Peanut grower june 2018 by One Grower Publishing

The

PEANUTGROWER ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

JUNE 2018

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

Disease Issues

Q& A

Color Spectrum Of Active Nodules

BOLO: Cogongrass

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EPA Approval Approval EPA for In-Furrow In-Furrow on for Peanuts, plus Peanuts, New Rates Rates and New Timings Timings in FL and GA.

E H T L L A S E K MA E C N E R E F F I D Labeled for the following applications:

Foliar

In-Furrow

Applied foliar or in-furrow, Radiate strengthens young plants’ roots to promote bigger, higher-quality yields.

“The Scales Don’t Lie.”

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.

Radiate at 2 oz/ac at early bloom

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. © 2017 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. 7245/2017

2012 Overstreet Farms Radiate Peanut Trial On dry land, splitt fie fi ld application: Untreated area picked ................................................. 4.81 ac Total weight .................................................................. 26,569 lbs Untreated area yield .................................................... 5,523 lbs/ac Treated area picked .................................................... 4.14 ac Total weight .................................................................. 26,724 lbs Treated area yield ......................................................... 6,455 , lbs/ac Total Total Yield Yield Increase Increase ............................................... +932 lbs/ac lbs/ac Source: Rocky Courson, CPS Baxley, GA 2012 Quote credited to Huey Lane, Grower

The

JUNE 2018

PEANUTGROWER ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

JUNE 2018

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

Volume 30 • Number 6

Disease Issues

Q& A

BOLO: Cogongrass

Color Spectrum Of Active Nodules

Departments 4

Editor’s Note Red-tape cutting continues

News Briefs Farm Bill working through Congress

Market Watch Will planting drought affect acreage?

20 Features

10 Disease Management Q & A

Sclerotinia blight, chlorothalonil shortages and fungicide resistance are a few issues producers have this season.

22 Peanut Pointers Take time to do it right

12 Meeting Crop Water Demand

Stay Connected

14 Nodule Analysis To Assess Crop Health

Wasted water is money down the drain; ensure that applied water is being used by the crop.

The interior color of a Rhizobia-formed nodule may provide an early warning of drought, other stresses.

16 APRES 50th Anniversary Meeting

The research society marks 50 years of learning about the humble peanut.

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

www.peanutgrower.com Follow The Peanut Grower on Twitter @PeanutGrower T WIT TER : @PE ANUTGROWER

This aggressive weed forms dense stands over large areas and can eliminate native plants.

20 Impact Of Rotation On Yield

Root-knot nematode is one pest affected by rotation out of peanut. Cover photo by Amanda Huber JUNE 2018 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

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

ADMINISTRATION Publisher/Vice President Lia Guthrie (901) 497-3689 lguthrie@onegrower.com Associate Publisher Carroll Smith (901) 326-4443 Sales Manager Scott Emerson (386) 462-1532 semerson@onegrower.com Circulation Manager Charlie Beek (847) 559-7324 Production Manager Kathy Killingsworth (901) 767-4020 kkillingsworth@onegrower.com

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

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

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

ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC Mike Lamensdorf President/Treasurer Lia Guthrie Publisher/Vice President The Peanut Grower (ISSN 1042-9379) is an agribusiness magazine for U.S. peanut producers. Published in eight monthly issues, January through July and November. Annual subscriptions are $40.00. Single Copy price is $5.00. Annual overseas subscriptions are $70.00, including Canada/Mexico. Periodicals postage paid at Memphis, TN. Copyright © 2018 One Grower Publishing, LLC, all rights reserved except where otherwise noted. The Peanut Grower ® is a registered trademark, which reserves all rights granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in association with the registration. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO OMEDA COMMUNICATIONS, CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT, P.O. BOX 1388, NORTHBROOK, IL 600651388. All statements, including product claims, are those of the person or organization making the statement or claim. The publisher does not adopt any such statement or claim as its own, and any such statement or claim does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. Printed in the USA. One Grower Publishing, LLC, also publishes Cotton Farming, Rice Farming, Soybean South and Corn South.

So Much Red Tape

s of this writing, the Farm Bill is working its way through Congress with much posturing on all sides, but that is fairly usual for any piece of legislation. In the meantime, Secretary of Ag Sonny Perdue is continuing his work to remove burdensome regulations plaguing family farms. The latest item involves eliminating the requirement for producers to obtain Data Universal Number System (DUNS) and System for Award Management (SAM) numbers to participate in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Amanda Huber Conservation Service (NRCS) programs. Editor, The Peanut Grower “I’m pleased Congress helped us to achieve one of our regulatory goals of cutting red tape for producers utilizing conservation programs by exempting them from SAM and DUNS requirements,” Perdue says. “These numbers were designed for billion-dollar government contractors, not everyday farmers trying to support their families. These changes help streamline the customer experience for farmers, which is a top priority at USDA.” Despite the rule change, DUNS and SAM registration is still required for the following: • Partnership agreements entered through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). • All agreements with eligible entities under the Farm and Ranchland Protection Program (FRPP). • Agreements under the Agricultural Land Easement (ALE) component of ACEP. • Partnership agreements under the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Program (WREP) component of ACEP-Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE). • Watershed operations agreements with project sponsors. • Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) agreements with project sponsors, including Recovery and Floodplain Easements. • All cooperative, contribution, interagency or partnership agreements of Federal contracts used by NRCS to procure goods or services. It would seem that USDA has a lot more red-tape cutting to do. Further, NRCS advises participants in its programs to ignore any emails, phone calls or other communications from third-party vendors offering assistance for registering in SAMS or applying for a DUNS number. For additional information, go to www.nrcs.usda.gov or visit your local FSA office.

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

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THE PE ANUT GROWER • JUNE 2018

PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

Start Of Farm Bill Fight

On April 18, 2018, the House Agriculture Committee passed its 2018 Farm Bill out of committee on a straight party-line vote. All republicans voted for the bill, and all democrats voted against it. The committee has already adopted 17 amendments. The democrats are expected to submit amendments when the bill comes up on the House floor in May. Most of the opposition was expressed concerning the new work or education requirement for 6 million people among the 45 million recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. Several farm groups, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, praised the committee for their work. AFBF President Zippy Duvall said this is great news for farmers and ranchers everywhere. He said, “The passage takes us one step closer to bringing certainty to families who face the toughest farm economy in more than a decade.” Endorsing the Farm Bill are the National Corn Growers Association, National Milk Producers Federation¸ Nat iona l A ssociat ion of W heat Growers and A merican Soybean Association. Others expressed disappointment that the parties were not working united since the Farm Bill is usually a bipartisan piece of legislation. The 2018 Farm Bill now goes to the House floor for action. The bill is expected to be introduced on the floor in late May, and the Senate Ag Committee will formulate their version in June.

Ag Chairman Comments

Chairman Mike Conaway of Texas said, “Rural America is hurting. Over the last five years, net farm income has been cut in half. Natural disasters and global markets distorted by predatory trade practices of foreign countries, T WIT TER : @PE ANUTGROWER

including high and rising foreign subsidies, tariffs and non-tariff barriers, have resulted in huge production losses and chronically depressed prices that are today jeopardizing the future of America’s farm and ranch families.” He added, “The Farm Bill keeps faith with our nation’s farmers and ranchers through the current agriculture recession by providing certainty and helping producers manage the enormous risks that are inherent in agriculture. The Farm Bill also remains faithful to the American taxpayer and consumer. Under the Farm Bill, consumers will continue to enjoy the safest, most abundant and most affordable food supply in the world, and taxpayers will reap the more than $112 billion in budget savings projected under the current law.”

Peanut Program

The peanut program under the commodity title remains largely the same. The reference price ($535 per ton), the marketing assistance loan amount ($355 per ton), storage and handling charges and separate payment limitations remain the same as in the current bill. A new term in this Farm Bill is “Effective Reference Price,” which under certain circumstances will allow the reference price of any covered commodity, including peanuts, to rise up to a maximum of 115 percent of the reference price, itself. The rise would depend on an increase in the Olympic average for the five most recent crop years and would be limited to 85 percent of the average. The bill also adds first cousins, nieces and nephews to the definition of “family farm.”

Unrivaled Income Volatility

According to a survey of more than 20,000 American farmers, 58 percent have experienced income fluctuations of at least 50 percent over the course of

In Brief: • Farm Bill begins working its way through Congress • Ag chairman Conaway says Farm Bill is a must for rural America • Peanut program remains mostly the same • Georgia Peanut Commission reaffirmed by highest percentage ever • Premium Peanut opens oil mill • See the Calendar for summer conferences and events

two consecutive years. Fewer than 10 percent for all U.S. households experienced the same level of variation. USDA’s Economic Research Service e x a m ined fa rmers’ income volatility from 1997 to 2013 using the Agricultural Resource Management Survey, the most comprehensive survey of U.S. farm households. The report suggests that the 1.4 million people who consider farming their primary occupation may struggle to obtain credit, expand and pay debt due to such extreme shifts in income. “Farming is risky business and this new study helps define just how risky,” says Tom Zacharias, an economist and president of National Crop Insurance Services. “But the study also shows the public-private partnership that is federal crop insurance is helping farm families deal with that risk.” Farms growing insured crops were reported to have their annual income volatility decline faster than other farms. “These results suggest that efforts to increase risk management as a center piece of farm programs have had a positive effect in lowering farm income variability,” Zacharias says. “The study is part of a growing body of scientific 5

JUNE 2018 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

evidence that shows crop insurance is a fiscally responsible tool for farmers and the American taxpayer.” Crop insurance is delivered by the private sector, which helps maximize efficiency. Farmers collectively pay $3.5 to $4 billion a year for protection, so taxpayers aren’t left holding the entire bag after disaster strikes. It also means faster payments after verified losses instead of waiting for Congress to approve disaster relief legislation. “The well-documented track record of crop insurance, along with this new study and the many that have come before it, makes a strong case for continuing to provide a safety net for farmers that maintains a strong crop insurance component,” concluded Zacharias.

Commission Referendum Passes

The Georgia Peanut Commission’s 2018 referendum was held March 16 through April 16 and received reaffirmation with a vote of 94.02 percent, the highest the commission has received in its nearly 57-year existence. Armond Morris, peanut farmer from Tifton, Georgia, and GPC chairman, is proud to know his fellow peanut farmers have confidence in the commission and its activities. “I am thankful our board and staff have been able to work in the areas of research, promotion and education of peanuts, as well as support efforts in Washington to maintain legislation that is helpful for peanut farmers; which in turn, continues to allow us to provide a healthy, nutritious product for consumers,” Morris said. “Agriculture is Georgia’s No. 1 industry and we are proud our farmers contribute more than $2.2 billion to the state’s economy with the hard work they produce on their farm.” As required by Georgia state law, the state’s peanut farmers vote on the commission every three years. The ballots were mailed the week of March 16 and the Certified Public Accounting firm 6 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • JUNE 2018

of Allen, Pritchett and Bassett counted the ballots returned on April 25. “I am humbled by the support of peanut farmers in Georgia,” Don Koehler, GPC’s executive director said. “We will never forget the trust our farmers place in us and do not ever take it for granted.” Georgia peanut farmers invest $2 per ton annually to the commission to be used in the program areas of research, promotion and education. For additional information on the Georgia Peanut Commission and its activities, visit www.gapeanuts.com.

Possible Marketing Order Change

Comments were accepted on changing the assessment rate computation under the Peanut Promotion, Research and Information Order, administered by the National Peanut Board with oversight by USDA through April 30. The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Ser vice staff compiled the comments for management to use in considering whether to change the Peanut Promotion, Marketing and Information Order or not. Officials said that all comments were in support of the change with none opposed. Agricultural Marketing Service sources say that reaching a decision on this change is a priority so that FSA and handlers will have time to make programming changes ahead of harvest. The proposed rule would change the basis for assessment under the program from value to volume (per ton). Two rates of assessment would be established instead of using a formula currently specified in the regulations. The assessment would be flat rates of $3.55 per ton for Segregation 1 peanuts and $1.25 per ton for Segregation 2 and 3 peanuts. This action was unanimously recommended by the National Peanut Board and would help facilitate program operations by providing a more predictable revenue stream in which to carry out its mission.

Calendar • May 21-25, 2018 — The INC World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress, Sevilla, Spain. For information, go to www.nutfruit congress.org. • June 12-13, 2018 — Peanut Buying Points Leadership Class, Peanut Museum, Tifton, Ga., beginning at 9 am on June 12, with graduation at lunch on June 13. Find a registration form at www.peanutbuying points.org. • June 24-26, 2018 — USA Peanut Congress, The Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island, Fla. For information, call 229-888-2508 or visit www.peanutsusa.com. • July 10-12, 2018 — American Peanut Research and Educational Society Annual Meeting, Williamsburg, Va. For details, visit www.apresinc.com. • July 19-21, 2018 — Southern Peanut Growers Conference, Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, Miramar, Fla. For information, go to www.southern peanutfarmers.org. • July 24, 2018 — Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition Field Day, Spence Field, Moultrie, Ga. Shuttles begin at 9 am. Go to www.sunbeltexpo.com for information. • Aug. 7-8, 2018 — American Peanut Shellers Association and National Peanut Buying Points Association Pre-Harvest Convention, Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club, Cordele, Ga. For information, call 229888-2508 or 229-386-1716 or visit www peanut-shellers.org. • Aug. 15, 2018 — Southeast Georgia Research and Education Center Field Day, Midville, Ga. For information, call 478589-7472. PE ANUTGROWER .COM

The National Peanut Board is launching a new campaign that builds awareness to help parents overcome fears and concerns of early introduction of peanut foods to prevent allergies. Research indicates that parents are still reluctant to introduce baby-safe peanut foods around six months of age. In the first of a three-part video series, actor Justin Baldoni talked about introducing peanut foods to son Maxwell. Media coverage came from top millennial lifestyle outlets like PEOPLE, Cooking Light and Upworthy. On social media, consumer reaction is upbeat—praising NPB and Justin for raising awareness about this important initiative. Other families will be showcased as they introduce peanut foods, recipes and other family tips. The campaign is a partnership with the American College of Asthma,

PHOTO BY COLIN YOUNG WOLFF/AP IMAGES

New Allergy Campaign

Allergy and Immunology and the Food A llerg y and A naphyla xis Connection. While many parents and pediatricians embraced the idea of introducing peanuts early, around

4 to 6 months of age, the goal now is to help parents overcome any fear in following the guidelines. T he c a mpa ign website is PreventPeanutAllergies.org.

Premium Peanut Oil Mill Opens

Prem iu m Pe a nut of Dou g la s, Georgia, opened a $14 million peanut oil mill recently as key agriculture leaders praised the company and the continued growth of agriculture in the state. The peanut oil mill plant has the capacity of 100 tons of peanuts per day, which will generate approximately 60 tons of peanut meal and 40 tons of peanut oil. More than 350 guests from the community, state and industry attended the opening. Keynote speakers commented on the positive attributes of doing business in Georgia, and the value of agriculture for the state and nation included. Speaking at the event were A griculture Commissioner Ga r y Bl a c k , E c onom ic D e ve lopment C om m i s sioner Pat Wi l son a nd Georgia Congressman Rick Allen. Karl Zimmer, President and CEO, said, “It was an exciting day for our T WIT TER : @PE ANUTGROWER

Premium Peanut’s new $14 million oil mill began operating on March 1. “We are working through the normal startup processes and will ramp up production at a steady pace,” says Lee Taylor, Premium Peanut vice president.

company as we celebrate the start-up of Premium Peanut Oil and continue our mission of creating value for our 350 and more grower/owners. “We have received a great reception in the market, both domestically and internationally, and are proud to

commence these expansions so quickly after the start of shelling operations. Through these growth initiatives, we plan to expand our abilities to support customers with a stable, reliable, quality supply of peanuts and peanut oil,” Zimmer said. PG JUNE 2018 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

Did Planting Conditions Drive Acreage Toward Further Reduction?

hen we talk about peanut marketing, it’s supply versus demand that eventually rules. The government provides some stability and market protection for the grower; however, prices are influenced by the available peanut supply either in the loan or in the hands of the shellers. Shellers and buying points also have some protection with the market loan program, which furnishes a minimum price plus storage and handling expenses, all of which is paid back to the government when the peanuts are purchased for processing. The supply/demand scenario is more evident this year when USDA estimates an ending stock of 1,270,000 tons of peanuts after the 2017 crop of 3,617,000 tons. That is based on a total peanut supply of 4,400,000 tons and a disappearance of 3,130,000 tons. Those extra peanuts will eventually be consumed. Meanwhile, the extra supply of peanuts pushes prices downward eliminating any profit and causing some producers to just give up and look for something else to grow. All About Supply/Demand The 2018 peanut crop had a ho-hum start as the $500 per-ton contract of last year dropped to $400 per ton this year. Mainly caused by the oversupply, early contract prices were down. For planting conditions, spring came late as cooler temperatures lasted into April and early May. Drought continues in the Southwest and has also developed in East Georgia and North Florida. USDA predicted an 18 percent reduction in peanut acreage, based on farmer interviews. A 4,000 pound average yield nationwide would result in a 3,073,600 ton crop, if planting is at 1,536,500 8 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • JUNE 2018

J. Tyron Spearman

Contributing Editor, The Peanut Grower

Leading Marketing Indicators (May 10, 2018) 2017 Acreage Up 12% ..................................................... 1,870,000 acres 2018 Acreage Est. Down 18% ....................................... 1,536,500 acres 2017 Est. Production (4,074 lbs/A) ..................................... 3,616,800 tons 2017 FSIS Inspections (4-19-18) .......................................... 3,536,919 tons 2017 Market Loan (2017 crop) .......................................... 2,734,773 tons 2017 Market Loan not redeemed .................................... 1,453,805 tons 2017-18 Domestic Usage (8 Mo.) ............................................... Up 2.0 % 2017-18 Exports (7 mo.) ......................................................... Down 14.1 % NATIONAL POSTED PRICE (per ton) Runners -$424.43, Spanish - $409.00, Valencia and Virginias - $429.97

acres. Again, demand is about 3,130,000 tons. The cutback is not enough to eliminate another year of slightly more than 1 million tons as beginning stocks. Peanut growers with a peanut base are watching USDA predictions on the Price Loss Coverage (PLC), recently lowered to $85 per ton on 85 percent of the base tons. That payment is not until October and is based on the prices paid to farmers last year. Domestic Markets T h rou g h Ma rch, pe a nut u sa ge remains up 2 percent for first eight months; the market posted that same increase of 2.2 percent through March last year. The market at home continues to grow at a steady pace. Again, that supply keeps inf luencing that market with a commercial storage total of 4.21 billion pounds of actual farmer stock, up 33.3 percent over last year. As of May 5, the government’s Market Loan had 1,480,000 tons waiting to be redeemed, 680,000 tons more than last

year at the same time. Depending on movement from the loan to the market, in previous years, USDA has lowered the repayment rate in order to prevent forfeitures. Export Markets After suffering the worst drought in 60 years, Argentine peanut growers have now experienced weeks of cloudy, drizzling weather preventing harvest of what there is of the crop. As of May 1, digging was almost complete, but harvest of those peanuts was not more than 10 to 12 percent. Exports are expected to be about 400,000 tons, and the European Union will have to seek supplies from the United States or other sources such as from Brazil. Peanut products remain a popular snack for Chinese consumers and demand there is expected to increase. China is the world’s biggest peanut producer, but also a major end user of the nut and therefore a key importer of peanuts. In China, it was noted that, compared PE ANUTGROWER .COM

with other nuts, peanuts continue to have a relatively good price advantage. With good public communication and a wide range of healthy nutrition ideas, Chinese consumers will also select more types of peanut products, such as peanut butter, confectionery containing peanuts and peanut oil. The U.S. peanut market hopes that China will continue to import peanuts using some of the extra supply. When China buys, more than 30 percent of the U.S. crop could go to exports. Other top buyers are Canada (24%)

T WIT TER : @PE ANUTGROWER

and Mexico (20%). Negotiations of the North American Free Trade Agreement add uncertainty to the North American peanut market. Uncertainty Lack of contract signing has lots of farmers planting for rotation and depending on the markets to improve as the government loan will provide some stability. The 2018 Farm Bill is still an unknown. Amendments add to the uncertainty as Congress tries to protect

the world food supply. It is rumored that President Trump may veto the Farm Bill if the work/education requirement currently tied to food stamps is removed. What can the industry do to reduce the extra supply? Mother Nature could solve it. The lack of rainfall all across the peanut belt brings new problems, especially for dryland, and the cost of irrigation adds more problems and expense. Trade negotiations around the world could impact tariffs on peanuts. Lots to ponder and watch as we face 2018. PG

JUNE 2018 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

Disease Management Q & A Sclerotinia blight, chlorothalonil shortages and fungicide resistance are a few issues producers may deal with this season.

Q: A:

Sclerotinia blight has been found in Arkansas fields. How can I keep it from spreading into my fields?

BARBARA SHEW, NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY, BUGWOOD.ORG

Travis Faske, University of Arkansas, Extension plant pathologist Preventing the spread of the pathogen is the best way to keep fields free of Sclerotinia blight. The pathogen can be transported in soil or peanut vines that hitch a ride on cultivation or harvesting equipment. It is a cool-season fungal disease that is challenging to manage because host resistance is moderate at best, fungicides are few and expensive, and finally, once the disease has been detected in the field there is no way to eradicate the pathogen. Sclerotinia blight is caused by Sclerotinia minor and S. sclerotiorum. Typically, this disease begins in mid- to late September, but if temperatures in August are cooler, it will develThe first symptom of Sclerotinia op earlier. blight is the “flagging” or wilting of The first symptom is infected branch tips and petioles. the “flagging” or wilting of infected branch tips and petioles. With Sclerotinia blight, the leaves are curled rather than clasped together as with southern blight. With a closer inspection, the infected stems are often bleached with white fluffy hyphae surrounding the infested stem. Hyphae often become matted around the stem later in the afternoon, when conditions are warmer. Black sclerotia can be found on and inside of infected stems. If Sclerotinia blight is suspected, first confirm that the disease is Sclerotinia blight and document locations in the field where confirmed. Consider harvesting non-infested or non-diseased fields before harvesting diseased fields. Power wash equipment, tractor tires, tillage and harvesting equipment and remove as much soil as possible and all peanut stems before moving from infested or diseased fields to non-infested fields. It is also best to develop a long rotation program and keep the field out of peanut for at least two years, although longer is better. Sclerotinia sclerotia can remain viable in the soil for several years.

Q: 10 /

I'm having trouble locating my usual leaf spot fungicide with chlorothalonil. What are my options?

THE PE ANUT GROWER • JUNE 2018

Barbara Shew, North Carolina State University, research assistant professor entomology and plant pathology Chlorothalonil is critical in leaf spot management programs because it helps to reduce the risk of resistance to site-specific fungicides, groups 3, 7, 11, in leaf spot populations. Growers are most familiar with Bravo The best management of leaf Weather Stik but several spot disease includes variety other products and brands selection, timing of application selection of fungicides containing chlorothalonil and with different modes of action. are available. A table of products labeled on peanut and rates equivalent to 1.5 pints per acre Bravo can be found at http://go.ncsu.edu/readext?524210. If you locate another product containing chlorothalonil, be sure to verify that it is labeled for use on peanut before purchasing.

Q: A:

What can I do to stay on top of leaf spot and not compromise the fungicides used?

Bob Kemerait, University of Georgia Extension plant pathologist Fungicide resistance, where a fungicide or class of fungicides is less effective now than in the past, continues to be of significant concern for peanut producers. Today, we are increasingly concerned for the management of leaf spot diseases using fungicides in the strobilurin class that includes popular chemistries such as azoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin and fluoxastrobin. As azoxystrobin is now available in numerous generic formulations, overall use of this class of fungicides will continue to increase. Growers, especially those with increased risk to leaf spot diseases because of the variety they plant or peanuts planted in short rotation, should consider pre-mixes or tank-mixes of strobilurins with a fungicide of differing mode of action. Use of pre-mixes/tank-mixes has long been our recommendation for use of tebuconazole and some other triazole fungicides. Leaf spot diseases were severe in many fields during the 2017 season, largely because of significant rainfall during the first half of the season. Risk to leaf spot is of increased concern in 2018 because of limited supply of some important fungicides and concerns over current efficacy of some of our once “better” products. Growers should develop a plan for best management of leaf spot diseases that includes variety selection, timing of application and fungicide selection. PG PE ANUTGROWER .COM

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fungicide

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Meeting Crop Water Demand Wasted water is money down the drain; ensure that applied water is being used by the crop. By Amanda Huber

ith top-soil moisture registering as very short in six peanut states in mid-May, producers are hoping the drought trend breaks in favor of timely rains. Rarely though is irrigation not needed at some point during the production season. “Weather conditions from year to year are variable, can be difficult to plan for and have a large impact on crop growth, development and yield,” says Wes Porter, University of Georgia Extension irrigation specialist. “So we must find ways to adapt to changing conditions and manage our crop to these varying conditions.” Many options are available to aid in determining when and how much to irrigate peanuts. Porter says when we talk about irrigation scheduling, we are really talking about determining how much water is needed and when to apply it to the field to meet crop demands. “The purpose is to increase profitability and/or crop quality by increasing the efficiency of using water and energy or by increasing crop productivity,” he says. “We want to make sure that what we put out is being used by the crop and not being lost to runoff or evapotranspiration.” The Price Of Wasted Water University of Georgia Ag economists put the average cost of irrigation at $7.50 per acre inch of water applied. “Using this average, for 1,000 acres of irrigated land at 10 inches of irrigation, that’s $75,000,” Porter says. It’s obvious why every drop needs to be used by the crop and not wasted. To that end, Porter says the current water-use curves for most crops are based on outdated historical evapotranspiration data and are in need of updating. He says they are testing a new water-use curve for peanut that reduces the currently published curve by four to five inches. A new water-use curve for cotton was published in the 2018 cotton production guide, but more testing in needed before the information on peanut is released. Checkbook Overdrawn Of the methods used to schedule irrigation, based on a USDA National Agricultural Statistic Service Survey, visible stress, feel of soil and calendar schedule top the list. “If you are waiting on true visible stress, that’s lost yield potential on almost every crop we grow,” Porter says. “We 12 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • JUNE 2018

Calvin Trostle, of the UGA C.M. Stripling Irrigation Research Park, talks about different moisture monitoring devices.

need to use a better method.” The UGA Checkbook is another most commonly used methods for irrigation scheduling. However, Porter says caution should be exercised when implementing the checkbook because it was developed based on historical averages and is not an exact fit for years that are either wetter or drier than normal as it will over- and under-predict water need in those years respectively. “The total estimated water requirement based on the UGA Checkbook for peanuts is 23 inches,” he says. “It was developed based on historical evapotranspiration estimations over a number of years and is a very conservative method, meaning it will typically ‘over-water’ when compared to the actual crop requirement.” Porter says irrigation research over the past three years suggests that the UGA Checkbook over-irrigates peanuts causing both yield losses compared to other scheduling methods and PE ANUTGROWER .COM

costing much more from unnecessary irrigation events. Research is still being performed to determine exactly how much it should be reduced. Better Methods Available Online scheduling tools available are the USDA’s IrrigatorPro and University of Florida’s PeanutFARM. Both methods use local data to estimate peanut maturity through growing degree day models. By tracking rainfall and evapotranspiration, the tool will offer an estimated irrigation requirement. Porter says more advanced irrigation scheduling methods include soil and plant sensors. “Two of these sensors, for example, are capacitance and tensiometic soil moisture sensors. Meter and Watermark are two commonly known sensors of each type. A plant sensor includes SmartField’s SmartCrop canopy temperature sensor.” A favorable feature of the sensors is the wide variety of options and the ability to be integrated into a system for the producer. The UGA Easypan has proven time and again that it is a reliable method for estimating field evapotranspiration. It is also simple and inexpensive to build. Porter says that any method chosen should be based on the producer’s comfort level with technology and irrigation management.

2017 Irrigation Scheduling Trial at Stripling Irrigation Research Park in Camilla, Ga. Irrigation Treatment

Irrigation Amount (in)

Yield (lbs/A)

IWUE (lbs/in)

Dryland

1.00

5875

UGA SSA

2.85

6396

2244

UGA EasyPan

4.75

5987

1260

50% Checkbook

6.75

6262

927

UGA Checkbook

10.50

5749

547

PeanutFARM

5.50

5936

1079

IrrigatorPro

4.00

6260

1565

* Rainfall: 24.26 inches

Array or WaterMark probe system had not only the highest IWUE but also had the highest yield. IrrigatorPro, UGA EasyPan and PeanutFAR M, all had respectable yields and decent IWUE.

The EasyPan is a proven method of measuring field evapotranspiration.

Reducing Water Footprint Even without planning to, peanut producers have become more water efficient simply through the seed they plant. Newer peanut varieties have increased yields without increasing water consumption, which makes them more efficient at water use in terms of production. Knowing when and how much to irrigate through an irrigation scheduling method increases that efficiency and profit potential on the farm. PG

2017 Testing Because of abundant rainfall in 2017, Porter found no signif icant differences in yield between the irrigation scheduling treatments. However, there were differences between the amount of irrigation that was applied and in the Irrigation Water Use Efficiency (IWUE). “Since there was only irrigation applied to establish a stand and to activate herbicides, it had the highest IWUE. This was a high yield for a dryland crop,” he says. The two treatments with the most irrigation applied, even with the abundance of rain, and the lowest IWUE were the UGA Checkbook and the 50 percent UGA Checkbook treatments. “Both of these treatments show that there was no additional benefit for the irrigation above what was applied.” Porter says the UGA Smart Sensor T WIT TER : @PE ANUTGROWER

JUNE 2018 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

Nodule Analysis To Assess Crop Health The interior color of a Rhizobia-formed nodule may provide an early warning of drought and other crop stresses. By David Hensley and Diane Rowland, UF/IFAS Agronomy Department

ne of the primary benefits of growing legumes like peanut is their ability to convert nitrogen in the atmosphere to a form that is available for use throughout the plant. They do this by forming a symbiosis, or a mutual partnership, with bacteria known as Rhizobia. When Rhizobia become associated with peanut roots, the plant and bacteria form a structure known as a nodule that houses the bacteria and creates the most beneficial conditions for the bacteria to thrive. The nodule is also the site where the fixed atmospheric nitrogen is delivered to the plant. Barriers To Proper Nodulation Most of a legumeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nitrogen needs are supplied by the Rhizobia in its root nodules, and when nodules degrade either during the season or when the crop is harvested, some of that fixed nitrogen may become available to the following crop. However, one barrier to this process is if nitrogen happens to be high when peanut is planted, either through residual nitrogen left from the previous crop or if nitrogen is added to peanut directly. When nitrogen is high, this tends to decrease the symbiosis with Rhizobia, and thus the formation of nodules. Stages Of Activity Current research at the University of Florida (UF/IFAS) is looking at this nodulation process closely, characteriz-

14â&#x20AC;&#x160;/

THE PE ANUT GROWER â&#x20AC;˘ JUNE 2018

UF/IFAS agronomy students dig up peanut plants for a nodule sample at the Suwannee Valley Agricultural Extension Center near Live Oak, Florida.

ing the different stages of development that nodules pass through. This knowledge may help growers better gauge how the symbiosis between peanut and the bacteria is progressing during the season, as well as estimate the stress level being experienced by the crop. To do this, graduate student David Hensley in the laboratory of Dr. Diane

Rowland has been studying closely how nodules initiate, grow and become active, and finally degrade through the course of a season. Using a digital, automatic color image analysis process, Hensley is able to use scanned images of root nodules removed from peanuts to determine the total number and average size of the nodules, and by cutting the PE ANUTGROWER .COM

nodules open, can determine their internal color. These three traits together are indicative of how effective the symbiosis is between the peanut and Rhizobia and how well the process of fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere is progressing. Determining Nitrogen Fixation The internal color of the nodule dictates its activity level. Nodules that are deep red in color are active, indicating that conditions are optimal for Rhizobia to perform their nitrogen-fixing function. Nodules with lighter, whitish internal color do not yet, or possibly never will, have active Rhizobia; and greenish nodules have begun to naturally age and will cease to fix nitrogen. Dark, blackish nodules, on the other hand, have begun to decay due to damage or possibly stress. By assessing the relative presence of these colors, the effectiveness of the root nodules can be determined at any point during the growing season. This color analysis system can help growers in determining the overall health of the nodulation of their peanut crop. By assessing the color classes and the number of nodules within each color class, information about how healthy the nodules are in a field can be noted. Nodules respond to stress in the environment by stopping nitrogen fixation, or even by decaying faster than in the best field conditions, so this assessment can give an indication to the grower about the level of stress experienced by the peanut. Early Warning System This provides growers with one more tool in scouting for stress and diagnosing possible problems the crop may be facing. Ultimately, nodule color may be an early warning system, since this symbiosis is one of the first responders to drought and other crop stresses. These color assessments can help researchers and eventually growers understand these stress conditions, as well as the processes occurring at the end of a nodule’s life cycle. Monitoring these processes, which are crucial to the release of nitrogen from root nodules into the soil, will also help quantify the nitrogen benefits from rotations that include peanuts. PG T WIT TER : @PE ANUTGROWER

From left to right, examples of nodule internal color representing not yet active Rhizobia, increasingly active, fully active and darkening to green and black, representing senescence and decay. These individual nodules are only a few millimeters wide, and are taken from scanned images used in UF/IFAS digital color analysis. Peanut nodules are carefully removed from sampled roots from the field.

Inoculant Tips • Extreme conditions, such as heat, drought or flooding, can reduce Rhizobia populations in the soil. • Do not rely on foliage color as different varieties vary in color. • The number of years between planting may not be the most accurate way to determine whether or not to apply an inoculant. • Residual nitrogen in the soil or the use of nitrogen fertilizer at planting can negatively affect the formation of nodules and decrease the natural nitrogen fixation of the legume. • Use a fresh, high-quality inoculant specific to peanuts. • Store product in cool, dry place; never store in direct sunlight. • Calibrate equipment to ensure proper delivery of the recommended rate. • Plant into moist soil at a depth to protect the seed and inoculant from harsh weather. • Set planting speed and equipment to ensure complete soil coverage of seed and inoculant to prevent drying out. • Do not use chlorinated water for liquid inoculants. • Read and follow product label. • Consult with product dealer about specific compatibility concerns.

JUNE 2018 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

APRES Turns 50 Society meetings continue to foster collaborative efforts and creative solutions to industry challenges. By Amanda Huber

American Peanut Research Society Annual Meeting When: July 10-12, 2018 Where: Williamsburg, Va. Theme: APRES... Celebrating our Past; Inspiring our Future Website: For more details, visit www.apresinc.com

“

The annual APRES meeting gives members a chance to discuss research findings and future collaborative projects. At this meeting, we can celebrate with retired, current and new members of APRES to celebrate where we have been, what we are doing and where we are going.” Pete Dotray, APRES President

he American Peanut Research and Education Society celebrates 50 years of work, study, research, learning and accomplishments around one of the most important and beloved crops: the peanut. To mark the Golden Anniversary, a program highlighting the past accomplishments in the industry and looking ahead to future “game changing” discoveries has been planned for the APRES annual meeting in July, says APRES President Pete Dotray, Texas A&M University Extension weed specialist. “The annual APRES meeting gives members a chance to discuss research findings and future collaborative projects,” Dotray says. “At this meeting, we can celebrate with retired, current and new members of APRES to celebrate where we have been, what we are doing and where we are going.”

from top to bottom of the pressing issues and encourages new and creative solutions.” he says. “As new challenges continue to emerge and support for agriculture and agriculture research slowly erodes, it helps members address those challenges and continue the strong support of a sound peanut industry.” O ver t he c ou rse of it s 50 ye a rs, Brandenburg says APRES has helped keep members focused on the tasks at hand. Each researcher may view a small segment or portion from their own experience and work, but APRES gives everyone a sense of the bigger picture and helps everyone bring their part together wherein the result is everyone pulling in the same direction for the betterment of the peanut industry. “It has helped foster a collaborative project that otherwise would not have happened,” he says.

Working Toward A Common Goal The goal of APRES is to provide consumers with wholesome peanuts and peanut products at reasonable prices. To achieve this goal, a comprehensive and effective research and educational program designed to improve the inherent qualities of peanuts is essential. Research is continually focused on improved varieties, production, harvesting, curing, storing and processing methodology promoting peanut quality. Rick Brandenburg, North Carolina State University Extension specialist, who is also the program chairman this year, says that APRES has been the one place where all members of the peanut domain — academia, government and industry — can come together and see the whole process from seed to consumption in one place.

Looking Ahead To New Discoveries Besides the university and Extension researchers, APRES has also been a place where graduate students listen, learn and even present their own research. Dotray says at this 50-year celebration a new graduate student organization will be formed. “APRES is a family friendly meeting that I look forward to as much as any of my annual professional organizations,” he says. “The society has encouraged life-long friendships among many of its members, which has provided benefits to many of us,” Brandenburg says. The annual meeting will be held July 10-12, 2018, in Williamsburg, Virginia. The theme for the meeting — APRES… Celebrating our Past; Inspiring our Future — will offer a look back at 50 years of APR ES and industry accomplishments matched with a futuristic symposium on what to expect in the next 50 years. PG

Bringing Together The Big Picture “The society helps create more dialogue 16 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • JUNE 2018

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No nut has a better sustainability story than peanuts

Water Use

Chemical Use

Resource Use

Peanuts use less water than comparable sources of nutrition.

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

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

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

BOLO: Cogongrass This aggressive weed forms dense stands over large areas and can eliminate native plants. By Amanda Huber

outh Carolina peanut farms are on the front lines for the advancing march of cogongrass, and producers are asked to stay vigilant for this invasive species. “Cogongrass is one of the most serious invasive species in the southeast,” says Justin Ballew, Clemson University Cooperative Extension. “This time of year it’s in full bloom and easy to identify, so now is when state regulators are out visiting and monitoring populations.” Described by Clemson University’s Department of Plant Industries (DPI) as a plant species that could be far worse than other rampant exotics like kudzu, invasive cogongrass is considered to be one of the top 10 worst weeds in the world. It was first found in South Carolina in 1987 at a site in Hampton County that is still active. Call If Found The department is charged with the eradication of this plant and has treated all reported infestations, but new sites are found each year. Left unchecked, this aggressive weed forms dense stands over large areas and can virtually eliminate native plants. Cogongrass is mostly unpalatable to livestock and wildlife and can create a significant fire hazard. Ballew urges anyone who believes they have cogongrass on their property, to contact the Clemson DPI immediately so that control may be initiated. “Take a look at the information on how to identify cogongrass,” he says. “The map shows the counties in South Carolina where cogongrass has been

18 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • JUNE 2018

recorded. If you live near one of those counties especially, be on the lookout.” Do Not Dig Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica), an Asian native grass, is a federally regulated noxious invasive weed that can easily displace native plants that are used by birds, animals and insects for forage and shelter. The weed also poses a threat as a fire hazard. Cogongrass burns very hot and will burn beneficial plants commonly managed with fire. Cogongrass is spread by both windblown seeds – a single plant can produce 3,000 seeds – and underground branching rhizomes. Each rhizome, or fragment of rhizome, can start a new plant. Seeds or pieces of rhizomes moved to new areas in soil, hay or sod, or on equipment can easily sprout and start

new infestations. Producers are asked to not dig up cogongrass patches in an effort to remove the weed, but to instead call their Extension agent who will put them in contact with the proper authorities on invasive weed species in their respective state. Several states have a cogongrass taskforce who work to verify and properly document weed sightings and will assess the situation to determine the best way to eradicate the weed. What To Look For The leaves of cogongrass are onehalf to 1 inch wide, and it grows 1 to 6 feet tall. The edge of leaves is rough like sandpaper, and it is often yellowish-green with white midrib that is generally off-center, especially near the base of the leaves. Flowers grow 2 to 8 inches in length PE ANUTGROWER .COM

Key Identification Features of Cogongrass Rhizome/Roots

Flower/Seed head

• • • • •

• Cylindrical in shape • 2-8 inches in length (total flower or seed head) • Silvery white in color • Light fluffy dandelion-like seeds • Blooms from late March to mid-June (flower timing depends somewhat on local climate)

Dense mat Many sharp points Covered in flaky scales Bright white under scales Strongly segmented

Cogongrass is spread by windblown seeds and underground branching rhizomes. Each rhizome, or fragment of rhizome, can start a new plant.

Flowers grow 2 to 8 inches in length and are silvery white. Seeds are also silvery white and are light and fluffy, blowing off like dandelion seeds.

JAMES H. MILLER, USDA FOREST SERVICE, BUGWOOD.ORG

CHRIS EVANS, UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS, BUGWOOD.ORG

Leaves

Plant Base

• • • • • • •

• No apparent stem • Leaves appear to arise directly from or close to the ground • Overlapping sheaths give a rounded appearance to the plant base • All vegetation doesn’t arise from one dense clump, instead the plants are more spread out • Light-green to yellowish in color, or could be reddish • Often a lot of thatch around base

Blades up to 6 feet long About 1 inch wide Whitish, prominent midrib, that is often off center Margins finely serrate Some leaves are very erect, but some may droop or lie flat Often light yellowish-green in color Could have a reddish cast in fall/winter or brown after frost or freeze

Whole Plant • • • •

Densely growing patches Tall grass (up to six feet, averaging 3-4 feet) Circular infestations Plants often turn brown in winter (at least partially, but may depend on local climate)

The leaves of cogongrass are one-half to 1 inch wide with a white midrib that is generally off-center. CHRIS EVANS, UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS, BUGWOOD.ORG

Leaf collar/Ligule • Ligule is a thin-fringed membrane • Leaf sheaths overlapping, giving the plant a round appearance • Hairy (the ligule is the most hairy part of the plant, the plant base may also be somewhat hairy)

and are silvery white. Seeds are also silvery white and are light and fluffy, blowing off like dandelion seeds. Cogongrass blooms in spring or early summer or after a disturbance. Plant leaves appear to come out of the ground with no apparent stem. Plants are more spread out than clumped. Underground, light-colored rhizomes and roots form a dense mat, and rhizomes are covered in flaky scales and T WIT TER : @PE ANUTGROWER

Do not attempt to dig up cogongrass or otherwise try to remove it. Instead, allow authorities to properly identify and document the invasive weed and determine the best method of eradication. KARAN A. RAWLINS, UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA, BUGWOOD.ORG

are strongly segmented with sharp points. The whole plant grows in dense, often circular, patches. Take Action On This Weed Remember to clean vehicles, equipment and clothing if it is suspected that you were operating in an infested area. If working in areas infested with cogongrass is unavoidable, clean vehicles, equipment and clothing before mov-

ing to an uncontaminated site. Because cogongrass is classified as a federal and state noxious weed, it is illegal to transport plants, seeds or plant parts. For more information about cogongrass and its control, visit www.cogongrass.org or contact your count y Extension office. South Carolina producers can contact the Department of Plant Industry at 864-646-2140 if cogongrass is suspected in your area. PG 19

JUNE 2018 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

Impact Of Rotation On Yield Root-knot nematode is one pest affected by rotation out of peanut.

Nematode Decline The peanut root-knot nematode affects the roots of peanut plants, where the nematodes lay eggs. This causes the plant to swell and results in yield loss. If peanuts are rotated with another row crop like cotton or corn, instances of root-knot nematode decline and peanut yields increase. The longer the crop rotations are sustained, the more effective the peanut crop will be. “Our numbers for peanut root-knot nematode decreased when going from a oneyear (or continuous) rotation to a two-year rotation, where we put one crop in between peanut crops,” Tubbs says. “We reduced the number of peanut root-knot nematodes by half. If you take it out to a three-year rotation, where you grow two crops in between peanut crops, we actually reduced peanut root-knot nematodes by 90 percent.” Alternate The Host A four-year rotation by Tubbs, where three crops were planted between peanuts 20 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • JUNE 2018

JOSH THOMPSON

armers may have more success growing peanuts if they don’t continuously plant peanuts in the same field, according to Scott Tubbs, University of Georgia Tifton campus’s research cropping system agronomist for peanuts. Tubbs has studied the impact of peanut rotation since 2008. Instead of growing peanuts in a field for consecutive years, called “continuous peanut rotation,” he believes that Georgia growers should plant a rotation of crops in each field, allowing time to avoid the buildup of diseases, nematodes and other pest problems. In research conducted at UGA-Tifton, Tubbs recorded a decrease in yields by as much as 2,000 pounds per acre during continuous peanut rotation. In this specific trial, the decline in yields was caused by the buildup of root-knot nematodes.

crops and peanuts were grown once every four years, reduced peanut root-knot nematodes by 97 to 99 percent. “Rotating other crops with peanuts prevents peanut root-knot nematodes simply because it alternates the host,” Tubbs says. There have been extreme fluctuations in peanut acreage in recent years, from a 90-year low of 430,000 acres in 2013 to last year’s 840,000 acres, a 25-year high, according to the “UGA Peanut Production Quick Reference Guide.” “Acreage has been more consistent in the last three years, but consistently high,” Tubbs says. “This has put a strain on maintaining recommended crop rotations for peanuts.” For more information on crop rotation, visit the UGA Extension publications website at extension.uga.edu/publications. html. PG

 Galling from root-knot nem-

atodes on pods and pegs results in yield losses in continuous peanut.

Rotation Length’s Effect On Nematode Population  Two years — Reduced root-knot nematode by 50 percent  Three years — Reduced root-knot nematode by 90 percent.  Four years — Reduced rootknot nematode by 97 to 99 percent.

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Don’t Wait On Weeds Depending on weather and field conditions in May, there can be a wide range of peanut sizes and ages moving into June and July. Peanuts in the V-C region most likely will be four to six weeks old in mid-June. Hopefully, herbicide programs used at planting have performed well. The same is true for thrips control. For fields where weeds DAVID JORDAN North Carolina State have escaped, herbicide appliUniversity cation timeliness and applying Extension Agronomist the correct rate of herbicides are keys to success. Depending on weather patterns and weed emergence, it can be tempting to let a few more weeds emerge with the hopes that one postemergence application will be completely successful. The reality is that weeds keep on growing and waiting for others to emerge creates a challenge, especially for paraquat and PPO-inhibiting herbicides. This often happens when conditions are dry and growers are deciding whether to treat or wait just a little longer. Making the application on time is generally the best thing to do as waiting longer simply allows the weeds to get bigger and more difficult to kill. In addition to weed control and suppressing thrips if systemic insecticides at planting provided marginal control, growers will be applying gypsum on Virginia market types and in most cases to runner-market types as well. Some fields will also need insecticide to control southern corn rootworm, and fungicide sprays for leaf spot and stem rot are right around the corner (applications in the V-C region begin around the R3 stage of growth, which is often during the first two weeks of July.)

22 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • JUNE 2018

Develop your fungicide programs keeping in mind what worked well in 2017 and what worked poorly. Let peanuts get some size on them before applying gypsum (apply gypsum during the last two weeks of June to avoid washing of soil if we get heavy rains.) In early June, if plant populations are two or less per foot, planting more seed can help, but if you have three or more plants per foot, there is minimal benefit to increasing the population. On a final note, we tend to get in a rush this time of year and sometimes that can set us back. A friend of mine once told me, “There is never enough time to do it right but there is always enough time to do it over.” We should all keep that in mind when we make a decision and implement a practice, especially when we feel rushed.

Taking A ‘Pegging Zone’ Test? The peanut crop is off to a good start in Georgia with most of the crop planted, emerged and growing. One thing growers need to keep in mind is calcium. Growers do not want to get to the end of the season and learn about a calcium deficiency. The most noted symptom of calcium SCOTT MONFORT deficiency in peanut is underUniversity of Georgia developed kernels in the pod Extension Agronomist better known as “pops.” Glen Harris, UGA soil fertility specialist, recommends supplemental calcium based on the following conditions: 1. When soil test for Ca is less than 500 pounds per acre (Mehlich 1 extraction), 2. When the Ca:K ratio is less than 3:1 (i.e. at least three times as much Ca as K), and/or 3. When peanuts are grown for seed. Calcium on seed peanuts is important because a lack of calcium can cause poor germination. How does a grower determine the calcium level in a select field once peanuts are planted? If a soil sample was not taken in the spring and you are unsure of your calcium levels in the soil, a “pegging zone” sample is the easiest way to determine if a select field has adequate calcium for pod development. The pegging zone sample is taken just like a regular soil sample but only at the depth of three inches. Taking the sample no more than three inches ensures growers get an adequate measurement of calcium in the pegging zone only. One thing to remember – pegging zone samples need to be taken as soon after emergence as possible in order to get the results back and the calcium applied by the time the plants initiate blooming. Please contact your county Extension agent for more information. PG PE ANUTGROWER .COM

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For detailed conference and registration information, visit www.southernpeanutfarmers.org. www.southernpeanutfarmers.org. Room reservations at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort can be made online or by calling calling 800-622-1038 and asking for the Southern Peanut Growers Conference rate.

jully 19-21, 2018 july Southern Peanut Growers Conference TBOEFTUJO HPMG CFBDI SFTPSU Ĺ° NJSBNBS CFBDI GMPSJEB

Brought Brought tto o yyou ou b byy the ffamily a amily ffarmers a armers of the SSouthern outhern P Peanut eanut FFarmers a armers FFederation eederration a www.southernpeanutfarmers.org www.southernpeanutfarmers.org

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