Peanut Grower June 2019

The

PEANUTGROWER ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

JUNE 2019

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

Another Nematode To Watch For Tankmix Thoughts

The Critical Period Of

Weed Control

You Made

Peanuts

Millennials’ Favorite Nut

According to a new survey, Millennials say peanuts are their favorite nut and are more likely to recommend peanuts and peanut butter than the general population because they taste great, are easy to eat on the go and are affordable.

The National Peanut Board, which represents America’s 7,000 peanut farming families, conducted an online survey of 1,500 Americans in November 2018 to track attitudes, perceptions and consumption habits of peanuts and other foods.

The

JUNE 2019

PEANUTGROWER ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

JUNE 2019

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

Another Nematode To Watch For

Volume 31 • Number 6

Tankmix Thoughts

The Critical Period Of

Weed Control

Departments 4

5

8

Editor’s Note Useful, but underutilized technology News Briefs Could Mexico become No. 1?

Market Watch Lack of contracting puts producers in unfamiliar position

20 Peanut Pointers Use the SCR Index before spraying

Stay Connected

14 Features

10 Planting Progress

Some areas are right on schedule, but others face uncertainty and challenges.

11 Critical Period Of Weed Control

Keep the crop clean through the first weeks to maintain yield.

12 Producers’ Top 10

What are the production practices for top yields?

14 Tropical Spiderwort

How to combat this formidable foe, plus tankmix thoughts.

16 Sting Nematode

How to recognize and manage this microscopic predator.

18 Unprecedented Accuracy 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 T WIT TER : @ PE ANUTGROWER

New sequencing technology allows for greater insights into genetic structure.

Cover photo by Amanda Huber JUNE 2 019 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

3

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 © 2019 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.

Useful, But Underutilized Technology

I

feel extremely blessed to be the editor of Peanut Grower and to have been able to do this working remotely from my home all these years. This has only been accomplished because of my access to reliable Internet. For years, I have used Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) to get a high-speed bandwidth connection, which goes over the phone line in frequencies that the telephone doesn’t use. It still works great.

Unfortunately, DSL is now considered old technology, and AT&T stopped installing it a couple years ago. I’ve now heard through people “in the know” that Amanda Huber they will stop supporting DSL in the Editor, The Peanut Grower next few years. This scares the daylights out of me because I don’t think they have a viable alternative for what I need.

Daily I see people within my county asking about decent, workable Internet — not even great Internet — just anything that will work.

Recently, Wes Porter, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension precision agriculture and irrigation specialist, and Glen Rains, UGA agricultural engineer, along with a group of stakeholders from the Georgia Peanut Commission, Georgia Cotton Commission, Georgia Pecan Commission and the Flint River Water District and Reps. Buddy Carter (R-Ga) and Austin Scott (R-Ga) sat down with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Brendan Carr. They were able to tell him about all the technological advancements farmers have at their fingertips but are not able to use because of the lack of broadband Internet access for many.

“We’re creating all sorts of useful data on machines in the field but if we don’t have a reliable way to get it off the machines, processed and back into the farmers’ hands, it’s not going to be utilized,” Porter said.

Porter and Rains made it plain that tools such as auto-steer technology, variable-rate irrigation, in-field controllers, smartphone apps, soil moisture sensors and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are all critical precision agriculture tools they use in their research. While these technologies help UGA scientists be more efficient in the field, many of the state’s producers are restricted by the lack of broadband access or poor-quality broadband service.

“We’re sitting on the cusp of all of this new and innovative technology.

Most of our farmers have this technology, but it’s underutilized for that one reason,” Porter said.

For your sake and mine, I hope that Commissioner Carr heard Porter, Rains, the Congressmen and others in their earnest plea for real help with rural broadband.

One Grower Publishing, LLC 875 W. Poplar Ave., Suite 23, Box 305, Collierville, TN 38017 Phone: 901-767-4020

4 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • JUNE 2 019

PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

2018 Peanut Crop Value According to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, the price of peanuts averaged $0.214 per pound ($428 ton) last season, 6.5 percent lower than 2017. The value of the 2018 peanut crop at farm level is $1,155,709,000, a 29.3 percent decrease from 2017. Harvested peanut acres were down 22 percent.

The highest average price was paid in New Mexico at $594 per ton followed by Texas at $500 per ton.

The lowest price average was paid in Arkansas at $386 per ton. Georgia was next lowest at $400 per ton followed by Mississippi at $408 per ton.

About 50 percent of the revenue from peanuts was produced in Georgia.

Ranking second with revenue is Texas at 10.4 percent followed by Alabama at 10.2 percent.

Per Capita Consumption The percentage growth in peanut usage is about the same as the population growth. Edible peanut consumption is about 8 pounds per person and added with peanut oil/crushing, it is about 8.69 pounds per person. The per capita consumption of almonds is 2.37 pounds per year, walnuts is .49 pounds per year, pecans comes in at .45 pounds per year, followed by pistachios at .42 pounds per year. These nut industries invest in advertising, research and education in hopes of luring consumers away from the best buy on the shelf: peanuts and peanut butter.

Meeting With Trade Officials A delegation of peanut leaders recently met with trade policymakers in Washington, D.C. The group met with Rep. Drew Ferguson (R-Ga), House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Asia Subcommittee Ranking member Rep. Ted Yoho (R-Fla.), plus USDA’s trade team and U.S. Trade Rep. Greg T WIT TER : @ PE ANUTGROWER

Doud, the top ag trade negotiator.

Participating in these trade talks were members from the Georgia Peanut Commission, the Southern Pea nut Fa rmers Federation, t he Nat iona l Pea nut Buy ing Point s Association and the American Peanut Shellers Association.

The delegation expressed support for the Trans Pacific Partnership, which would increase peanut exports to Japan and take away Japanese tariffs. Japan has an in-quota tariff of 10 percent. The 2018 total imports were 91,000 MT. The delegation also supported getting back to regular trade with China and supporting trade with Vietnam. Additionally, if the United Kingdom leaves the European Union, the peanut industry supports continued duty-free access to that market.

A Decade Of Growth In Mexico Mexico’s demand for peanuts outweighs their own ability to supply so the United States is a top source, and it’s been growing in importance. From 2007 to 2017, U.S. peanut sales to Mexico more than quadrupled.

In the United States, the number one way to enjoy peanuts is in peanut butter. But in Mexico, it’s all about peanut snacks. Walking along the streets of Cuernavaca, Guadalajara or Mexico City, you’ll find vendors selling roasted, salted “cacahuetes” in long tubes or expertly tied plastic or paper bags.

Japanese-style peanuts, which are roasted peanuts coated in a crunchy shell—like a savory version of an M&M coating—are very popular and sold by brands like Michel and Mafer in a variety of spiced flavors.

Enchilada is a popular flavor for peanut snacks, but more nuanced flavors like lemon and lime, and functional mixes for energy, antioxidants and protein are gaining traction as well.

With the focus on peanut snacks, you might wonder how much pea-

In Brief: • Average price down, per capita consumption keeps pace with population growth • Delegation expressed support for Trans Pacific Partnership for trade with Asian countries • Exports to Mexico quadruple in last decade, and they have yet to discover a taste for PB • APC promotes peanut sales to Colombia, Japan • See the Calendar of Events

nut butter people in Mexico eat. The answer is not much—yet. In the United States, about 94 percent of American households contain at least one jar of peanut butter. In Mexico, it’s about 10 percent. One Mexican peanut butter brand, Aladino, is seeking to change that by promoting the nutrition, flavor and versatility of peanut butter to Mexican consumers.

Supporting The USO Within the past year, the VirginiaC a rol i na promot ion s te a m h a s been working with United Service Organizations (USO) centers affiliated with airports and bases in the Virginia-Carolina region. They have partnered with more than 15 centers and have donated a box of VirginiaCarolina grown peanuts each month.

The promotion started with donations in Virginia and then North and South Carolina.

The military holds a large presence in the V-C region. Marianne Copelan, Executive Director Virginia Carolinas Peanut Promotions, said, “We will continue to support our troops and give back to each USO center at major airports in our region and hope they enjoy our snack as much as our farmers love to grow them.”

5

JUNE 2 019 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

‘Mr. Peanut’ Frank McGill Honored

F

rank McGill, 92, affectionally known as “Mr. Peanut,” received the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences’ Medallion of Honor during a private event on Thursday, May 2, on the UGA Tifton campus.

The Medallion of Honor is presented to an outstanding individual or couple in recognition of dedication to the college’s mission and to express gratitude for the time, advice, support and influence they have provided.

“Once in a generation, someone comes along who forever changes a segment of agriculture. When it comes to peanuts, Frank McGill is that person.

Scientists, farmers and even former U.S. President Jimmy Carter will tell you, without hesitation, that Frank McGill was extremely instrumental in developing the peanut industry in Georgia,” said CAES Dean Sam Pardue, who presented McGill with the award. “His wise counsel, steady advice and dedication to teaching the latest principles and production practices helped triple Georgia peanut yields, changing the economic future of southwest Georgia, which now produces nearly half of the nation’s total peanut crop.”

A native of Chula, Georgia, McGill earned a bachelor’s degree in agronomy in 1951 and a master’s degree in agronomy in 1962 from CAES. ‘Package Approach’ Team Member He began his career with UGA as a county agent in southwest Georgia and later became the state’s UGA Cooperative Extension peanut specialist.

McGill, who worked at the Coastal Plain Experiment Station in Tifton, Georgia, was a member of the UGA Cooperative Extension peanut team that developed a “package approach” for peanut production in Georgia. From 1954 to 1982, McGill’s expertise helped Georgia’s peanut yields increase from 955 pounds per

6 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • JUNE 2 019

acre in 1955 to 2,040 pounds in 1967 and 3,220 pounds in 1974.

Over his career, McGill traveled to 21 countries as a peanut consultant. He traveled to Australia and India to review research and Extension programs and to Honduras, Suriname and Barbados to “jump start” local peanut production and to help eliminate pellagra, a protein deficiency that was affecting children there.

McGill served as a technical advisor to the Georgia Peanut Commission, U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, National Peanut Council and the National Peanut Growers Group.

His honors include being named president of the American Peanut Research and Education Society and chairman of a special task force requested by the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee to determine the 40-year impact of peanut policy on the family farm. UGA named him a D.W. Brooks Distinguished Professor of Agronomy and Progressive Farmer

magazine named him Man of the Year.

He was inducted into the Georgia Peanut Hall of Fame in 1982 and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Peanut Council in 1999. The Council also officially named McGill “Mr. Peanut” that year. In 1996, he was inducted into the Georgia Agricultural Hall of Fame and received the American/World Agriculture Award from the National County Agents Association in 2000. Last year, he received the Valor Award from the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation.

World-Wide Impact Of his numerous accolades, a humble McGill said, “I just did what I was hired to do.”

At his retirement in 1982, McGill discouraged gifts and the numerous monetary donations he received were used to create the J. Frank McGill “Up with Peanuts” Scholarship. As a result, a $2,000 scholarship has since been awardPE ANUTGROWER .COM

“Frank is a phenomenal individual. I believe he is part of the reason the industry is as strong as it is, and production is as great as it is.”

JOE WEST, assistant dean UGA Tifton campus

ed each year to a rising junior or senior UGA crop and soil sciences major.

After retirement, McGill remained an active voice in the peanut industry.

He served as president of the American Peanut Research and Education Society, chairman of the U.S. Task Force on Peanut Policy and the U.S. Peanut Improvement Working Group.

He also worked as a peanut consultant with M&M Mars for 16 years, followed by four years as a part-time consultant with the National Peanut Laboratory.

McGill was selected as one of 12 UGA scientists whose work has impacted the world in the last 100 years as part of UGA’s centennial celebrations. And, in October 2018, he was honored by the UGA Graduate School as an Alumnus of Distinction.

“Frank is a phenomenal individual. I believe he is part of the reason the industry is as strong as it is, and production is as great as it is,” said Joe West, assistant dean of the UGA Tifton campus. West and UGA-Tifton honored McGill as one of 12 scientists whose work has impacted the world during a special ceremony in Tifton, Georgia, in 2015.

“I think he is an excellent example of what a faculty member at the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences can aspire to for a career of service,” West said. PG Clint Thompson is a news editor with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences based in Tifton.

T WIT TER : @ PE ANUTGROWER

The peanuts snacks are perfect for a quick, portable source of protein.

Copelan says they have received such positive feedback from all the centers, with some centers ordering more than one box a month.

APC Seeking New Sales Outlets The American Peanut Council staff will attend the U.S.-Colombia Agribusiness Trade Mission sponsored by USDA scheduled for June 4-7 in Bogota, Colombia. Exports to Colombia have grown 181 percent (1,675 to 4,713 MT) since APC identified it as a priority market and began trade promotion efforts there.

Plans are also underway to bring Colombian buyers to the Texas harvest tour this fall.

The APC also took an industry team to Japan to interview agencies to help execute planned consumer and trade promotions there. While APC has had a trade promotion program in Japan since 2010 and exports have increased by 54 percent during that time (12,102 to 18,639 MT), with additional money from USDA, they have been able to launch a new consumer campaign. The new campaign will promote the health and nutritional benefits of peanuts, which are not as well known in Japan as it is for tree nuts.

International Peanut Forum Set The next International Peanut Forum (IPF) will take place at the prestigious Corint hia Hotel in Budapest, Hungary, April 22-24, 2020.

The International Peanut Forum provides an opportunity to increase your company’s visibility within the global peanut industry. It is an opportunity to promote your services, products and brand to the key decision makers attending this industry-wide event.

All sponsors will receive recognition on IPF mailings, on the IPF

Calendar • June 23-25, 2019 — USA Peanut Congress, The Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island, Florida.

For information, call 229-8882508 or visit www.peanutsusa.com.

• July 9-11, 2019 — American Peanut Research and Educational Society Annual Meeting, The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center, Auburn, Alabama. For more information, visit www. apresinc.com.

• July 18, 2019 — Stripling’s Irrigation Research Park Field Day, Camilla, Georgia. Begins at 8:30 a.m., lunch provided.

For information, call 229-5223623 • July 18-20, 2019 — Southern Peanut Growers Convention, Edgewater Beach and Golf Resort, Panama City Beach, Florida. For registration, go to www.southernpeanutfarmers.org. For rooms, call Edgewater Beach Resort at 800874-8686 and request the Peanut Grower’s Conference rate ID – 10Z6G7.

• July 25, 2019 — Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition Field Day, Spence Field, Moultrie, Georgia. For information, call 229985-1968 or visit www.sunbeltexpo.com. Shuttles begin at 9 a.m.

webpages and on the official meeting app, with links through to your company website whenever possible.

There will also be prominent sponsorship signage at the event. For information on sponsorship or participation opportunities, email Louise McKerchar at lmckerchar@peanutsusa.org.uk.

7

JUNE 2 019 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

Lack Of Contracting Puts Producers In Unfamiliar Position

A

s the 2019 peanut crop gets planted, markets remain quiet.

Buyers are aware that carry forward numbers are high and so there is no urgency to book any additional peanuts. Buyers at home and abroad are open to offers of 2019 crop, but most shellers are off the market as farmers are unwilling to contract at the sheller’s offer of mostly $400 per ton for runner peanuts.

There is a different scenario for the 2019 peanut crop in that shellers have not contracted much at planting time.

Farmers may contract after planting or may not.

Leading Marketing Indicators (As of May 3, 2019) 2019 Acreage Est. Acreage (up 2%).............................. 1,449,000 acres 2018 Production Est. (3,991lbs/A)....................................... 2,730,800 tons 2018 Market Loan ............................................................... 2,339,940 tons 2018 Redeemed ..................................................................... 951,927 tons 2018-19 Domestic Usage (8 Mo.) ................................... DOWN — 1.2 % 2018-19 Exports (6 Mo.) .................................................... DOWN — 1.5 % NATIONAL POSTED PRICE (per ton) Runners: $424.49; Spanish: $415.84; Valencia and Virginias: $429.80

Uncharted Territory This is a scenario in which weather may affect market development. If it gets dry this summer, farmers will not contract and buyers will not be able to buy as shellers will not be able to negotiate a contract. If we haven’t contracted and if weather conditions are favorable, as the crop progresses, farmers will want to contract. Historically, at this time of year shellers are well contracted, so we are sailing into unknown territory this season.

Buyers want to buy in the 45 to 46 cents range, which would reflect farmer-stock prices of $400 per ton, and growers are saying why lock in something that low and take any potential upside off the market? Growers might sign in the $425 to $450 range, which would reflect 48 to 50 cents per pound.

Shellers are caught in the middle.

Farmers are sailing into that unknown market territory with few contracts, but the market loan gives them some protection, especially those coupled with the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) on base acres. The average price of peanuts has been pushed lower and lower and that means a higher PLC payment next October.

USDA estimates peanut growers intend to plant 1.45 million acres in 2019, up 2 percent from 2018. The states expecting an increase in planted area are Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma and Texas. In Georgia, the largest peanut-producing state, expected planted area is up 1 percent from 2018.

Despite hoping for relief in the form of higher cotton contracts, cotton acreage was expected to be down 2 percent and prices in the mid-70s.

Acreage Estimate With major buyers enjoying the low prices, shellers know that a higher contract price would encourage over planting, making it more likely that prices will return to 45 cents after harvest.

Domestic Usage USDA is helping to lower storage totals and carry forward. Trade mitigation took out 5,391,360 pounds of peanut butter set for delivery under Commodity Procurement Program in

8 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • JUNE 2 019

J. Tyron Spearman

Contributing Editor, The Peanut Grower

PE ANUTGROWER .COM

April, May and June. The Ag Trade Promotion allocated $1.9 million to the American Peanut Council for export trade promotions for the next 3 years in Japan, Columbia and the European Union. USDA/CCC offered to exchange bulk 2017 forfeited peanuts for commercial peanut butter. The 2017 peanuts totaled 121,684 tons and if CCC can find manufacturing capacity, those peanuts will be out of the system.

USDA predicts a domestic food use decrease of 2.2 percent. Through March 2019, peanut usage is down 1.2 percent.

Peanut usage made a major turn-around in March, now usage is down only 1.2 percent versus 3 percent after a 12.3 percent overall positive March surge. The industry is promoting and advertising peanuts as a superfood. Even research shows millennials favor the nutrition of peanuts. Growers will invest about $10.7 million this year in promotion and market development.

T WIT TER : @ PE ANUTGROWER

Export Update Peanut exports are predicted to decrease only 1.8 percent this year.

August 2018 through January 2019 shows a decrease of only 1.5 percent.

The European Union buyer is also watching markets. Brazil has a problematic crop and offers are scarce. China is missing from the buyers list this year.

Argentina has a good crop as harvest gets underway, but it’s never done until harvested and lately bad weather at the end of their harvest can create issues.

Argentina recently announced the crop will be 33 percent more than last season.

Argentina is aggressive into EU markets even without much competition.

Quiet Market The quality of the 2018 crop is not nearly as good as it could have been for reasons that are still not completely understood. The Southeast crop has quality issues, specifically aflatoxin and

“

A flat demand coupled with buyers pricing ideas and combined with the unknown growing conditions, and you end up with a REALLY quiet peanut market.

damage.

Due to the oversupply and carryout, the market has been able to shrug this off and the shelled goods market remains largely unchanged on USDA for negative material. But supply is going down with USDA buys and hopefully a comeback in U.S. demand.

A flat demand coupled with buyers pricing ideas and combined with the unknown growing conditions, and you end up with a REALLY quiet peanut market. PG

9

JUNE 2 019 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

Planting Progress Some areas are right on schedule, but other producers face uncertainty and challenges.

F

or the most part, planting is on schedule for many producers aided by warm temperatures and adequate moisture. For others, particularly those still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Michael, the barriers to planting seem insurmountable.

Pam Knox, University of Georgia agricultural climatologist, reports that farmers in the southern half of Georgia benefited from drier conditions, particularly in April, while producers in the northern half of the state were still working to prepare fields.

The slightly drier-than-normal conditions and warmer temperatures in southeastern Georgia helped agricultural producers make a lot of progress in crop planting and chemical treatments.

Areas that were affected by wet conditions mid-month saw a temporary slowdown in field work while they waited for soils to dry enough to support heavy equipment.

Outlook Through July “Precipitation was near normal across the central part of Georgia in April, but wetter than normal in the far north. Most of that rain fell on April 19 as a strong low-pressure center passed through the state,” she says.

Knox says the outlook for May through July shows that temperatures are expected to be warmer than normal.

Precipitation is expected to be above normal in the three-month period but leaned toward only slightly wetter-than-normal conditions in May. Increased Yields, Increased Costs By mid-May, North Carolina State University Extension agronomist David Jordan says about 25 percent of the region had been planted to peanuts.

“Soil temperatures have warmed nicely and have been hovering near 70 degrees

10 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • JUNE 2 019

Fahrenheit,” he says. “After having a wet start to April, moisture has since been coming and going. Rain is spotty in the forecast, and some rain would help with washing in and activating preemergence herbicides that are going out, including Valor, Prowl and Strongarm.”

Overall, peanut planting in the Virginia-Carolina region is expected to be down from plantings in 2018, but it’s the southernmost V-C state of South Carolina that is expected to decrease acreage most significantly.

“Price is the major driver for this decrease, but weak prices for other commodities has maintained most of the acreage in North Carolina and Virginia,” Jordan says. “Although drought and then excessive tropical weather at harvest affected all three states in the V-C region over the past few growing seasons, South Carolina was hit the hardest.”

Jordan notes that production costs have increased for peanut, and while yield has increased over the past two decades due to variety improvements, longer rotations, production in more appropriate peanut soils, availability of more effective crop protection products, and good management, it’s the yearly fluctuation in weather that makes each year challenging.

Inadequate Funding To Start For some producers, planting simply may not happen this year. University of Georgia Extension ag economist, Adam Rabinowitz reports that a recent survey of Extension agents in both Georgia and Florida shows a great deal of uncertainty in areas affected by Hurricane Michael.

“Many farmers in the region are unable to fully, or even partially, begin their usual production activities for the 2019 season because of the losses or damage sustained from Hurricane Michael. The lingering problems are more pronounced in field

crops including peanuts, cotton, corn and soybeans, as well as fruits and vegetables, pecans and beef cattle.”

Rabinowitz says the most common reasons for the recovery delay: the lack of adequate financing and incomplete cleanup and repairs. “Some farmers have simply gone out of business or permanently stopped farming.”

More Permanent Solutions Needed Hurricane Michael also inflicted significant, and in some cases catastrophic, damage to farmhouses, buildings, equipment, fencing, irrigation systems and perennial plantings. Producers face mounting costs for cleanup, replacements and repairs. Without disaster relief aid, farmers are having a hard time getting the financing they need to repair or replace damaged infrastructure.

Additionally, many damaged irrigation systems still have not been fixed or replaced. These systems are a critical risk-management investment for producers who rely on irrigation to provide more consistent yields and to protect against drought. Without these systems, farmers risk significant reductions in agricultural production, especially for field crops, fruits and vegetables.

The exact long-term damages to agriculture from Hurricane Michael are still unknown. For now, farmers in the region face considerable challenges and await a one-time special disaster relief allocation while a more permanent solution to support disaster preparedness, response and recovery is desperately needed. PG PE ANUTGROWER .COM

Critical Period Of Weed Control Keep the crop clean through the first weeks to maintain peanut yield.

W

eed management is truly a year-round process. It may begin in planning before the crop is planted, but it really never ends. The harvesting of the crop may only signal the start of field record keeping, where weed problems and successes are documented.

Since this is the start of planning for the next season, it’s easy to see how this circle doesn’t end. Even so, there is a critical time for weed management.

The critical period of weed control — says Jason Bond, Mississippi State University research and Extension weed specialist — that’s the time that you’ve got to control weeds to keep from losing yield is right after that crop comes out of the ground.

Clean Field=Maximum Yield “Those first few days or weeks after the crop emerges is when you have got to keep the crop clean to maintain yield,” Bond says. “It varies by crop and other variables, but the point is the critical time to have a clean field — for all crops — is the first few weeks after the crop comes out of the ground.”

Bond says for about the last 10 to 12 years, Palmer amaranth has driven the train.

“If you’ve got Palmer and can’t control it, then it doesn’t matter about the morningglories or prickly sida. It matters whether you can control Palmer amaranth or not.”

Bond says the best time to get weeds is before they germinate. “Target the seedbank with residual herbicides, which are the cornerstone of our recommendations,” he says. “You can’t afford to have Palmer amaranth ahead of your crop.”

But eventually, residual herbicides will wear out and weeds will start popping up.

tial for reducing competition for water, nutrients and light between the peanut plant and weeds,” says Emi Kimura, Texas A&M University Extension peanut specialist. “In addition, the soil seed bank will be reduced by controlling weeds before they make seed with timely applications of postemergence herbicides.”

Early post applications are made at 10 to 20 days after planting and postemergence applications at 30 to 45 days. In an article, “Early Season Weed Control Options for Peanut,” Kimura, along with TAMU’s Josh McGinty, Extension agronomist, James Grichar, Senior Research Scientist at Yoakum, and Pete Dotray, Extension weed specialist, reminds producers to consider the following factors.

Apply In Good Soil Moisture Weeds must be actively growing to absorb and translocate the herbicide for maximum efficacy. When herbicides are applied to weeds growing under stressed

conditions, such as drought, high temperatures, disease or insect damage, reduced efficacy is often observed.

Consider Coverage And Spray Volume Always use enough spray volume to achieve good coverage for improved weed control. Often, weed control failures after the application of POST herbicides are due to low spray volumes and insufficient spray coverage.

Use Appropriate Adjuvants Adjuvants such as non-ionic surfactants and crop oil concentrates reduce the surface tension of the spray solution and help dissolve or soften cuticular waxes on the leaf, improving uptake of the herbicide. Additionally, many product labels recommend the addition of ammonium sulfate or urea ammonium nitrate to improve efficacy. Always check the product label to see what adjuvants to include. PG

Control The Competition “Early season weed control is essenT WIT TER : @ PE ANUTGROWER

11

JUNE 2 019 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

Producers’ Top 10 List 1

Field Selection / Rotation: Peanuts require welldrained land and do best on soils with a sandy surface. Avoid fields with recent soybean history as best you can and eliminate from future rotation. Sustainable production requires a minimum of two years, three are better, of cotton or corn, not legumes, in between peanut crops.

2

Soil test: P and K are seldom needed if previous crop has adequate fertility. Use a Peanut Fertility Check List to compare soil test values to check for sufficiency on all nutrient levels. Zinc can severely stunt or kill peanuts. Raise pH to reduce toxicity risk in high Zinc fields. Soil Calcium levels above 600 pounds per acre and Ca to K ratio of 3:1 or higher are desirable. Raise soil Calcium with lime if pH allows.

3

Inoculate: Use only liquid in-furrow inoculants, which has been most consistent and is less likely to clog.

Inoculants are live bacteria; handle with care. Make sure a steady stream hits the center in the bottom of the open furrow and gets into moisture. Use 5 gallons minimum.

Do not use chlorinated water. Don’t plant too shallow, less than 1.5 inches. Always plant into moisture; dry soil kills inoculant and causes erratic emergence. Peanuts can be planted up to 3 inches deep if necessary for good moisture.

4

Reduce tomato spotted wilt virus risk: Plant resistant varieties to the extent possible. Bailey, Sugg, Sullivan, Georgia 06G, Ga 09B, Florida-07 and more have good virus resistance.

April to early May planting increases virus risk. The first week of May still has increased virus risk, but large acreages need to get started planting.

Get a consistent, uniformly emerged stand. To reach the target of 4 plants/row ft, plant 6 seed/ft, or > 5/ft on Virginia types or large-seeded runners. Control thrips with in-furrow insecticide.

Strip tillage and twin-row planting reduce tomato spotted wilt.

5

Establish and maintain weed control: The first 45 days are critical. Valor (3 oz) is recommended for severe pigweed pressure. Valor must be applied within 2 days of planting, preferably watered in. Prowl/Sonolan or Dual can be tankmixed. Do not plant shallower than 1.5 inches to reduce Valor injury.

The first flush of weeds usually needs Gramoxone (+ Basagran or Storm) treatment before Cadre application (30 – 45 DAP). Dual can be applied postemergence with Gramoxone or Cadre instead of, or in addition to, PPI for extended pigweed control. Use 2,4-DB, Blazer, Cobra or Storm where needed for escapes. Select or Poast Plus for grass.

6 12 /

Give them calcium: All Virginia type peanuts should get 300 lb/A Ca (1,500 – 2,000 lbs landplaster) at bloom. Calcium must be available in the pegging zone

THE PE ANUT GROWER • JUNE 2 019

when the first pods begin to form. Better early than late with land plaster.

7

Prevent foliar and soil disease: Although peanuts on new land should be relatively free of diseases, severe white mold or CBR loss can still occur, particularly in fields with a soybean history. Peanuts have to be protected from a complex of both soil and foliar diseases with a preventative program. Start leaf spot treatment no later than 45 DAP and white mold treatment at 60 DAP. Increase leaf spot protection on the high risk leaf spot varieties: Champs, Georgia 09B, Georgia 13M, Gregory, TUFRunner 511. See the Production Guide for example fungicide programs. 60 to 90 DAP is the most critical white mold treatment interval.

8

Irrigation management: Peanut is an indeterminate, drought-tolerant crop, but irrigation can be critical to maximize returns. The critical water-use period is during pod fill at approximately 60 – 110 DAP when peanuts need 1.0 – 1.5 inches per week minus rain.

9

Check for insects: Cutworms occasionally defoliate peanuts in late June or early July. Beginning in late June, watch for leafhopper “hopperburn” starting on field edges. Corn earworms, followed by fall armyworms, feed primarily from the last week of July through August.

Velvetbean caterpillars sometimes strip peanuts in the lower part of the state in late season. Fully lapped, unstressed peanuts can tolerate up to 8 worms/ft. The threshold is 4 worms/ ft on unlapped or stressed peanuts. There are some significant soil pests (lesser cornstalk borer, wireworm, burrower bug, rootworm), but the greatest threats (borers & burrower bugs) can be managed with irrigation.

10

Digging decisions: More money is made or lost on digging decisions than any other aspect of production. Medium maturity Virginia types generally reach harvest maturity in about 130 to 135 DAP under typical South Carolina growing conditions. But many practical considerations figure into when the first field is dug, including vine health, acreage, equipment availability, when you started planting and weather predictions.

Runner types usually mature later and are more forgiving at harvest. Some varieties require greater than 150 days to mature. Spot check maturity at about 120 DAP. Use the pod blast or hull scrape method to sort pods into color piles and determine which fields should be dug first.

Practical considerations sometimes prevent waiting on full maturity in every field. If digging before 130 DAP, use pod color to make sure you’re not too early; if waiting after 140 DAP, make sure you’re not late.

Digger operation: Staying on the row with the digger is a must. GPS guidance can quickly pay for itself in peanuts.

Matching digger ground speed to shaker speed, digger running depth and soil conditions are also critical. PG Source: Clemson Cooperative Extension Peanut MoneyMaker 2019 Production Guide.

PE ANUTGROWER .COM

FROM CORN TO COTTON TO PEANUTS,

WE’VE STACKED THE ODDS IN YOUR FAVOR. Looking for a high-speed planter designed for a variety of terrains and crop types? The 2130 Early Riser® Stack-fold planter combines the new rugged row unit in five available configurations with on-row hopper or a convenient bulk-fill tank option, factory-fit liquid fertilizer system, and wing down force for even weight distribution. See your local Case IH dealer and discover how Case IH high-efficiency planting stacks up during next year’s growing season.

©2019 CNH Industrial America LLC. All rights reserved. Case IH is a trademark registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates. www.caseih.com

E7013_CIH_2130_ERP_1_19_FA.indd 1

12/14/18 11:54 AM

Tropical Spiderwort Every now and then, this weed emerges to remind producers it can be quite a formidable foe.

T

ropical spiderwort, also called Benghal dayflower, is a weed that came on the row-crop production scene in the early 1990s and continues to crop up from time to time. Although Palmer amaranth became the weed garnering most of the attention in the last decade, tropical spiderwort never really went away. As production schemes change, and different herbicide regimes are used, producers will find this weed popping back up in their fields and commanding attention.

Because of this, University of Georgia Extension weed specialist Eric Prostko continues to conduct research on management of this weed.

Benghal dayflower is an aggressive weed that produces both above ground and below ground flowers and viable seed. It also possesses the ability to root at the nodes and can be propagated from cut stems. Therefore, light cultivation can often break plant parts and increase the area of infestation.

Although benghal dayflower is difficult to control, early identification and proactive management can greatly reduce its impact on crop yields.

Identification Tropical spiderwort/Benghal dayflower has often been confused with spreading dayflower (Comellina diffusa) and Asiatic dayflower (C. communis).

However, three characteristics separate benghal dayflower from the other dayflowers:  Presence of leaf hairs. Dayflower species possess a thick, waxy, leaf that lacks hairs (glabrous). Benghal dayflower, on the other hand, will often produce hairs on the young leaves and petioles;  Flower color: The flower color of many dayflower species is blue, while

14 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • JUNE 2 019

benghal dayflower is more purple or lavender;  Root structure: Unlike all other dayflower species, benghal dayflower

produces underground flowers. These flowers are easily seen by examining the roots. These flowers will appear as “swollen nodes.”

PE ANUTGROWER .COM

Peanut Tankmix Thoughts Rain delays and/or late planting often result in questions about tankmixes of herbicides and fungicides and the potential effects on weed control and crop injury. Although it is not possible to address all concerns with the 90,000 potential tank mixtures, and more, in peanuts, Eric Prostko, UGA weed specialist, offers this quick review of some of the published data:  When 2,4-DB is tankmixed with a postemergence grass herbicide, or graminicide, grass control can be reduced by 8 to 15 percent approximately 45 percent of the time.  When averaged across five grass species, Cadre (imazapic) + Select (clethodim) tank mixtures provided 19 percent less effective grass control than Select alone.  Abound (azoxystrobin), Absolute (tebuconazole + trifloxystrobin), Bravo (chlorothalonil) and Headline (pyraclostrobin) are

Cultural Control Current crop production practices, such as minimum-tillage production systems, encourage greater germination and growth of this weed. However, an early observation was that benghal dayflower grows poorly in low-light environments. Forming a dense peanut crop canopy as quickly as possible can help to suppress germination of benghal dayflower and limit its growth and establishment.

Planting in twin rows is another cultural practice that helps establish rapid coverage of the soil surface and may interfere with weed seed germination and emergence.

Herbicide Options In a wet spring, tropical spiderwort tends to be more of a problem. Prostko says that over the years, Dual Magnum has provided some of the most consistent residual control of this weed. The more recently registered herbicides Warrant and Zidua also have good activity on tropical spiderwort.

Prostko says another option is paraquat + Dual Magnum + Basagran or Storm for an excellent early post treatment if the peanut field is still within the labeled paraquat application window of approximately 33 to 38 days after planting.

In another research project, Prostko looked at application methods to determine the most effective means of controlling tropical spiderwort/Benghal dayflower.

“In data collected a few years ago in Grady County it was indicated that postemergence applications were more effective than pre-emergence applications for the control of tropical spiApplication Method Effects of Strongarm on Benghal Dayflower/Tropical Spiderwort Control in Peanut.

Application Method

Control (percent)2 46 DAP

69 DAP

114 DAP

PRE

75 cd

68 b

11 e

EPOST5

97 a

90 a

75 abc

LPOST6

88 ab

78 ab

60 c

4

3

Source: E.P. Prostko and J.T. Flanders, 2003. PRE = preemergence; EPOST = early-postemergence at 17 days after planting (2 inches tall, 3 leaf stage); LPOST = late-postemergence, 31 days after planting (6 inches tall). Strongarm 84WG applied at 0.45 oz/A. T WIT TER : @ PE ANUTGROWER

fungicides that have caused significant grass antagonism when tankmixed with Select (~12 to 30 percent reductions in grass control).  Grass efficacy with Poast (sethoxydim) and Select has not been consistently reduced by tebuconazole (various trade names including Folicur, Orius, TriSum, Integral, Ebustar, Muscle, Tebuzol).

However, when reductions have been significant, grass control was reduced by 4 to 13 percent with tebuconazole mixes.  Palmer amaranth (PA) control was not reduced when 2,4DB was tankmixed with Bravo, Provost (prothioconazole + tebuconazole), Headline or Absolute. But, 2,4-DB is not that great on PA anyway.  Sicklepod control with 2,4-DB was reduced by 14 percent when applied with Abound but not with Bravo or tebuconazole.

derwort/Benghal dayflower.

“If growers miss the paraquat application window, the best postemergence treatment for TSW/BD is Strongarm,” Prostko says. “Growers who apply Strongarm POST in peanut need to pay close attention to the labeled crop rotation restrictions.”

Tropical spiderwort is a highly competitive and difficult-to-control weed that will likely reoccur in fields from time to time and will warrant producers’ attention. Effective control can often be attained if early scouting, cultural and herbicidal management schemes are implemented. In extreme conditions, deep tillage may be helpful, but only if herbicidal and cultural management programs have proved ineffective. PG

PERFORMANCE GYPSUM • CA-20% S-17% • Remediate Sodic Soils, Brine Damage & Tight Clays • Reliable Source of Calcium • Reliable Source of Sulfur • Economically Priced • Always Available • Knowledgeable Sales Rep Nancy Pals 217-685-3460 npals@boral.com www.flyash.com

JUNE 2 019 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

15

Sting Nematode How to recognize and manage this microscopic predator.

By Zane Grabau, University of Florida, Extension Nematologist and Assistant Professor

M

ost agriculture professionals recognize that plant-parasitic nematodes can drag down peanut yield. In the Southeast, peanut nematodes are often assumed to be peanut root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne arenaria and Meloidogyne javanica) because they are widespread, highly damaging and their symptoms are relatively distinct. However, Florida peanut growers are dealing with another nematode as well—sting nematode (Belonolaimus longicaudatus).

Different Symptomology Sting nematodes are highly damaging to peanuts, with a single nematode detected in a soil sample enough to warrant management. Sting nematodes cause yellowing (chlorosis), stunting or death of plants, resulting in patches with a skippy stand. These above-ground symptoms are often obvious early in the year, unlike root-knot nematode symptoms that generally appear later in the year from July-August.

Symptoms of root infection also vary between these nematodes. Root-knot nematode causes distinct galls—irregular swelling—on peanut pods and roots. Sting nematode does not cause galls, but rather stunts the root system, prunes lateral roots and causes tiny, pin-prick size brown lesions on the pods.

This impairs root system function which leads to above-ground

Note the stunted shoot and yellowed foliage in the sting nematode-infected plant (right) versus the healthy plant.

symptoms and overall reduced growth.

Lab Confirmation Needed Recognizing these symptoms on peanut plants is informative as a first step in diagnosing a potential nematode problem.

However, soil sampling and analysis by a professional nematol-

Patches of stunted, dead, and chlorotic (yellow) peanuts due to sting nematode infection.

16 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • JUNE 2 019

PE ANUTGROWER .COM

Management Options The primary management strategies for nematodes are nematicide application, crop rotation and resistant cultivars. Resistant peanut cultivars (Tifguard, Georgia 14N, TifNV High O/L) are available for root-knot nematode, and substantially reduce damage from root-knot nemTiny pin-prick sized, brown lesions on atode. There is no evidence pods are typical of sting nematode infestation. that these resistant peanut cultivars are effective against sting nematodes, so these cultivars are not an effective management strategy for sting nematodes. The host range of these nematodes vary, so an effective crop rotation varies depending which nematode is present. For both nematodes, it may be difficult to find an effective rotation because they have wide host ranges, but, for either nematode, some type of rotation is better than continuous monoculture. For peanut root-knot nematodes, soybean is among the most susceptible rotation crops and should be avoided while cotton is a good rotation crop.

Grasses are highly susceptible to sting nematode, so avoiding grass crops will help manage sting nematode. The efficacy of nematicides is relatively similar for both sting and root-knot nematodes, although sting nematodes are sometimes more affected, and thus more easily managed by nematicides. PG

About Sting Nematode The common name sting nematode is generally applied to nematodes in the genus Belonolaimus, particularly Belonolaimus longicaudatus. This is among the most destructive plant-parasitic nematodes to a wide range of plants including agronomic crops, vegetables, turfgrasses, ornamentals, forages and trees.

Feeding by Belonolaimus longicaudatus causes damage to plant roots and limits the ability of roots to take up water and nutrients from the soil. This causes plants to become stunted, wilt and with severe infestation, die.

Distribution Belonolaimus longicaudatus is native to the sandy coastal plains of the southeastern United States. It is limited to soils with high sand content, greater than 80 percent sand, and is common in sandy regions along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coasts from Texas to Virginia. Florida is considered to be Sting nematode Belonolaimus the point-of-origin for Belonolaimus longicaudatus. longicaudatus and exhibits a great deal of diversity in morphology, host preference and genetics in the region.

Life Cycle Belonolaimus longicaudatus is an ectoparasite, meaning that its entire life cycle is spent in the soil and it feeds on plant roots from the outside. Eggs are laid in pairs by the female nematode as rapidly as 10 eggs per 10-15 hours. After a few days, the second-stage juvenile hatches from the egg. The juvenile nematode feeds on root hairs, and as it matures it will begin to feed on root tips. It will undergo three additional molts into a thirdstage juvenile, fourth-stage juvenile, and finally into an adult nematode.

Management To avoid severe crop losses from Belonolaimus longicaudatus, chemical nematicides or crop rotations are commonly used. Belonolaimus longicaudatus is a Class A quarantine pest in California, and any plant shipments containing Belonolaimus longicaudatus are banned from that state. Similarly, Belonolaimus longicaudatus is a quarantine pest in many countries and can greatly impact movement of plant and soil material internationally.

R Sample for nematodes and submit to a professional nematology lab, if infection is suspected.

Symptoms Belonolaimus longicaudatus is among the most damaging of all plant-parasitic nematodes. Feeding by this nematode kills the root meristem and halts root growth.

Lateral roots will develop, but Belonolaimus longicaudatus will migrate to these lateral roots and damage them as well. This causes an abbreviated and stubby-looking root system. Because the roots are damaged, they are unable to supply the plant with water and nutrients.

Damage from Belonolaimus longicaudatus typically occurs in patches because the nematodes are generally clumped in distribution.

R Chose future nematode management strategies based on the type of nematodes present in a given field.

Source: University of Florida Entomology and Nematology

In your next peanut crop: R Be on the lookout for symptoms of nematode infection.

T WIT TER : @ PE ANUTGROWER

PHOTO W. T. CROW, UF

ogy lab is needed to confirm which nematodes, if any, may be contributing to poor crop growth. In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, the fact that sting nematode prefers very sandy soil—typically 90 percent or more sand and little organic matter—can be useful in guiding sampling.

Information about sampling for nematodes, and other considerations for managing nematodes in peanut production, is provided in the UF/IFAS EDIS publication “Management of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes in Florida Peanut Production.” Growers are encouraged to contact their Extension agent or myself for assistance with sampling.

The UF/IFAS Nematode Assay Lab provides free service for Extension Agents submitting nematode samples to diagnose a problem in commercial production with a limited number of samples per grower.

Unfortunately, if nematodes are detected, there is little that can be done for a current crop, but it can be used to guide future management decisions. Knowing which particular type of nematode is infesting a field will help guide management strategies and improve the chances of success.

17

JUNE 2 019 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

PHOTO BY FÁBIO DE OLIVEIRA FREITAS

Two wild ancestors—Arachis ipaensis and Arachis duranensis—merged in a genetic event that resulted in the complex genomic modern-day peanut and helps explain the diversity in traits such as seed size, shape and color. This picture shows the diversity of peanuts grown by the Caiabí people who live on the Ilha Grande, Mato Grosso, Brazil.

Peanut Genome Sequenced With Unprecedented Accuracy

I

mproved pest resistance and drought tolerance are among potential benefits of an international effort in which scientists from the University of Georgia and other universities, plus the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and other collaborators from all over the world have produced the clearest picture yet of the complex genomic history of the cultivated peanut.

Scientists undertook this large project, called the Peanut Genomic Initiative, to better understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underpin the peanut plant’s growth and development, as well as the expression of desirable traits, like high seed yield, improved oil quality and resistance to costly diseases and pests such as root-knot nematodes.

Cultivated peanut, Arachis hypogaea, has a total global production area of approximately 59 million acres. Besides oil, peanut

18 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • JUNE 2 019

seed contains protein, vitamins and other nutrients. United States peanut production, valued at $2 billion annually, extends from Virginia south to Florida and westward to New Mexico.

Peanut: A Complex Genomic Blend The story of the cultivated peanut begins several thousand years ago in South America, where the genomes of two wild ancestors, A. duranensis and A. ipaensis, merged in a rare genetic event. The result, in modern-day peanuts, is a complex genomic blend that’s nearly as big as the human genome, which is about 3 billion DNA base pairs.

Earlier as part of the initiative, researchers had pinpointed one of the peanut’s two wild ancestors, after which the team then mapped the entire peanut genome and identified the crop’s second wild ancestor.

PE ANUTGROWER .COM

Growers Advance Breeding Research The National Peanut Board recently voted unanimously to contribute toward the funding of Phase II of the Peanut Genome Initiative (PGI), which prioritizes precision breeding using genetic markers. Peanut farmers, through NPB, committed to investing $200,000 per year for four years, beginning in FY-2020.

“Phase I of the Peanut Genome Initiative saw incredible advancements in understanding the peanut genome. Today, we have more knowledge about desirable traits and how to precisely breed for those traits, particularly for disease resistance,” said NPB’s President and CEO Bob Parker. “Our improvement in yield in the past 10 years has made us one of the low-cost producers in the world. With higher yields come lower costs of production per ton.”

Phase II of PGI will apply the knowledge learned from Phase I to four key areas of peanut production: disease resistance, drought tolerance, aflatoxin mitigation and flavor conservation/enhancement.

During a grower-listening session at the meeting, Donald Chase, Georgia Peanut Commission research committee chairman, said, “Farmers understand the importance of supporting precision breeding, and I’m glad to see they are leading the way for a future of helping to reduce costs and increase efficiency. When grower costs are more efficient, the entire industry profits.”

The funds assigned to Phase II of the Peanut Genome Initiative will be in addition to NPB’s yearly production research funds allocated to state producer organization projects. Funding production research has been a core part of the National Peanut Board’s mission since its inception in 2000. PG

Georgia Research Alliance Distinguished Investigator David Bertioli, who conducts his research through the University of Georgia’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences’ Institute for Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics and was lead researcher, said, “Because of its complex genetic structure, sequencing peanut was only possible using very recent developments in sequencing technology. The result is of unprecedented quality and provides a reference framework for breeding and improvement of the peanut crop, and a whole new set of insights into the extraordinary genetic structure of peanut.”

Explaining Its Diversity This latest advance, reported in the May issue of Nature Genetics, has already generated interesting leads, including the geographic origin of A. duranensis, one of the two “parents” of cultivated peanut. The team’s genomic analysis of populations of plants that make up the wild peanut species pointed to a region in northern Argentina known as Rio Seco.

Researchers surmise that ancient farmers migrating there from Bolivia exposed A. duranensis plants to another species they had brought with them—A. ipaensis, considered the other parent of cultivated peanut.

The researchers also recreated this genomic merger by crossing the two ancient peanuts species and analyzing the results in seven generations of offspring plants. This revealed an interesting pattern of DNA swapping and deletions (eliminations) taking place in the offspring plants that likely explains the diverse seed size, shape, color and other traits seen in commercial peanuts today. The DNA swapping is unusual in that it occurs between the two “subgenomes” of the two contributing wild species—something that’s possible due to their high similarity.

For this research, the International Peanut Genome Initiative brought together scientists from the United States, Argentina, China, India, Japan and France. The USDA ARS team’s contributions included providing bioinformatics support, peanut germplasm resources and data for analysis, mapping and comparison. Brian Scheffler at Stoneville, Mississippi; Steven Cannon at Ames, Iowa; and Baozhu Guo and Corley Holbrook at Tifton, Georgia, were among ARS contributors. PG Information provided by the USDA Ag Research Service and the University of Georgia College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.

T WIT TER : @ PE ANUTGROWER

New Products Case IH HD Mapping Case IH recently announced the expanded capabilities of the Early Riser planter lineup.

New layers of high-definition (HD) data are now available with 2000 series Early Riser planters through The Climate Corporation FieldView Cab app with FieldView Drive technology. The new option removes the need to purchase a display exclusively for FieldView and allows for row-by-row data visualization, mapping, autoguidanceline sharing and more.

It is available for producers who operate a 2000 series Early Riser planter paired with a Case IH tractor equipped with Advanced Farming Systems AccuGuide autoguidance.

“Early Riser planters already offer a rugged row unit and industry-leading planting accuracy. Now we’re adding another mapping technology that meets producers’ needs,” said Tony McClelland, Case IH planter marketing manager. “Producers are always looking for easy planter data visualization tools to help them make informed agronomic decisions.”

With compatible equipment and a FieldView subscription, all a producer needs to do is plug the FieldView Drive hardware into the Case IH AFS Pro 700 display and start planting. FieldView Drive offers standard map layers for the Case IH 1200 and 2000 series Early Riser planters, with additional map layers available for 2000 series planters. Standard map layers include hybrid variety, population and planting speed data.

Additional layers available for the 2000 series planters include singulation, spacing, DeltaForce hydraulic down force, liquid fertilizer and granular chemical layers, making Case IH the first original equipment manufacturer to deliver liquid fertilizer and granular chemical data layers to FieldView.

For more information, visit your local Case IH dealer or www.caseih.com.

19

JUNE 2 019 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

Replant As Quickly As Possible Hopefully everyone has finished up planting or is almost done by now. I know we have had some seed quality issues with the crop in some places this season, but maybe yours is off to a good start. If not, remember, we recommend 6 seed per foot of good seed to have a final stand of 4 plants per foot. The research over KRIS BALKCOM Auburn University the years has shown us that Extension Specialist we can still make respectable yields, with only 3 plants per foot. Now, that’s not what we want, but it is still achievable if we have good growing conditions.

If you go to the field and take several stand counts scattered all over the field and are under the 3 plants per foot, you may want to patch in some more seed. I would make sure I went ahead and replanted as soon as possible to reduce the time difference between crops. Also, go ahead and spray for weeds if you need to keep the weed pressure down. Plus, the herbicide will help slow down the progress of the first crop of peanuts planted.

If you have a great stand, start with the normal herbicide maintenance for weeds and preparing to get started with your fungicide program, especially if you are around that period of 35 to 45 days after planting.

Right after you finish planting is also an ideal time to check back over those soil samples. Or, you may need to

20 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • JUNE 2 019

pull some pegging-zone samples to make sure you have not missed a low calcium level. You can do everything right, but a lack of calcium will hurt yields. Make an extra effort to double check this needed nutrient.

Apply Gypsum Before Bloom Stage Growers are on the tail end of planting in Georgia with the earliest planted crop closing in on 25 to 35 days old. It is truly a busy time for growers trying to finish planting both peanuts and cotton along with trying to manage weeds, irrigation and initiate fungicide programs. In the middle of this craziness, growers also SCOTT MONFORT University of Georgia need to keep in mind the calExtension Agronomist cium needs of the crop.

As a grower, you should have a good idea of your calcium levels in the field from your soil samples pulled in the spring. You can also take a “pegging zone” sample to determine if there is adequate calcium for pod development, increased yield and improved grades. The pegging-zone sample is taken just like a regular soil sample for fertility except for the depth of the sample (3 inches for the pegging sample).

Since the gypsum needs to be applied before blooming stage initiates, the pegging-zone sample needs to be taken as soon after emergence as possible. The current UGA recommendations for calcium for peanut are 500 pounds per

PE ANUTGROWER .COM

acre of calcium in the pegging zone and at least 3:1 ratio of calcium to potassium. For fields that do not meet both of these recommendations, an application of a 1,000 pounds per acre of gypsum for runner-type peanuts and 2,000 pounds per acre for Virginia-type peanuts is recommended at early bloom. Application of 1,000 pounds per acre of gypsum is recommended automatically for seed producers.

One thing growers need to remember about calcium is the peanut plant cannot translocate calcium in the plant from the leaves down to the pod. Peanut pods absorbed calcium directly from the soil solution surrounding the pods.

Therefore, an application of a foliar-applied calcium does not work. With this in mind, growers need to be cautious of calcium products being marketed as an alternative to gypsum, especially where you are recommended to apply small amounts. On the other hand, there are a few liquid calcium products available, but you have to apply 10 to 30 gallons per acre and irrigate in after application to meet the calcium needs in peanut. These products only work where you have irrigation and can water them into the soil.

The bottom line is know your situation and make the best decision you can. Need help? Enlist help from your county Extension agent, consultant and/or Extension specialists in your area. You can also go to the following website to download the latest recommendations from the UGA Peanut team at http://bit.ly/uga-eguide.

Stay Committed Season-Long It’s June. How would you rate your weed management?

Use of preplant herbicides, whether burndown, incorporated or both, was a great first step to start clean. At-plant a nd e a rly postemergenc e (EPOST) residual herbicides or both, were a great second step. Unfortunately, these soil residual herbicides may now PETER DOTRAY Texas A&M AgriLife be starting to break and new Extension Weed Specialist weed f lushes are emerging.

There are a variety of postemergence herbicide options in peanut that will control emerged weeds.

All herbicides have strengths and weaknesses. Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) Group 14 herbicides, such as Cobra and Ultra Blazer, are contact-based herbicides that require thorough coverage. They are effective on weeds less than 4 inches in height.

WSSA Group 2 herbicides, such as Cadre and Pursuit, are effective on a number of annual broadleaf and grassy T WIT TER : @ PE ANUTGROWER

weeds and nutsedge. They have an 18-month cotton rotation restriction.

The use of 2,4-DB (Butyrac or Butoxone), a WSSA Group 4 herbicide, also can be an effective option to control emerged weeds. According to the Butyrac 200 label, applications can be made to control annual morningglories, cocklebur and other broadleaf weeds from 2 to 12 weeks after planting. Best results will be obtained when weeds are small and actively growing. It is often used in combination with other herbicides, such as with Gramoxone after ground-crack (GC) to 28 days after GC or EPOST with Cobra or Ultra Blazer. A second application may be needed for late-emerging weeds or following suppressed control of weeds like prickly sida.

When weeds have exceeded optimum size for control by other herbicides, 2,4-DB can be a good tankmix partner.

The second application should be made no later than the late bloom stage. Avoid drifting on adjacent crops such as cotton because severe injury may occur. Tank contamination is a major concern where application equipment is shared for use in peanut and cotton production. There are state-specific restrictions regarding rates and application cut-off dates after planting and before harvest. Do not apply when peanut plants are stressed as injury may occur. Some phenoxy-type symptomology is likely even under non-stress conditions, which is often enhanced if a surfactant is used.

Do not feed treated peanut vines or hay to livestock.

Be Timely, Increase Spray Volume In June, ef fective weed management continues to be an important element of successful peanut production.

Depending on planting and emergence dates, paraquat (various formulations) may not be an option. Applications must be made within 28 days after peanuts emerge.

Applying paraquat, along with DAVID JORDAN North Carolina State Basagran and residual herbiUniversity cides, is more effective when Extension Agronomist applied two to three weeks after peanut emergence.

It is important to be as timely as possible with PPOinhibiting herbicides — Cobra, Ultra Blazer, and Storm — for several reasons. First, they are more effective when applied to smaller weeds, which are less than 3 inches tall.

Secondly, when we apply these herbicides to larger weeds, we often get incomplete control and that pushes us to resistance more quickly. We also need to optimize performance 21

JUNE 2 019 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

not only by being timely but also by applying higher spray volumes, for instance 20 gallons per acre provides better coverage than 15, and 15 gallons per acre provides better coverage than 10.

Coverage is important with contact herbicides like the PPO inhibitors. Reducing groundspeed is also helpful regardless of carrier volume.

By late June, it is important to have developed a solid fungicide program for leaf spot and stem rot. Some of the fungicides we are using have slipped in their performance compared with control they provided for leaf spot in previous years. Rotating chemistry (sites of action), being timely and achieving adequate coverage are important as we move into some unknowns relative to leaf spot control. The pathologists in all states in the peanut belt have excellent information on how to approach developing effective fungicide programs.

The general recommendation for Virginia market types is to apply gypsum at or shortly before peak flowering. This is often in late June and into July, although a significant amount of gypsum goes out in early June.

In terms of thrips, populations are often lower and injury from feeding is less when peanuts are planted in early May than in late May or June. However, if thrips numbers are high and injury is significant, an application of acephate is warranted. There is some debate about the impact of thrips injury on yield and some are questioning the performance of acephate. As with leaf spot programs, consult local 22 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • JUNE 2 019

experts to know how to approach thrips in June. The further north one goes in the peanut belt the more important it is to make sure thrips populations are suppressed because of the truncated growing season in northern areas.

As you move later into June it is important to use caution when applying any insecticide as they can increase spider mites. Hot and dry conditions and overuse of fungicides and insecticides can create conditions that escalate this pest. This is especially true for rootworms, and growers are advised to look closely at the southern corn rootworm index when deciding on use of chlorpyrifos.

Late June is also a good time to consider boron and manganese applications. Manganese deficiencies are obvious in most cases while boron deficiencies are observed in pods at harvest. Most folks are applying these micronutrients across the board. Make sure you consider the actual amount of elemental boron and manganese when you select products.

While some products are easier to handle and mix, they may not supply what is needed to correct a deficiency.

June is a good time to look closely at nodulation, especially in new ground fields. If there is an issue with biological nitrogen fixation, the sooner it is addressed with nitrogen fertilizer the better. In June and July there will be a lot of questions about mixing products. Regardless of what you decide to do with mixes, it is important to avoid mixes that settle out and create problems with spray equipment. We also need to avoid excessive injury and marginal pest control. PG PE ANUTGROWER .COM

We’ll keep you informed, wherever you are.

We succeed when you succeed.

Our team of industry veterans works tirelessly to bring our readers the most up-to-date information straight from the fields. You can count on us at The Peanut Grower to continue to provide profitable production strategies for your operation.

Receive a recap of important stories, calendar of events, YouTube videos, photos and informative updates delivered directly to your inbox by subscribing to the monthly E-news.

Subscribe today! Visit www.peanutgrower.com and look for the Peanut Grower E-News sign-up block on the home page.

www.peanutgrower.com @PeanutGrower

ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC To advertise, contact Sales Manager Scott Emerson · 386-462-1532 · semerson@onegrower.com

Southern Peanut Growers Conference july 18-20, 2019 Edgewater beach & Golf resort • panama city beach, florida Room reservations at Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort can be made online or by calling 1-855-512-3843 and asking for the Southern Peanut Growers Conference rate.

For detailed conference and registration information, visit www.southernpeanutfarmers.org.

Brought to you by the family farmers of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation

www.southernpeanutfarmers.org