level in recent history. Even with the

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J. Tyron Spearman

Contributing Editor, The Peanut Grower

LEADING MARKETING INDICATORS (As of May 10, 2016) 2015 Acreage (USDA) Up 20.4% ..................................... 1,568,000 acres 2016 Acreage (estimated) ............................................. 1,476,000 acres 2015 Production (estimated) ............................................ 3,107,000 tons 2015 Inspected ................................................................... 3,005,700 tons 2015 Market Loan ............................................................... 2,095,734 tons 2015 Market Loan Redeemed ........................................... 1,057,553 tons 2015-16 Domestic Usage (8 Mo.) ................................................ Up 1.0% 2015-16 Exports (7 Mo.) .............................................................. Up 3.8% NATIONAL POSTED PRICE (per ton) Runners -$424.51, Spanish - $407.34, Valencia and Virginias - $429.28

low price, domestic use of peanuts has slowed to only a one percent increase over last year causing some concern. USDA was predicting a three percent increase. All these market signals come as other commodities remain sluggish to unprofitable...corn at $3.75 per bushel, cotton at 61 cents per pound and soybeans at $10.00 per bushel. What is a peanut producer to do?

The 2015 peanut crop has about the same tonnage, 1,100,000 tons, in the loan as 2014 in mid-May waiting to be redeemed or forfeited. Remember in August of 2015, USDA dropped the repayment rate $100 a ton for 60 days to clear out the loan. Could that happen again with warehouses full of 2015 farmer stock? It worked and saved shellers money, but penalized some farmers with market gains.

Selling Old Crop Peanuts The Commodity Credit Corporation exchanged 2014 peanuts for 500 metric tons for roasted peanuts in miniature bags to give to Haitian school children as part of the United Nations World Food Program. It seemed like a great idea, but critics say it could interfere with the Haitian peanut market hurting their own farmers. Exchange Lot No. 2 was an exchange for the production of peanut butter. Exchange Lot No. 3 is also an exchange of farmer-stock peanuts for 3 million pounds of commercial peanut butter.

Domestic Markets Peanuts and peanut butter in candy are making a comeback. Growth is even in volume for the first 8 months. As official sponsors of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams for this summer’s games in Rio, Brazil, The Hershey Company is changing the instantly recognizable packaging designs of its leading candy brands to create limited-time special editions that feature red, white and blue elements. This promotion includes patriotic special-edition redesigns on peanut products like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Kit Kat PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

Wafer Bars and Payday Bars. M&M’s has launched a new flavor contest with their 75th anniversary promotion. Snacking on peanuts is a growing market, up almost 20 percent in usage this year. People on the go are selecting nutritious products, which certainly includes the peanut. New peanut flour in smoothies is also a popular and nutritious treat. Mr. Peanut is 100 year’s old this year and Planters Peanuts is launching a major campaign. Peanut butter usage is down 5.3 percent, a surprise with present economic conditions, but eating out has increased with lower gas prices and peanut butter is more of a stay-at-home food. The c a mpa ign by t he Nationa l Peanut Board will target millennials to increase peanut sales as research indicates 50 percent of that population, age 18 to 34, eats peanut butter at least once a week and is more likely to be

T WIT TE R: @PE ANUTGROWE R

encouraged to eat peanuts and peanut butter on a daily basis. Export Markets The big news on U.S. export peanuts is that China has been on another shopping spree and the United States is shipping peanuts again to China and Vietnam. Sales from the 2015 peanut crop need to continue in the short run as Chinese farmers plant and harvest about the same time as the U.S. farmer. Hectares are likely to increase. Volume buys depend on what happens in Argentina and Brazil. Weather problems in Argentina have caused prices to be withdrawn until sellers can get a handle on volume and quality. Just like the U.S., comparing other crops, peanuts are more profitable and an acreage increase is expected, some talk about 30 percent. If true, demand for importing would be much less. Some

say that consumption is decreasing in Europe because temperatures are rising and firm offers are hard to find. Export volumes from the U.S. are up 3.8 percent for the year; however March was up an amazing 37.2 percent over March of last year. 2016: At The Half-Way Mark For a peanut farmer, it is hard to get excited about growing peanuts so cheap. Thankfully, the peanut program will kick in when prices are drastically low. What is even worse is that other competing commodities are just as cheap, so strategic planning, lowering costs and crop logistics are more important this season. Farmers that are diversified with cattle, produce and other nuts, like pecans, have a better chance of survival. Then, after the summer, hearings on the new Farm Bill will begin. Until then, the biggest worry is the weather. PG

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NASS Plans Southeast Survey

The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will spend the first two weeks of June surveying thousands of producers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina to get a clear indication of the production and supply of major commodities for 2016. NASS will compile information collected across the country into publically accessible reports while ensuring the confidentiality of an individual farmer’s information. These surveys are among the largest and most important conducted by NASS and serve as a primary source of agricultural information. They will provide accurate and reliable data about 2016 planted acreages of major crops, grain stocks and livestock in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. Producers rely on t he sur vey results to make production, marketing and investment decisions. Congress utilizes the information to design better regulations and farm programs. Industry analysts, Extension agents, farm organizations and agricultural lenders use the data in a variety of ways to directly benefit the grower. These data will be collected by mail, phone and personal interviews. Growers will also be given the opportunity to report on the Internet for selected surveys. Information provided by respondents is confidential by law. Reports are available on the NASS website: www.nass.usda.gov.

Humanitarian Mission Continues

Peanut Proud celebrated a successful 2016 Festival in Blakely, Ga., a nd Cha irma n Gregg Grimsley reported that donated product and cash contributions in 2015 provided 220,626 jars of peanut butter in 2015, breaking the record of 217,104 jars of peanut butter in 2014. In the past three years, more 8 /

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than 620,130 jars have been delivered from the peanut industry for humanitarian efforts. Peanut Proud will again offer a $2,000 food technology scholarship to be given at the Food Technologist Convention. Growers and grower associations can partner with Peanut Proud to donate to food banks. The Peanut Buying Point Challenge and Farm Bureau Cha llenge continue and buying points may donate half a pallet for $700 (700 jars) or a full pallet for $1,400. For information, contact Tyron Spearman at tspearman@ f riendlycit y.net (229-386 1716) or contact Gregg Grimsley at GGrimsley@Birdsong-Peanuts.com. The most recent delivery, thanks to Southern Ag Carriers, was 27,000 jars to Food Bank in Monroe, La. to assist flooding victims.

Calendar • June 25-29, 2016 - USA Peanut Congress, Charleston Place Hotel, Charleston, S.C. Go to www.peanut-shellers. org for info. • July 12-14, 2016 - American Peanut Research and Education Society Annual Meeting, Hilton Clearwater Beach, Clearwater, Fla. For information: www.apresinc.com. • July 14, 2016 - Sunbelt Ag Expo Field Day, Moultrie, Ga. Registration at 7:15 a.m. Trams start at 8 a.m. Complimentary breakfast and lunch. • July 21-24, 2016 - Southern Peanut Growers Conference, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Sandestin, Fla. For information, visit their website at www.southernpeanutfarmers.org. • Aug. 2-3, 2016 - American Peanut Shellers Association and National Peanut Buying Points Association Pre-Harvest Joint Convention, Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club, Cordele, Ga. For reservations, call 800-459-1230. For other information, call 229-888-2508 or visit www. peanut-shellers.org.

NPB At Culinary Symposium

Prom i nent c he f s , re s t au r a nt operators and food industry representatives gathered in Santa Fe, N.M., recent ly for McDonnel l Kinder Associates’ annual Culinary Innovation Symposium. National Peanut Board sponsored and presented information on food allergies, sustainability and the culinary versatility of peanuts.

• Aug. 20, 2016 - 27th Annual Brooklet Peanut Festival, Brooklet, Ga. For information and events, visit www.brookletpeanutfestival.com. • Aug. 24, 2016 - Southeast Georgia Research and Education Center Field Day, Midville, Ga. For information, call 478-589-7472. PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

Mr. Peanut Celebrates 100th Birthday Planters Peanuts rang in the centenarian birthday of Mr. Peanut recently and kicked off a year-long celebration of the nuttiest brand icon in history. This was not Mr. Peanut’s first time in the heart of midtown New York—he graced a Times Square billboard in 1937 and has rolled through countless Macy’s Day Parade processions during the past century. “Mr. Peanut’s continued popularity is a testament to America’s love of Planters nuts,” says Sean Marks, vice president of marketing at Planters. “Mr. Peanut’s 100th birthday will pay homage to his lifetime of nutty achievements by making celebrations even more remarkable for fans this year.” Planters Peanut Company was founded in 1906, in Wilkes-Barre, Penn., by Amedeo Obici and was incorporated two years later as the Planters Nut and Chocolate Company. In 1916, a young schoolboy named Antonio Gentile submitted drawings of an anthropomorphic peanut. Commercial artist Andrew S. Wallach added the monocle, top hat and cane to create

“The symposium is an excellent opportunity to connect with influential chefs and chain operators and position peanuts as culinary ingredients on national restaurant menus,” says Ryan Lepicier, NPB senior vice president, marketing and communications. Bob Parker, NPB president and CEO and Keegan Treadaway, marketing and communications specialist, also attended the conference. Many of the culinary immersions with restaurant groups that NPB has engaged in over the years are a direct result of the connections made at this annual gathering. As a T WIT TE R: @PE ANUTGROWE R

the iconic image. The schoolboy’s family is believed to have received five dollars for the submission. In a disputed claim, Frank P. Krize, Sr., a Wilkes-Barre artist and head of the Suffolk plant, says he made the additions of the monocle, top hat and cane. Wallach’s daughter, Virginia, maintains that Krize joined the project after Mr. Peanut result, peanut ingredients have seen an increase on restaurant menus across the country. Corporate chefs in attendance this year represented national chains such as IHOP, Houlihan’s, Johnny Rockets and Kimpton Hotels and Resorts. As part of the program, Patrick McDonnell, chef consultant for NPB demonstrated culinary innovation with peanuts by creating dishes including a peanut milk, an ancient grains peanut granola and seasoned peanuts, among others. The New Mexico Peanut Growers Association was also a sponsor of the

was created. Planter’s history and other sources still in circulation do not positively identify the artist. By the mid-1930s, the raffish figure had come to symbolize the entire peanut industry. Mr. Peanut has appeared on almost ever y Planters package and advertisement. He is now one of the bestknown icons in advertising history. event. Wayne Baker, New Mexico NPB member and NMPGA secretary-treasurer presented information on New Mexico’s peanut production and Valencia peanuts. NPB and NMPGA also sponsored a dinner at renowned Chef Fernando Oléa’s restaurant Sazón. Oléa featured regionally sourced Valencia peanuts in inspired applications such as a peanut and citrus dressing and a peanut mole. The information and innovative foods presented during the symposium were an influential illustration of the culinary possibilities with peanuts. 9

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Mid- To Late-Season Options Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s available for weed control after early season herbicides dissipate? By Peter Dotray and James Grichar, Texas A&M AgriLife Research

replant and preemergence herbicides have likely done what they can, and new weed flushes are starting to emerge. Herbicides applied early postemergence that do not have soil activity may give way to new weed flushes as well. In other words, good early season weed control may need some attention because previously applied herbicides have dissipated over time. So what options do we have at this time of year? Because of some concern about herbicides applied to peanuts in bloom to early peg and the potential for increased injury, we looked at this timing with several herbicides, including Cadre, Pursuit, Ultra Blazer, 2,4-DB and Cobra. However, we have not seen a problem when these herbicides are applied at that time during the growing season. Each herbicide has a preharvest interval (PHI) restriction, which is generally between 30 and 90 days before harvest.

Consider Pre-Harvest Intervals Cobra, with a 45-day PHI, may be used at 12.5 ounces per acre and up to two applications may be made per season. Ultra Blazer may be used at 1 to 1.5 pints per acre and up to two pints may be used per season. Ultra Blazer has a 75-day PHI. Basagran may be used at 1 to 2 pints per acre through pegging and up to 4 pints per acre per season. No PHI is listed on the Basagran label; however, peanut hay and forage may be fed to livestock, but treated fields cannot be grazed for at least 50 days after treatment. Storm, with a 75-day PHI, may be applied at 1.5 pints per acre and up to 3 pints per acre per season. None of these herbicides are active through the soil, and they are generally considered contact herbicides, so new weed flushes after application may occur. Basagran has activity on common cocklebur, wild sunflowers and yellow nutsedge. Ultra Blazer and Cobra are effective

Application of herbicides from bloom to early pegging has not shown the potential for increased injury or yield loss.

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100% Soluble Calcium

Calcium Thiosulfate 0-0-0-10S-6Ca Feed Your Peanuts Soluble Calcium When and Where they Need it Most.

Large seed peanuts require plenty of soluble calcium at pegging for healthy pod and kernel development. CaTs® liquid fertilizer puts 100% soluble calcium in the pegging zone that is readily available to developing peanuts. •

Gypsum contains 23% calcium by weight but only 0.25% of that calcium is soluble, depending on water availability.

•

CaTs is easy to inject through a center pivot, giving peanut growers the ability to apply calcium and sulfur at critical periods of nutrient demand while saving time and labor.

•

Growers using CaTs to supplement their gypsum program have seen earlier peanut maturity, improved quality and greater yields.

Contact a Tessenderlo Kerley Crop Vitality Specialist

Our specialists can provide profitable insights in all areas of crop nutrition. Also, we’ll be glad to provide technical data, field studies, fertilizer application and storage tips.

at controlling Palmer amaranth, annual morningglory, smellmelon and other small-sized annual broadleaf weeds. Storm, a prepackaged mixture of Basagran and Blazer, may be used to control a wide range of small and actively growing annual broadleaf weeds. However, none of these herbicides provide residual weed control. Practice Resistance Management If Pursuit or Cadre are used at their full label rates, 1.44 ounces of the DG formulation or 4 ounces of the liquid, a sequential application should not be applied. If a reduced rate of 0.72 ounces of the DG formulation or 2 ounces of the liquid was used at the first application, then a sequential reduced rate application may be applied. It is not recommended to use the full rate of Pursuit followed by the full rate of Cadre or the full rate of Cadre followed by the full rate of Pursuit because of rotation crop concerns, weed resistance management and overall crop response. Cadre is probably one of the most active herbicides used postemergence in peanut. Cadre has good activity on many broadleaf and small grassy weeds and both yellow and purple nutsedge. There is an 18-month rotational restriction following application before cotton may be planted, which limits the use of this herbicide in certain peanut-growing areas of Texas. Pursuit has good activity on a broad spectrum of weeds but has the same rotational restriction as Cadre. The use of nitrogen fertilizer is recommended with Pursuit applications. Development of weeds resistant to Cadre and Pursuit has become a bigger concern over the past few years. Weeds that are not controlled by these herbicides does not automatically mean you have resistant weeds; however, susceptible weeds not controlled in areas of the field that appear to be increasing in size may be a sign that resistance is present. Watch For Tank Contamination 2,4-DB 200 (Butyrac 200) may be used at a rate of 0.8 to 1.6 pints per acre, whereas 2,4-DB 175 (Butyrac 175) may be used at 0.9 to 1.8 pints per acre. Applications should be made between two to 12 weeks after planting. Do not apply to peanuts suffering from lack of moisture. The second application should not be made later than the late bloom stage of peanut and do not apply within 30 days of harvest. 2,4-DB has good activity on several annual broadleaf weeds, including morningglory and sunflower. 2,4-DB plus a crop oil concentrate (COC) will cause typical phenoxy-type symptomology and plants may “lay down” for 24 to 48 hours, but will recover. Research suggests this injury will not result in yield loss at the end of the season. 2,4-DB may be tankmixed with other herbicides to broaden the spectrum of weeds controlled. The dominant issue with using 2,4-DB in West Texas is cotton injury. Adjacent cotton fields are extremely susceptible to 2,4DB drift. Tank contamination is also a concern when the same equipment is used in both peanut and cotton production. Timing Is Critical In general, a six-hour rain-free period is sufficient for most herbicides, although some formulations have decreased this time to approximately one hour. Many post herbicides require 12 /

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Herbicide Pre-Harvest Intervals Cobra....................................................................45 days Ultra Blazer.......................................................... 75 days Basagran................................................................. none* Storm.................................................................... 75 days Poast Plus............................................................40 days Select Max...........................................................40 days Fusilade DX..........................................................30 days * No pre-harvest interval is listed; however, grazing restrictions apply. Cadre and Pursuit have rotational restrictions of 18 months.

a spray additive to ensure maximum herbicide performance. In West Texas, a COC is recommended over non-ionic surfactants (NIS) for many herbicides, while in south Texas, a NIS has caused less plant phytotoxicity than a COC with herbicides, such as Blazer and Cobra. For other herbicides such as Pursuit and Cadre the choice is not as critical; however, the addition of liquid nitrogen fertilizers or ammonium sulfate may improve herbicide performance. Mixing order and compatibility are an issue for many herbicides; therefore, always carefully read and follow label instructions for maximum herbicide performance. Thorough coverage can be accomplished by applying herbicides to smaller weeds, increasing the carrier volume and/ or spray pressure, proper boom height, and accurately applying the herbicide to weeds growing beneath the crop canopy (through various nozzle arrangements and spray equipment). Always Read Product Label Dual Magnum and Outlook are pre-emergence herbicides that may also be used postemergence in peanut to decrease the potential of crop injury following application. These herbicides have good activity on annual grasses and small-seeded broadleaf weeds, namely Palmer amaranth, but must be applied prior to weed emergence or emerged weeds must be controlled by a tankmix with another post herbicide. Activity on yellow nutsedge has been observed when these herbicides are applied postemergence to peanut, but activation shortly after herbicide application by rainfall or irrigation is necessary for effective control. Also, yellow nutsedge must be no more than 8 to 10 inches tall for this treatment to be effective. It usually takes about 10 to 14 days for the Dual Magnum to be taken up by the nutsedge tubers before the nutsedge plants begin to turn yellow and die. Poast Plus, Select Max and Fusilade DX, with a PHI of 40, 40 and 30 days, respectively, are labeled for use in peanuts for postemergence control of annual and perennial grasses and usually provide effective control when applied to grasses that are not stressed. Generally, Select Max and Fusilade control bermudagrass more effectively than Poast Plus, but repeat applications may still be necessary for effective control. For weed control to get the crop to harvest, consider these herbicide options. PG PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

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Wherever you are, we’ve got you covered. Whether at work or on vacation, keep up with the latest information from The Peanut Grower by subscribing to the monthly E-News. Don’t delay, subscribe today Go to www.peanutgrower.com and look for the Peanut Grower E-News link in the upper right corner of the home page. Subscribers willl ﬁnd a recap of important stories, Calendar of Events, YouTube videos, photos and informative updates delivered directly to your inbox.

What Has Changed With Propiconazole Use? The European Food Safety Authority’s review of older products, such as propiconazole, found a lack of sufficient residue data in peanuts, other crops. What happens now? By Alan Henn, Extension Plant Pathologist, Mississippi State University

ost peanut growers have rec eived not if ic at ion from their buying points not to use any fungicides containing propiconazole this year. This active ingredient is found in 87 fungicide products labeled in Mississippi, including popular products like Artisan, Bumper, Stratego, Tilt and Quilt Xcel. Similar problems are likely to be experienced in the future. Why? In short, the European Union decided late last year that they did not recognize a Maximum Residue Level (MRL) for propiconazole in peanuts, almonds, cherries, plums, strawberries, currants, gooseberries, peppers, cucumbers, globe artichokes and tea. What Is An MRL? In order for a pesticide to receive a label f rom t he Env iron ment a l Protection Agency, it must have a tolerance. A tolerance is defined as the enforceable limit on food pesticide levels. In other countries, the equivalent term for tolerance is called the Maximum Residue Level or MRL. Obtaining an MR L is expensive. For each crop on the label, controlled field residue trials adhering to U.S. EPA mandated “Good Laborator y Practices” are necessary. These trials are very expensive because of the following reasons: All researchers must be GLP trained – an expensive and time-consuming effort; every step must follow a strict protocol and be documented very 14 /

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thoroughly with a lot of paper work to be filled out at the time of each activity; all equipment (scales, gauges…) must be calibrated and certified by an accredited authority; the chemical of interest must be applied in a manner that ref lects local commercial practices; the crop must be harvested according to the correct protocol; the harvested crop must be frozen almost immediately and stay frozen; the crop is processed by a strictly defined method in the lab and extracts are analyzed using expensive, certified lab machines; all steps are audited.

The final step is a data petition that is submitted to the EPA. The process requires at least 24 to 36 months. Why Is It Important? Historically, chemical companies who own the patent for the pesticide in the country of use pay for this testing. In some cases, and depending on a wide range of factors, an MRL established in one country may or may not be acceptable in another country. Some countries may not have an MRL for a particular pesticide. PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

If an MRL does not exist, a country can refuse entry of a shipment of commodity into their country if testing shows any residue for the pesticide, no matter how minute the residue. In this circumstance, there are no good options. The grower/exporter is left with a container or shipment full of the crop in a foreign land with a lot of money already invested. Sometimes they have no choice but to pay to destroy the shipment or sell it to another country at a large loss. MRLs And Older Pesticides When a pesticide goes off patent, other companies often use it without reimbursing the originating company. When one company using such a product pays for an MRL, then all companies can use that MRL, even though they did not contribute to the considerable expense. Many countries are re-evaluating the MRLs of older pesticides and the data on which the MRLs are based. This is a slow process that will require some years to complete. What Happened Recently? Late last year, the European Food Safety Authority published its review of the older fungicide propiconazole and concluded that the data was insufficient to set an MRL for those crops listed above. In addition, they concluded that the residue data was only sufficient to determine tentative MRLs and risk assessment data on all other commodities. As a direct result of this finding, those crops with insufficient data cannot enter the European Union. If the pesticide is to be used in products produced or imported into those countries, someone will have to pay for new MRL data.

IR-4: A Cost-Effective Effort The Inter-Regional Research Project Number 4 (IR-4), also referred to as the Minor Crop Pest Management Program, was established in 1963 by the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service in coordination with the Environmental Protection Agency to assist in the collection of residue and efficacy data in support of the registration or reregistration of minor-use pesticides and the determination of tolerances for residues of minor-use chemicals in or on raw agricultural commodities. Historically, the IR-4 Project has worked to label pesticides, often already labeled for major crops, such as corn and wheat, for use on specialty crops. A specialty crop is defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, herbs and nursery/floriculture crops. IR-4 also assists with registrations of minor uses on major/semi-major crops, such as support for a miticide on peanuts as well as public health pesticide uses (mosquito, ticks, flies). Over the last few years IR-4 has cooperated with the EPA and similar organizations from other countries to expand crop groupings and make them globally effective. Make MRL Studies More Cost Efficient The collaborative efforts of the IR-4 Project have had a significant impact on American agriculture. The IR-4 Project is a USDA-National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA) sponsored program that receives support and funding from a mixture of sources including: USDA-NIFA, University Experiment Stations/Extension Services and private industry. The project has faced budgetary challenges in recent years and is currently undergoing an organizational assessment to increase the efficiency of the program while trying to maintain its level of service to its stakeholder base Collaborative efforts such as those led by the IR-4 are the only mechanism by which I see many of the pending MRL issues being worked out. If you are in contact with your legislator, be sure to mention the IR-4 Project and importance of adequate funding for its work.

group or industry might pay for the work to support their crop. In other cases, there might be sufficient demand from multiple producers and industries in the country to pressure the central government to fund the necessary MRL studies themselves. Collaborative efforts are the most likely mechanism by which many of the pending MRL issues might be resolved.

The IR-4 Project is one such collaborative effort, read above, that has potential to impact MRL data in the European Union and help return American agriculture products to that market. PG Michelle Samuel-Foo, Regional Coordinator, IR- 4 Southern Region, University of Florida, also contributed to this article.

CHOOSE QUALITY. CHOOSE DEPENDABILITY. CHOOSE KMC.

Who Will Pay For A New MRL ? This is a good question that not only affects propiconazole, but will affect most of the other older pesticides. In some cases, a pesticide company might pay. To make that work, the company would have to own a good portion of the market for the pesticide in the country and that market would need to be capable of paying for the expense of the MRL in a reasonable time. In many cases, this will not occur because of market fragmentation. In cases where a pesticide is essential to the production of a crop, a grower T WIT TE R: @PE ANUTGROWE R

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University of Florida graduate student, Danielle Sprague, uses an aspirator to collect thrips into a vial to take back to the lab for further testing.

Seed Treatment Resistance In Thrips University of Florida researchers study the resistance of tobacco thrips to neonicotinoid seed treatments; additional insecticide applications may be needed. By Danielle Sprague and Joe Funderburk, North Florida REC, University of Florida, IFAS

obacco thrips, Frankliniella fusca, are seedling pests of peanut, soybean and cotton throughout the southern United States. Adults and larvae feed on the developing leaves, causing injury during the very early vegetative stages of the crop. Peanut is highly tolerant of injury, although delayed maturity can occur when thrips injury is combined with other early season stresses such as herbicide injury or drought stress. Severe injury to soybean results in little, if any, economic damage. Seed treatments of the neonicotinoids imidacloprid and thiametoxam for control of tobacco thrips have become typical throughout the region. Scouting for thrips on seedlings and therapeutic control with foliar applications of insecticides provides limited success in preventing damage. It was originally

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Sprague searches for thrips in seedling peanuts by slapping the plants against a whiteboard.

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thought that seed treatments would not likely select for resistant tobacco thrips populations because of the large host range of the pest and the short window of treatment over the year. Survey Says Resistance A survey of tobacco thrips populations from a number of Southern states showed that 57 percent and 65 percent of populations had reduced imidacloprid and thiametoxam sensitivity, respectively. Thirty-seven of the 86 populations showed up to 55- and 39-fold resistance, respectively. Overall, the results indicated elevated levels of resistance throughout the region from the populations evaluated from Alabama and Georgia. The results of this survey were published in a refereed scientific journal article. Over Exposure Populations in Florida are currently being assessed using the same treated diet assay method in the previously published study. An assay of the population from the North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy showed a high level of resistance. Crops grown at the site include peanuts, cotton and soybean, and undoubtedly populations have been heavily exposed to neonicotinoid insecticides. Several other populations currently are being assayed, including a population from the main campus in Gainesville where the population would not have been expected to have been exposed to insecticides. This monitoring of populations is necessary to understand the levels of resistance throughout North Florida. Additional Insecticides A number of states have responded by recommending an additional one or two applications of the post-emergent insecticides imidacloprid and/or acephate. Increasing neonicotinoid use to rates necessary to achieve control does not appear to be a viable option. Continued use of neonicotinoids, either as seed treatment or foliar applications, will further intensify selection pressure for resistance. Increased use of insecticides will increase costs and environmental consequences. PG

Thrips In Peanut Thrips move into fields from nearby areas, but can also migrate long distances on wind currents. Tobacco thrips are capable of overwintering on certain plant species including, but not limited to, common chickweed, rye, wheat and volunteer peanut. Frankliniella fusca is wingless in its larval and pupal stages. Adult thrips are winged and typically 1-2 mm in length. Females are usually brown or black and the males are yellow, having eight segmented antennae. Warmer temperatures are thought to increase the thrips’ reproductive cycle, while rainfall has the opposite effect, killing larvae. Most thrips complete their life cycle (egg to adult) in two to three weeks. Larval populations were found to be highest in late June. The thrips can become infected with Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) only during the two larval stages, but once infected they can vector the disease throughout their adult life. The life cycle, species diversity and unpredictable population variations year to year make it difficult to manage thrips. Several management strategies are undertaken by growers, including seed treatments, foliar sprays and manipulating planting factors. Early season insecticide applications have been found to more effective for controlling larvae than adults. Planting denser crop rows (such as twin rows in peanut) with a higher plant population, compared to the lower plant population associated with a single-row pattern, has been shown to reduce thrips injuries in a field setting.

Shooting For Maximum Peanut Yield? Tankmix Cavalier® 2L Insect Growth Regulator With Your Fungicide Application • Long-lasting, economical insect control

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ed & own U.S. erated! op In the lab, Sprague mixes different concentrations of insecticide in which to expose the thrips collected in the field to determine sensitivity. T WIT TE R: @PE ANUTGROWE R

• Superior formulation for superior coverage and control • Easy on beneficials, does not flare secondary pest problems

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Zimmer said, “We work with over 200 shareholders; something unique in that individual shareholders have to grow the peanuts on land they farm for Premium Peanuts. “Our short-term capacity stands at 200,000 tons of farmer-stock peanuts per year, but we believe our maximum capacity is closer to 300,000 tons annually. We will run our plant as efficiently as possible, though, so we expect to process between 150,000 to 200,000 tons from the 2016 crop.”

Open For Business With the most advanced technology, Premium Peanut will make data-based decisions.

n estimated 550 peanut producers, industry members, local, state and national leaders and members of the local community convened on Barrington Road in Coffee County, Ga., in late April to celebrate the Grand Opening of Premium Peanut. Attendees enjoyed lunch, congratulatory remarks and tours of the plant. Georgia Governor Nathan Deal congratulated the producers, community and leaders for “coming together to create jobs.” He said the cooperation by all segments sets a pattern for other industries to consider. Significant Grower Involvement Karl Zimmer, CEO of Premium Peanut, said, “In 15 months, Premium Peanut has grown from an idea to a world class operation with the latest technological advancement in the peanut shelling industry.” That technological advancement includes a plant with extensive cleaning and sorting operations that occur at each stage of the peanut process: all the way from the farmer’s stock at the buying 18 /

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points to redskins at the shelling facility. Zimmer said the primary driver to establish Premium Peanut was to create a stable market for the growers in the region. “We offer grower stability in that they know the sheller will buy their peanuts; and as such, we can provide our customers with stability in knowing that they will get high quality peanuts consistently, year after year,” he said. Buying Point Investment Zimmer said Premium Peanut, with a plant investment of more than $50 million and another $20 million invested in seven buying points, is now operating six days a week and is sold out through July. Kent Fountain, Premium Peanut’s board chairman, praised the seven buying points willing to invest and “help make things better for their growers.” The buying points investing in Premium Peanut are as follows: Dixon Farm Supply, Irwinville Peanut & Grain, Douglas Peanut and Grain, Southeastern Gin & Peanut, Jeff Davis Peanut and Grain, Dixie Peanut Producers and Deep South Peanut.

Data-Driven Decision Making Zimmer says one of the challenges facing the industry today is the move toward data-driven decision making. “The industry operates using lots of historical knowledge; now, with the advancement of many information technology (IT) systems, decisions can be based on data,” he said. “Data-driven decision making is a significant opportunity, but first we need to upgrade our overall IT systems to integrate the supply chain so that we have the latest data from the grower level all the way to manufacturers. “By looking across the entire supply chain, we have the opportunity to reduce costs, increase quality and improve the decision-making process,” he said. PG

Investing In Rural Economies Premium Peanut received $20 million in critical New Markets Tax Credit financing from CEI Capital Management LLC to help build its operation. The business qualified for the program, which was designed by Congress to stimulate private investment and economic growth in low-income communities that lack access to capital needed to grow businesses, create jobs and sustain healthy local economies. “This part of Georgia has what we often find in rural economies. Activity and growth are heavily dependent on natural resource industries,” said CEI Capital Management CEO Charlie Spies. “By supporting a cooperative farming model the New Markets Tax Credit program is doing its job, diversifying a shallow economy to lay the groundwork for a sustainable future.” SunTrust Bank provided an additional $3 million in New Markets Tax Credit allocation as well as project equity. PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

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Aldicarb Pesticide Returns To Mix Georgia growers have the ability to purchase and use AgLogic 15G Aldicarb Pesticide, a product which is essentially the same as Temik in formulation and performance. Ag Logic Chemical, LLC, the registrant of AgLogic 15G Aldicarb Pesticide, is currently manufacturing the product with limited supplies for use in Georgia in 2016 and sold exclusively through CNI and its network of authorized dealers. “We have worked very hard to return aldicarb to the market, and that effort has been backed with strong industry support,” says Antoine A. Puech, President and CEO of Ag Logic Chemical in Chapel Hill, N.C. “It’s become obvious over the past five years that the loss of Temik has created significant pest control challenges for many growers across a wide range of crops.” AgLogic 15G is registered or control of nematodes, thrips, aphids, mites, whiteflies, plant bugs and other chewing and sucking pests. The product is currently registered on cotton, peanuts, soybeans, dry beans, sugarbeets and sweet potatoes. “When aldicarb was available to our cotton and peanut farmers as Temik 15G, it often formed the backbone of their nematode management program,” says Bob Kemerait, University of Georgia Extension plant pathologist. “Today we have a number of options available for nematode management. However, the importance, versatility and efficacy of aldicarb has not been forgotten. Managing nematodes is a challenge, and having an aldicarb-based product available EPA Expands Transform Use Dow A groSciences ha s a nnounced t hat t he U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted Section 18 emergency use exemptions in nine more states for the application of Transform WG insecticide for control of sugarcane aphids in sorghum. Texas recently received a Section 18 approval, and now Section 18 approvals have been issued in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Tennessee for 2016. Recognizing the pressing needs of growers, Dow AgroSciences is working diligently to support re-established EPA Section 3 registrations of products containing sulfoxaflor in all previously labeled crops. Refer to individual state Section 18 labels for complete application guidelines and limitations. To learn more about options for controlling this pest, watch the informational video “Gaining the Upper Hand Against Sugarcane Aphids” currently available at www. TransformMySorghum.com. BASF’s Next Mode Of Action BASF recently announced the submission of a regulatory dossier for a new insecticide active ingredient, Inscalis. 20 /

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to growers provides them with an expanded arsenal of products with which to combat a very important and difficult problem.” Enhanced product stewardship will accompany the introduction of AgLogic 15G. In addition to a Restricted Use Applicator (RUP) license, anyone who intends to purchase, use or sell AgLogic 15G must complete an online Stewardship Certification Course administered by Ag Logic Chemical, LLC. For more information, visit www.aglogicchemical.com. Inscalis is the pioneer solution from a novel chemical class, the pyropenes, offering an alternative mode of action for the control of key insect pests and providing an essential tool to farmers for use in resistance and integrated pest management programs. Inscalis controls critical piercing and sucking insect pests such as aphids, whitef lies, psyllids, scales, and leafhoppers. First registration dossiers were submitted to the authorities in the U.S. and Canada for use on a wide range of crops such as vegetables, fruit, row crops and ornamentals. Inscalis has a favorable environmental profile and low acute toxicity to important beneficial arthropods, including pollinators. Extensive research has demonstrated its excellent selective performance against a range of damaging insect pests. The new insecticide will be available in several high-performing formulations to provide farmers optimal new solutions for insect control. Inscalis, co-developed with the Japanese company Meiji Seika Pharma Co. Ltd., will play an integral role in BASF’s insecticide portfolio both as a solo product and as a mixing partner, and will be marketed in a large number of countries worldwide. Pending regulatory approval, first market introductions of Inscalis-based products are expected in 2019. PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

A Lot To Do This Month June brings a number of key production and pest management decisions for Virginiatype peanut. The calcium needs of both Virginia market types and jumbo runners we are currently growing require gypsum application during f lowering and kernel development. Application is generally made around 40 days DAVID JORDAN North Carolina State after planting. It is important University to apply gypsum when the Extension Agronomist peanut canopy has developed enough to protect gypsum on the soil surface in the fruiting zone from being washed away. Sometimes, we apply gypsum a little early and are susceptible to the occasional “frog strangler” in late June. It’s also the time to make decisions on controlling southern corn rootworm with insecticide. In the V-C region, we have a good risk index to help make this decision. For later-planted peanut, we could still have some issues with thrips, so a timely application of acephate can pay dividends if thrips pressure is heavy. Naturally weeds may continue to be a problem, and being as timely on application of postemergence herbicides is important. Do things to help the PPO-inhibiting herbicides perform as well as possible – spray small weeds, increase the spray volume and slow down. Developing a sound fungicide program will be important as you move into July. With the selection of fungicides we currently

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have, the key is to be timely and on a good spray schedule and rotate chemistry. I’ve rattled off a lot of things to do in June. Timely implementation of these is the key!

Best Time For Herbicides Hopefully ever yone has t heir pea nut crop in t he ground and it’s off to a good start. I know that it is difficult for some of us to get back around after planting to take care of some timely issues, one being herbicide applications. For some of us, our planting season runs a lot longer than others and it is awhile before KRIS BALKCOM we get back to those firstAuburn University Agri-Program Associate planted peanuts. We have to be timely with our herbicide sprays and not let the weeds get too big to have good control. Even though certain herbicides do a fantastic job on weeds two to three inches, it doesn’t mean the same herbicide will be effective with the same weed at five to six inches tall. Also be mindful of the time of day and weather conditions when thinking of applying certain herbicides. Most applications are best from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. Pay attention to the temperature since most herbicides perform better when applied during the heat of the day than when we have cooler weather to pass through. Also, rain fastness has a huge effect on how well the herbicide performs if sprayed too close to a rain event.

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Mid-Season Management The majority of runner and Virginia peanuts have been planted in the Southwest; however, Spanish-type cultivars still have time to mature with planting dates into June. In this case, warmer soil temperatures may facilitate germination, but soil moisture remains the most important factor required for seed to JASON WOODWARD Texas Agri-Life Extension germinate. These conditions Plant Pathologist should lead to fast stand establishment and help minimize the potential for damage caused by the application of preplant herbicides. For earlier planted peanuts, now is the time to assess nodulation, choose herbicides for initial weed flushes and consider irrigation scheduling. When assessing nodulation, dig plants carefully as not to dislodge nodules by pulling plants from soil. This will lead to an underestimation of nodulation. An average of 20 active nodules per plants is considered excellent, and supplemental nitrogen is not needed. With 10 or less nodules, the plant will likely bene-

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fit from additional nitrogen. Active nodules have a salmon pink to red color. If nitrogen is needed, it should be applied in a single application less than 30 pounds per acre. Rates in excess of this can increase disease problems. Knowing potential weed problems within a field will aid in the selection of herbicides needed to complement preplant and preemergence products. Consult herbicide labels for the spectrum of activity and use rates. Finally, changes in irrigation strategy are needed as plants move from vegetative to reproductive growth. In general, water use is low-to-moderate during vegetative stages, but increases substantially following the transition to flowering and pegging, and remaining very high through pod fill. Uniform application of irrigation water is needed to maximize production and maturity. This is equally important when center pivots are used to make fertilizers or pesticide applications.

Effective Fungicide Programs Growers are slowly transitioning from planting to crop management as we move into June. The good news is most of the early planted peanuts are up and looking promising even with the lack of rain in late May. Key things growers should keep in front of are weed escapes, early season insects SCOTT MONFORT University of Georgia and disease issues. One way Extension Agronomist to ensure these issues donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get out of control is to walk your peanut fields at least once a week or hire a consultant or crop scout. A crop consultant or scout, dedicated to your peanuts, will ensure you spray the right pesticide at the right time to manage the specific pest or pathogen. Typically, the cost of having someone scout your crop is far less than the cost of the extra pesticides. With peanut acreage remaining high for the second year in Georgia, growers are opting to plant more peanuts under short rotations along with trying to minimize inputs to remain profitable. Growers can stand to make reductions in inputs under good rotations and cultural practices; however, the reduction in rotations and some cultural practices in the last two years have caused a significant increase in disease risk. For this reason, growers need to consider more effective fungicide programs rather than eliminating them. Feel free to contact your county Extension agent for up-todate information or pressing issues regarding peanut production in your area. PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

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EPA PA A Approval A for on or In-Furrow In-Furr Peanuts, eanuts, plus New w Rates Ra and Timings imings in FL and GA.

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Radiate is a patented formulation of IBA and Kinetin that helps crops develop longer, healthier, stronger roots to improve nutrient uptake, stress resistance and plant health. In many soil types or application systems, the root force of Radiate may enhance yields and crop quality, so ask your CPS dealer about it today. This year, put the root force of Radiate in your crops. See how other growers are making a difference this season with stronger results at LovelandProducts.com/ Radiate. Text Radiate to 31313 for more information. © 2016 Loveland Products Inc. Radiate is a registered trademark of Loveland Products, Inc. Radiate is not registered in California and is not approved or intended to be used or sold in California. Always read and follow label directions. 7245/2016

“The Scales Don’t Lie.” 2012 Overstreet O Farms Radiat atee Peanu P t Trial Tr On dry dr land, split field app a plicat ation: Radiaate at 2 oz/ac at a earlyy bloom b Untreated d area a picked ................................................. 4.81 ac Total weigh To ght .................................................................. 26,569 lbs Untreated d are a a yyield .................................................... 5,523 lbs/ac Tr Treated areea picked .................................................... 4.14 ac Total weigh To ght .................................................................. 26,724 lbs Treaated areea yyield ......................................................... 6,455 Tr , lbs/ac ............................................... +932 lbs/ac Total Yield To d Increase I b Source: Rocky ky Courson, n, CPS Baxley B ey, y, GA 2012 Quote credited to Huey Hueyy Lane, Grower

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