The
PEANUTGROWER ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC
JUNE 2020
THE PEANUT PRODUCER'S MARKETING & PRODUCTION MAGAZINE www.peanutgrower.com
Scientists Unlock Pigweed Resistance
Protect Your Crop From LCB Soil Moisture Monitor
Q& A
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The
JUNE 2020
PEANUTGROWER ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC
JUNE 2020
THE PEANUT PRODUCER'S MARKETING & PRODUCTION MAGAZINE www.peanutgrower.com
Scientists Unlock Pigweed Resistance
Volume 32 • Number 6
Protect Your Crop From LCB Soil Moisture Monitor
Q& A
Departments 4
Editor’s Note Nature will find a way
5
News Briefs Numbers show Canada’s No. 1 status
8
Market Watch Markets quiet as some buyers still closed
18 New Products FMC launches Elevest Insecticide 20 Peanut Pointers Many important crop concerns this month
Stay Connected
10 Features
7
Well-Deserved Recognition UGA pathologist Albert Culbreath honored for research contributions.
10 Protect Your Crop From LCB
Scout plants, pegs and pods for this yield-robbing insect pest.
12 Virtually There
Industry groups adjust to meeting online.
14 Unlocking Pigweed
Geneticists find key to Palmer amaranth’s glyphosate resistance.
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16 Soil Moisture Sensor Q & A
Increase water-use efficiency with the aid of sensors.
Cover photo by Amanda Huber JUNE 2020 • THE PEANUT GROWER /
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EDITORIAL/PRODUCTION Editor Amanda Huber ahuber@onegrower.com Copy Editor Vicky Boyd vboyd@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 Audience Services Kate Thomas (847) 559-7514 Production Manager Kathy Killingsworth (901) 767-4020 kkillingsworth@onegrower.com For circulation changes, call (847) 559-7578 or email peanutgrower@omeda.com
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Scott Monfort Extension Agronomist University of Georgia Dell Cotton Peanut Growers Cooperative Marketing Assn., Franklin, VA Kris Balkcom Agri-Program Associate Auburn University Dan Anco Extension Peanut Specialist Clemson University
Emi Kimura Extension Agronomist 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 © 2020 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.
Editor’sNote Editor’s Note Nature Will Find A Way
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n the middle of a pandemic, the news was all abuzz, pun intended, about murder hornets. The invasive Asian giant hornet had been found in the Pacific Northwest. Despite the ominous nickname given this insect, within days I saw a video of how a swarm of bees worked together to overwhelm the murder hornet and of a praying mantis that quickly dispatched the would-be foe. That’s what nature does. To borrow from the Marine Corps slogan, nature Amanda Huber will “improvise, adapt and overcome.” Editor, The Peanut Grower Sometimes this is a good thing. Other times it is not. Take pigweed, for example. Clemson University geneticist Chris Saski and a team of researchers believe they have discovered how pigweed protects itself against glyphosate herbicide by changing its DNA. According to researchers, a specific genetic feature gives glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth its resistance to the herbicide. In resistant plants, the pigweed’s DNA changes to form a very large, self-replicating circular DNA in addition to its normal chromosomes that carry the gene for the protein that glyphosate attacks. Pigweed circles the wagon of its own DNA, so to speak, to protect itself from glyphosate. Read more about this story on page 14, including how Michael Marshall, Clemson University Extension weed specialist, thinks this breakthrough will be a real game changer for the battle against the aggressive, invasive pigweed. As for murder hornets, I am not really worried. I am from Florida. We have mosquitos the size of pterodactyls. Alligators inhabit every body of water from puddles to the ocean. Pythons are now actively hunted in the state, and freeze warnings come with the added caution to watch for iguanas falling from trees. Need I go on?
One Grower Publishing, LLC, also publishes Cotton Farming, Rice Farming, Soybean South and Corn South.
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THE PEANUT GROWER • JUNE 2020
PEANUTGROWER.COM
NewsBriefs News Briefs More Assistance To Farmers, Ranchers
Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee Chairman John Hoeven recently announced the approval of $19 billion for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program to support farmers and ranchers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program includes $16 billion in direct payments to farmers and ranchers, and $3 billion in purchases of agriculture products, including meat, dairy and produce to support producers and provide food to those in need. The U.S. Department of Agriculture will work with local and regional distributors to deliver food to food banks, as well as community and faith-based organizations. Of the $16 billion, $3.9 billion is allocated to row-crop producers who suffered losses due to COVID-19. Because peanuts did not experience a 5% price decrease, no payments will be made for this crop. For commodities that experienced a 5% price decrease between January and April, producers will receive a single payment determined using two calculations. For price losses that occurred Jan. 1 to April 15, 2020, producers will be compensated for 85% of price loss during that period. The second part of the payment will be expected losses from April 15 through the next two quarters and will cover 30% of losses. The payment limit is $125,000 per commodity with an overall limit of $250,000 per individual or entity.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans
USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue applauded the announcement that agricultural producers are now eligible for the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan and EIDL Advance programs. “America’s farmers, ranchers and producers need the same help that other American businesses need during this TWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER
unprecedented time,” says Perdue. “This significant new authority signed by President Trump will make a tremendous difference for America’s agricultural community.” SBA’s EIDL portal has been closed since April 15. In order to help facilitate this important change to EIDL Loan and EIDL Advance assistance eligibility, SBA reopened the loan and advance application portal to agricultural enterprises only. For agricultural producers who submitted an EIDL loan application through the portal prior to the legislative change, SBA will move forward and process these without the need for reapplying. All other EIDL loan applications will be processed on a first-in, first-out basis. For more information, visit www. sba.gov/Disaster.
Warehouse Report
The USDA Warehouse Act was established in 1916 to stabilize and standardize warehousing. Licensed warehouses are inspected each year. The licensing program is used to verify quantity, quality and financial arrangements to ensure commodities are not only properly accounted for but also stored correctly. In FY 2019, there were 30 licenses, 336 functional units and 4.2 million tons of capacity. Compared to the prior year, this represents no change in the number of licenses, a 6% increase in functional units and a 7.6% increase in capacity. License numbers have remained steady for the past 10 years. This past year, 33,718 peanut electronic warehouse receipts were issued covering 2.17 million tons. Compared to 2018, peanut receipts declined 24.7% and volume covered declined 18.6%.
Food Bank Donations In V-C
Peanut farmers from the VirginiaCarolina states donated peanut butter to food banks in their respective states.
In Brief • Peanuts do not qualify for COVID-19 price loss coverage. • Farmers and ranchers now qualify for Small Business Administration loans. • Producer and industry organizations donate to food banks, those in need. • Consumption numbers in Canada support their No. 1 export status. • Mark your calendar for the annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference.
Because of the pandemic and economic shutdown, many people have turned to food banks to feed their families. In early May, a truckload of peanut butter traveled from the Peanut Proud warehouse in southwest Georgia to the V-C area. Six pallets comprising 8,640 jars were delivered to Columbia, South Carolina, for distribution to the Columbia Harvest Hope Food Bank. Another nine pallets, or 12,960 jars, were delivered to North Carolina food banks in Raleigh, Fayetteville and Elizabeth City. Five pallets or 7,200 jars of Peanut Proud peanut butter were delivered to the Southeastern Food Bank in Norfolk, Virginia, along with one pallet going to the local Cooperative Ministries in Franklin, Virginia.
International Peanut Forum Rescheduled
The International Peanut Forum has been rescheduled for April 28-30, 2021. The American Peanut Council is working with the Corinthia Hotel in Budapest, Hungry, to host the event. The council is offering delegates the option to roll over their registration fee to 2021 or to request a refund. JUNE 2020 • THE PEANUT GROWER /
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NewsBriefs News Briefs SPGC Set For July
Mark your calendar for the 22nd Annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference, July 16-18, 2020, at the Edgewater Beach and Golf Resort, Panama City Beach, Florida. This year’s conference offers farmers an opportunity to learn more about legislative issues, peanut promotions and production issues. The registration fee for growers is $145, which includes all conference events and meals. The registration deadline is June 30, after which the fee increases by $50. The theme for this year’s conference, “2020 Vision for Peanuts,: will highlight the future value of peanuts and the future of grading, processor needs and farm automation. During the Saturday morning general session, the keynote speaker will be U.S. Sen. John Boozman, (R-Ark.), chairman of the Commodities, Risk Management and Trade subcommittee of the Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry committee. To register and view the conference schedule, visit southernpeanutfarmers.org.
West Named Interim Dean
Joe West, who served as assistant dean of the University of Georgia Tifton Campus, has been named interim dean and director of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, effective July 1. West is a professor in the UGA Department of Animal and Dairy Science, and his career with CAES spans nearly 35 years. In 12 years as assistant dean, he oversaw enhancements to the learning environment for students, as well as growth in research activity and Extension programming on the Tifton Campus. From 2002 to 2004, he served as interim head of the Department of Animal and Dairy Science. As previously announced, Samuel Pardue, who has led the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences since 2016, will step down June 30. Former UGA CAES dean and National Institute of Food and Agriculture director, J. Scott Angle has been named vice president of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. 6/
THE PEANUT GROWER • JUNE 2020
Canadians Are Good Customers
Exports of U.S.-grown peanut products to Canada have continued a trajectory of growth over the past decade, despite a fluctuating exchange rate and trade tensions during negotiations to modernize and improve the North American Free Trade Agreement. The growth is apparent when considering both volume and per-capita consumption of all peanut products, and especially noteworthy when analyzing the peanut butter category. For export growth by volume, in 2009, 87,292 metric tons of U.S. peanut products were exported to Canada. By 2019, that number had grown by 46% to 127,465 metric tons. Peanut butter exports to Canada by volume doubled over the past decade, from 7,884 metric tons in 2009 to 15,823 metric tons in 2019. When considering consumption per-capita, Canadians eat 7.5 pounds of peanut products per year, which is higher than the U.S., and up from 5.2 pounds in 2009. Canadian consumption of U.S.-produced peanut butter nearly doubled in the past decade
from 0.5 pound per-capita in 2009 to almost 1 pound in 2019.
Donate To Peanut Proud
As more Americans face economic instability, there will be increased demand for nutritious, economical protein-rich foods at food banks and other community food distribution points. Peanut butter is consistently one of the most requested items at food banks. U n f o r t u n a t e l y, social distancing has made in-person product donation drop offs challenging. However, it is still possible to help by making a tax-deductible donation to Peanut Proud, the peanut industry’s non-profit humanitarian organization. Help those in our communities who have become food insecure because of the impact of COVID-19. To donate, go to www.PeanutProud. org or donations can be mailed to Peanut Proud, P.O. Box 446, Blakely, Ga 39823. PEANUTGROWER.COM
Albert Culbreath Honored For Research Contributions
A
well-known scientist in the peanut industry, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences research pathologist Albert Culbreath has been named a Fellow of the American Phytopathological Society. The society grants this honor to members in acknowledgement of distinguished contributions to plant pathology or to the APS. The Fellow recognition is based on significant contributions in original research, teaching, administration, professional and public service, and/or Extension and outreach. “Being named a Fellow is a scientific society’s greatest honor,” says Sam Pardue, dean and director of CAES. Impressive Work A professor of plant pathology at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus, Culbreath is recognized as a leader in the ecology, epidemiology and control of thrips-vectored tomato spotted wilt virus and of early and late leaf spot diseases of peanut. He has authored more than 200 journal articles and book chapters and been a co-developer of five TSWVresistant peanut cultivars. Culbreath was also a co-developer of the TSWV Risk Index and Peanut Rx educational tools that helped ensure economic viability of peanut production when the disease threatened the industry’s existence in the 1990s. He has been a significant part of the multidisciplinary team that has produced an integrated spotted wilt management program combining multiple suppressive factors to control the disease. Adoption of the integrated system coincided with a dramatic decline in annual losses to TSWV in peanut. As a part of this work, he documented slower epidemic development in several cultivars and breeding lines than in Florunner, the predominant peanut cultivar at that time. Culbreath characTWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER
terized the field reaction to TSWV of numerous breeding lines from multiple peanut breeders, several of which have been released. Continuing Contributions Culbreath’s work on integrating resistant or tolerant cultivars with suppressive cultural practices is applicable to both organic and conventional production in developing countries as well as the United States. Most recently, Culbreath reported the synergistic effects of elemental sulfur with sterol biosynthesis inhibiting fungicides for control of late leaf spot in fields where the SBI fungicides alone provided little control. Recently, he and UGA colleague Katherine Stevenson co-authored the chapter on fungicide resistance in peanut pathogens in the second edi-
tion of “Fungicide Resistance in North America.” Culbreath has served as president, councilor and division forum representative of the APS Southern Division. He is a Fellow of the American Peanut Research and Education Society and was previously recognized with the APS Novartis Award, the UGA D.W. Brooks Award for Excellence in Research and the APS Southern Division Outstanding Plant Pathologist Award. He has served on 41 graduate student committees and been the major professor for seven master’s degree students and four doctoral candidates. He teaches “Introductory Plant Pathology” at UGA Tifton. PG Article by Faith Peppers, UGA CAES director of public affairs. JUNE 2020 • THE PEANUT GROWER / 7
Watch Markets Are Quiet As Some Buying Segments Remain Closed
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he ongoing spread of the coronavirus has become one of the biggest threats to the global economy. The agricultural economy was already suffering from low commodity prices and they remain low as major markets are closed to potential buying. The loss of schools and restaurants has interrupted the food chain on a grand scale. The economy being locked down is not an insignificant matter and will have repercussions for years to come. As the coronavirus turned into a worldwide pandemic, consumers started stocking up to comply with the stay-athome directive. Half-empty shelves are commonplace now. Working With Extra Precautions Peanut buyers have been quiet, and the main concern is getting a consistent flow of peanuts from suppliers. Quality issues from the 2019 crop are hindering timely shipments. The price of available good quality peanuts skyrocketed from the high 40 cents per pound to 90 cents per pound. Many raw shelled peanuts have failed to meet minimum aflatoxin levels and are being stored until they can be recleaned. Peanut shellers and blanchers have continued to work and follow COVID19 safety regulations. Because of normal food safety regulations, many of these workers are used to wearing hair nets and protective clothing. Visitors to plants are no longer allowed, and truckers must remain outside to collect signatures and bills of laden. The peanut industry is working hard to provide raw material for peanut butter and peanut products to fill grocery shelves again. Planting Underway Down on the farm, peanut planting 8/
THE PEANUT GROWER • JUNE 2020
J. Tyron Spearman Contributing Editor, The Peanut Grower
Leading Marketing Indicators (April 2, 2020) 2019 Est. Acreage............................................................. 1,391,700 acres 2019 Est. Production (3,949 lbs/A).......................................2,748,043 tons 2020 Est. Acreage (+ 7%) ................................................. 1,529,000 acres 2020 Est. Production (same avg.yield) ............................ 3,019,010 tons 2019 Market Loan (5-7-2020) ............................................ 2,340,990 tons 2019 Market Loan Redemptions ...................................... 1,115,824 tons 2019-20 Domestic Usage (9 Mo.) ............................................ UP + 3.3 % 2019-20 Exports (8 Mo.) ............................................................UP +24.1% POSTED PRICE (per ton) Runners -$424.13; Spanish - $416.70; Valencia and Virginias - $430.94
has been delayed in some areas because of cool, wet weather. Many mornings it has not felt like peanut planting time in the Southeast, much less the VirginiaCarolina region. Some producers have chosen to plant cotton first, which is hard to consider with current prices, but crop rotation is important. Wearing today’s safety gear, a face mask, farmers have been meeting with shellers to sign contracts and secure seed for the 2020 season. Even with the turmoil and higher prices for a small percentage of the 2019 crop, contracts remain at $400 per ton for runners. Some high-oleic varieties have earned another $25 per ton. Farmer sign-up has been good, but other producers are waiting to see if increased contract prices will be offered. Acreage Estimate The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service projects 1.529 million acres of peanuts will be planted in 2020, up 7% over last year’s 1.427 million acres. Georgia is
projected to plant 740,000 acres, a 10% increase over 2019. Peanut producers had a choice to plant corn at $3.50 per bushel, cotton at 58 cents per pound, soybeans at $8.50 per bushel or peanuts at $425 per ton with a PLC payment of $123 per ton because of last year’s low prices. With the equipment and a good partnership with their buying point, most farmers will pick peanuts. The 10% acreage increase for Georgia will likely come closer to 20% if seed can be found. Peanut producers report acreage planted to peanuts by July 15. Some buyers are awaiting the new 2020 crop hoping the quality is better than 2019. Indications on new-crop prices are currently in the mid to upper 50 cents per pound for kernels and mid to upper 60 cents per pound for blanched jumbo runners for 2021 deliveries. Domestic And Export Markets The peanut market is strong with domestic usage up 3.3% after eight months, and exports are up 24% with PEANUTGROWER.COM
Watch China and Vietnam making major purchases. Lower-quality peanuts for peanut oil have been cheap enough for the Chinese to buy. Per USDA, the average price received by farmers for farmer-stock peanuts was $412 per ton in March 2020. February’s prices were lower at $410 per ton. Prices have fluctuated from the lowest in history at $384 per ton in November 2019 to a high of $418 per ton in January. The nine-month average is $404 per ton. Those farmers who signed up for the PLC program will receive a payment in October that is the difference between the average price, now $404 per ton, and the reference price of $535 per ton for $131 per ton. The preliminary estimate from USDA was $125 per ton. This price would be applied to 85% of the peanut base acres on the farm. Another Disaster Looming The recent coronavirus stimulus pack-
TWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER
ages provided little assistance to peanut farmers. Only the Market Facilitation Program, a direct payment based on acres planted and not on prices caused by the tariff war with China, was the most recent help. Congress and USDA continue to create various programs to help farm and ranch groups, such as the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program; the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security programs; the Small Business Administration loans; federal and state disaster programs; and their regular farm programs. Three years ago, peanut farmers busted the market with overproduction. The carryforward remains at about 900,000 tons. It has taken this long to chip away at a seven-figure ending stock tonnage, which has kept prices depressed. Peanut analysts believe we are headed for another oversupply disaster if we plant more than a 10% increase in acres.
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It has taken three years to chip away at ending stocks that have kept prices depressed.
Being Optimistic Another crisis on the horizon is a consistent, safe food supply. The peanut industry is poised to help with this. No matter the diet or lifestyle, peanuts and peanut butter should be a part of most every consumers diet from infancy to old age. We have the product, the natural resources, the farmers, the buying stations, the shellers, the manufacturers and the industry team with a desire to succeed. We must all adjust to a new normal, whatever it is, and make it happen. I am optimistic, so let’s get to work. Stay safe. We’ve got a peanut crop to make. PG
JUNE 2020 • THE PEANUT GROWER /
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Protect Your Crop From LCB Scout plants, pegs and pods for this yield-robbing insect. By Amanda Huber Silken tubes on pegs are a sign of LCB.
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t’s the No. 1 most destructive insect pest of peanuts in the Southeast, says Mark Abney, University of Georgia Extension entomologist. Lesser cornstalk borers thrive in hot, dry conditions, a weather pattern usually found at least some point during most peanut-growing seasons. Scout For Trouble LCB’s prime activity period generally begins in June and continues through the summer months. Larvae feed above and below the soil line and can kill newly emerged seedlings, destroy pegs and developing pods, damage plant crowns and weaken plants that survive. Wilting is one of the earliest signs of LCB infestation. Withered buds, stunting and plant deformities are also common. “You will usually see lessers in the driest spots in the field first,” Abney says. “Look for plants that are wilted and/or have skips beside them and plants at the ends of rows. Checking these areas first can save a lot of scouting time. If the larvae are not here, they are not likely to be in other parts of the field.” The presence of moths may be the first sign LCB is in the field. A single moth will lay from 100 to 200 eggs near the soil surface. After hatching, larvae live in the soil and construct tunnels from soil and bodily fluids tightly woven together with silk. These silken tubes are often found more than the insect itself. Larvae leave the tubes to feed at the base of the plant. “Look for wilted stems and silk tubes, remove plants and check tap root, pods and stems for feeding injury and larvae,” Abney says. “They are not always easy to find.” 10 /
THE PEANUT GROWER • JUNE 2020
Weather Plays A Role Producers may want to take a waitand-see approach early in the season when LCB populations are low, but as pegs and pods are developing, that is the time to protect the crop from feeding. “Scout and spray when the pest is present. If LCB populations get out of control in a field, it will be difficult to reign them back in. If you do not have
LCB in your fields, there is no reason to apply a preventative insecticide.” During those times when hot, dry conditions prevail, LCB pressure could be greater. “Rainfall will help slow population growth, and we do not usually see LCB problems under pivots when adequate water is being applied. It is important to scout young peanuts under pivots as PEANUTGROWER.COM
A Mite-y Problem
Two spotted spider mite infestation on peanut 14 days after a bifenthrin application.
MARK ABNEY, UGA ENTOMOLOGIST
Two spotted spider mite infestation on untreated peanut.
Another pest found during drought is the two spotted spider mite, a tiny pest that spells big trouble. “The most important factor leading to spider mite infestations in Georgia peanuts is drought, and we can’t do anything about that. The second most common factor is the use of a pyrethroid insecticide,” Abney says. Again, scouting is needed to spot a problem before it gets out of hand. A spider mite outbreak can simply look like drought-stressed plants. If the crop is drought stressed, special consideration of insect management problems is needed so as not to exacerbate problems. “Do not apply a pyrethroid insecticide to drought-stressed, non-ir-
rigated peanuts without discussing the application with your county agent or consultant first. Pyrethroids will flare mites,” he says. Producers should watch fields for signs of mite infestations, which usually show up around field margins and move inward as numbers increase. It is possible to spread mites across a field or from field to field with tractors and spray equipment. Options for managing mites are few, and irrigation may be the best defense. “If a field is less than 10 days from digging, I might consider using bifenthrin for spider mites in peanut. Otherwise, I would not.” Abney says growers should scout all non-irrigated fields for mites, but prioritize any fields where a pyrethroid was applied in the past six weeks.
these fields will probably not be getting irrigated enough to keep the pest at bay. “We do not want to see crown damage occurring in young irrigated peanuts. Once the water needs of the peanuts ramp up, vines lap the row middles and pivots are running full steam, LCB should become rare in adequately irrigated fields,” he says. Protect Pegs And Pods The three UGA-recommended insecticides for LCB are chlorpyrifos, chlorantraniliprole and novaluron. Abney says chlorpyrifos is applied as a granular product banded over the row. “It requires rainfall or irrigation for activation, and applications are often followed by outbreaks of caterpillars and/or mites.” The other two, chlorantraniliprole (Prevathon) and novaluron (Diamond), are applied as broadcast foliar sprays. However, Abney reminds producers that when using foliar insecticides, the product must reach the target. TWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER
Larvae feed above and below the soil line and can kill newly emerged seedlings, destroy pegs and developing pods, damage plant crowns and weaken plants that survive.
“I would not spray for LCB with less than 15 gallons of water per acre; 20 gallons would be better.” Additionally, he says while LCB does not survive well in moist conditions, one or two rainfall events will not eliminate an established population, and it is not
likely possible to irrigate LCB away prior to row closure. The bottom line for insect management at this point in the season will always be to scout for the pest and treat as needed to protect the growing peanut pods. PG JUNE 2020 • THE PEANUT GROWER /
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Virtually There Industry groups adjust to meeting online, hope for added participation. By Amanda Huber
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‘‘
he show must go on!” This was the cry of the circus ringmaster in his fancy coat and top hat to the crowd of spectators. Performing with live animals or carrying out daring acrobatics high above the big top often led to mishaps briefly stopping the action. That is when the ringmaster stepped in to say the show would continue. COVID-19 is more than a mishap, but the peanut industry has adapted by announcing some summer meetings, USA Peanut Congress and the American Peanut Education and Society Meeting, will be held virtually. Presentations And Panel Discussions American Peanut Council executive director Patrick Archer says, “We are happy that all of our planned presenters will be available to do their presentations via webinar. These presentations will include panel discussions on how the industry is addressing the issue of aflatoxin and how marketers are adapting under the COVID-19 pandemic.” Registration with an email address is required for Peanut Congress. Participants will receive log-in credentials prior to the event start date. “The virtual congress is free to all American Peanut Council and American Peanut Sheller Association members and provides an opportunity for those mem-
bers who have not attended lately to see what they’ve been missing,” Archer says. The virtual meeting will be held June 15-16, 2020, with general session webinars I and II on Monday, June 15, and general session webinars III and IV scheduled on Tuesday. For information or to register, visit www.peanut-shellers.org and click on the “Events” tab and then on “Peanut Congress.” Zoom And YouTube Another meeting going virtual this summer is the annual gathering of peanut researchers. APRES President Barry Tillman says, “For the first time in our 51-year history, the annual meeting of the American Peanut Research and Education Society will not be held face to face.” However, peanut researchers will not be defeated by COVID-19 for their 52nd yearly convention. “Instead of canceling the meeting, the program committee and board of direc-
Donate Your Dinner To Support Peanut Proud A traditional event at Peanut Congress is a fundraiser for the American Peanut Shellers Association Political Action Committee. In light of COVID-19, the APSA PAC instead asked participants to “Donate Your Dinner.” By purchasing a PAC ticket for $175, APSA will donate 175 jars of peanut butter to Peanut Proud, the peanut industry’s non-profit humanitarian organization. A donation form can be found on the APSA website at www.peanut-shellers.org by clicking on the “Events” tab, then on “Peanut Congress.”
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THE PEANUT GROWER • JUNE 2020
tors decided to conduct a virtual meeting. Part of the meeting will be webinars through Zoom and others will be prerecorded scientific presentations hosted on our YouTube channel. “While this is new territory for APRES, I am confident in the leadership of the local arrangements and technical program committees, and I believe we will have a great meeting,” he says. The first general session — production, challenges and strategies — and a symposium on aflatoxin and drought tolerance will be as webinars, July 14. The Joe Sugg Graduate Student Competition and graduate student seminar webinars will be held July 15. All other presentations, research and education breakout sessions and posters will be prerecorded and hosted on the APRES YouTube channel. Year-end awards will be announced July 16, and a recognition ceremony will be held at the 2021 annual meeting. “Special thanks to Gary Schwarzlose, program chair and president-elect, and John Cason, local arrangements committee, and their team for the leadership and flexibility to make the 2020 APRES virtual meeting possible. This is a great opportunity for colleagues who have not been able to attend recently to tune in to APRES 2020,” Tillman says. For more information, visit https:// apresinc.com. PG PEANUTGROWER.COM
Southern Peanut Growers Conference july 16-18, 2020 Edgewater beach & Golf resort • panama city beach, florida Room reservations at Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort can be made online at www.egdewaterbeachresort.com or by calling 1-800-874-8686 and providing the Group Code 115784. 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
CLEMSON PUBLIC SERVICE AND AGRICULTURE
A team of researchers, including Clemson University geneticist Chris Saski, has determined how pigweed changed its DNA to resist glyphosate herbicide.
Unlocking Pigweed Have plant geneticists found the key to Palmer amaranth’s glyphosate resistance?
J
ust hearing “pigweed” can cause fear in row-crop farmers, but Clemson University geneticist Chris Saski and other researchers believe they have discovered the armor this dreaded weed uses to protect itself against glyphosate herbicide. According to researchers, a specific genetic feature — the extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) replicon — gives pigweed, or more specifically glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth, its resistance to the often-used herbicide, making this weed difficult to control. The discovery could help refine herbicide treatment strategies and combat the rise of resistant weeds, says Saski. “The DNA structure of the eccDNA replicon is sophisticated,” says Saski, who is an associate professor of systems genomics in Clemson’s Plant and Environmental Sciences Department. “This circular molecule contains functional genes intermixed 14 /
THE PEANUT GROWER • JUNE 2020
among complicated repetitive DNA that seems to have originated from different chromosomes to form the circle.” He says the difficult sequencing was only possible with advanced single-molecule technology provided by Pacific Biosciences, a biotechnology company based in Menlo Park, California. This discovery provides an explanation of how weeds evolve and adjust to become resistant to herbicides. A DNA Change In Pigweed Glyphosate was introduced in the 1970s and became the most widely used herbicide on many food and non-food field crops as well as non-crop areas where total vegetation control is desired. Then in 1996, Roundup Ready crops were introduced. Being able to plant a Roundup Ready crop and then spray the whole PEANUTGROWER.COM
field to kill weeds but not the resistant crop worked well for about 10 years until weeds began to appear in sprayed fields. Older herbicides had to be reintroduced to control resistant weeds. Glyphosate-resistant pigweed is now found in 27 states. Through this study, researchers found pigweed DNA in resistant plants had drastically changed to form a very large, self-replicating circular DNA in addition to its normal chromosomes that carried the gene for the protein that glyphosate attacked. A Breakthrough Finding “What this means is plants like pigweed that contain the eccDNA are able to survive and propagate where glyphosate is used frequently,” Saski says, adding that glyphosate stress might contribute and influence eccDNA formation and activity. “Understanding the complete genomic structure and function of the eccDNA replicon will aid our knowledge of how plant genomes respond and evolve to stresses and help to further refine herbicide treatment strategies and combat the rise of resistant weeds,” he says. Saski says future research will focus on how the eccDNA self-replicates in plant cells and on identifying the essential functional elements of the eccDNA. An article about their research, “The eccDNA Replicon: A heritable, extra-nuclear vehicle that enables gene amplification and glyphosate resistance in Amaranthus palmeri,” appears in the current issue of The Plant Cell journal as a BreakThrough Report.
Clemson Extension Pigweed Expert Clemson University Extension weed specialist Michael Marshall, who works at the Edisto Research and Education Center, says pigweed is an aggressive, invasive weed found throughout the United States. “Once it is introduced to an area, the weed rapidly adapts and produces many small seed. It can quickly become a major problem for producers.” Pigweed plants can grow 2 to 3 inches per day and compete with crops for nutrients, water, sun and more. Pigweed’s emergence period extends well into the typical crop season and can produce viable seed after crop harvest in the fall. Pigweed, annual morningglory and sicklepod are the three main weeds South Carolina growers must battle every year. Proper application of herbicides can help relieve some of the pressure. Taking The Discovery Further When the researchers discovered the mechanism that amplifies genes in pigweed, Saski applied for and was awarded funding from the Clemson University Research Foundation to advance this technology to the next level. The foundation helps explore the potential for moving research beyond Clemson laboratories and into commercial markets. Research into pigweed’s glyphosate resistance mechanisms continues, but Marshall says this discovery could be a game changer for agriculture. PG Article by Denise Attaway, College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences; Public Service and Agriculture.
Management Options for ALS-Resistant Palmer Amaranth in Peanut1 Palmer amaranth populations exist in South Carolina that are resistant to several herbicide families including acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors (i.e., Cadre, Classic, Strongarm), dinitroaniline (i.e., Prowl and Sonalan), and glyphosate (Roundup). The following table is designed to assist growers in developing an herbicide system to manage and/or prevent ALS-resistant Palmer amaranth populations in peanut.
Strip Tillage
Tillage
Coventional Tillage
Tillage
Preplant Burndown
Preemergence
1st Weed Flush
POST2 (by 28d after Planting)
Valor
paraquat + Storm3 + Dual, Outlook, or Warrant
2,4-DB + Cobra3 or Ultra Blazer3
Valor3 + Dual, Outlook, Warrant, Prowl
paraquat + Storm3 + Outlook, or Warrant
2,4-DB + Cobra3 or Ultra Blazer3
Preplant Incorporated4
Preemergence
1st Weed Flush
POST (by 28d after Planting)
Prowl or Sonalan
Valor3
paraquat + Storm3 + Dual, Outlook, or Warrant
2,4-DB + Cobra3 or Ultra Blazer3
Prowl or Sonalan
Valor3 + Dual, Outlook, Warrant
paraquat + Storm3 + Outlook, or Warrant
2,4-DB + Cobra3 or Ultra Blazer3
3
Glyphosate or paraquat + 2,4-D
ALS-resistant (CADRE resistant) Palmer amaranth biotypes have been documented in South Carolina. A program multiple soil residual and postemergence herbicides with differing modes-of-action will be required for optimum control. 2 CADRE and PURSUIT (ALS-inhibitors) may be tank mixed with COBRA or ULTRA BLAZER if control of other broadleaf weeds is needed. Because CADRE and PURSUIT are ALS-inhibitors, these tank mixtures are preferred over CADRE or PURSUIT alone. 3 VALOR, STORM, COBRA, and ULTRA BLAZER have the same mode of action (PPO inhibitor). Do not make more than 2 applications of these herbicides per year. 4 Use DUAL MAGNUM or OUTLOOK instead of SONALAN or PROWL if DNA-resistant Palmer amaranth biotypes are suspected and/or confirmed in your fields. 1
Source: Peanut Money-Maker 2020 Production Guide, Clemson University TWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER
JUNE 2020 • THE PEANUT GROWER / 15
Q&A
Soil Moisture Sensor Q & A Increase water-use efficiency with the aid of sensors for irrigation scheduling. By Michael T. Plumblee, Clemson University Precision Agriculture Extension Specialist
W
ater is needed for the plant to grow, and for peanuts specifically, it is needed to move calcium from land plaster into the pegging zone and then into pods. It also improves the effectiveness of pesticides, such as activating herbicides and helping fungicides reach the soil line for improved activity against white mold. Without timely rain or irrigation, these inputs would be wasted. Rainfall or irrigation also lowers soil and canopy temperatures, which allow for normal peg development and reduces aflatoxin risk.
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THE PEANUT GROWER • JUNE 2020
Using an irrigation scheduling tool is a better way to meet crop water demand than using the “rule of thumb� growth stage method or the standard checkbook method. Using a method to schedule irrigation to ensure the crop has the moisture needed to grow properly will reduce plant stress and maximize yield and quality. It also reduces the likelihood of over-watering, which can reduce yields and cost money. Real-time, Site-Specific Data Soil moisture sensors are one tool producers can use to schedule irrigation.
Soil moisture sensors can be separated into two categories based on how soil moisture is determined. The first category, volumetric sensors (volumetric water content and capacitance sensors) measure the amount of water in a given volume of soil providing a soil water content percentage. The second category, which are soil water tension sensors, such as gypsum blocks and Watermark sensors, measure the force that the plant roots must overcome to extract water from the surrounding soil particles. These sensors provide readings in units of kilopascals
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(kPa) or centibars (cbar). Several differences exist between the two categories of sensors including price, accuracy, recurring subscription costs and telemetry or how data is accessed. However, both categories are suitable for irrigation scheduling in row crops. The following are commonly asked questions in regards to soil moisture sensors:
Q. A.
How many moisture sensors do I need?
At least one sensor or set of sensors if multiple sensors are needed for multiple depths per irrigation management zone (i.e. under each center pivot) will aid in irrigation decision making. Other scenarios where more than one sensor per irrigation management zone may be warranted include changes in soil texture across the field in areas that can be managed separately or with the use of a variable-rate irrigation system. Furthermore, if a particular system takes several days to make one revolution, consider placing sensors at the start and stop of the irrigation cycle to determine if the system needs to continue on to another irrigation cycle at completion of the prior cycle.
Q. A.
Where do I put my sensors within the field?
Several factors should be considered when placing sensors in the field to ensure a representative reading will be obtained. Consider soil texture differences; try to manage irrigation based on the soil texture that represents the majority of the field. Avoid putting sensors in areas that are more susceptible to drought or hold water during the growing season. If yield data is available, yield maps can be used as another tool to evaluate areas of the field to avoid or try to stay
in with placement. Try to place sensors in the field after planting and in areas where a representative stand exists. Avoid traffic rows and minimize damage to plants when installing sensors. Due to the limitations on irrigation sprinkler packages on center pivot systems avoid placing sensors near the center point of the system. It is recommended to try to install sensors a tower or two from the end of system to ensure irrigation uniformity.
Q. A.
Do I install sensors in the row or row middle?
Install soil moisture sensors within the planted row of plants. By installing sensors within the row, accurate measurements of soil moisture within the crops rooting zone can be achieved. With all soil moisture
sensors, sensor-to-soil contact is essential in order to accurately read soil moisture. Therefore, the correct installation of soil moisture sensors is critical to the sensors working correctly.
Q. A.
How do I know when to irrigate based on the soil moisture sensor? Most sensor manufacturers have generic threshold values associated with the crop and soil texture that the sensor is being placed into. Typically, these threshold values reflect allowing the plant available water of a specific soil texture to deplete 25% to 50% before irrigation is applied to recharge. Ongoing research at Clemson University is evaluating sensor thresholds in multiple crops to develop recommendations based on South Carolina soil textures and crop. If soil water tension or Watermarktype soil moisture sensors are being used to schedule irrigation, Clemson University has a web-based application, accessible with a smartphone or computer, to take sensor readings and assist in making irrigation decisions based on predefined or manually entered thresholds. The web-based calculator can be found online at https://precisionag. sites.clemson.edu/calculators or www. irrometer.com/thresh.html. PG
Soil Moisture Sensor Benefits: •
Real-time site-specific monitoring of soil moisture.
•
Accurately depicts crop-water use and, thereby, water-sensitive periods.
•
Quantifies the actual amount of rainfall that enters the soil rooting zone.
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JUNE 2020 • THE PEANUT GROWER /
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Products dual modes of action and broad-spectrum activity of Elevest insect control should be deployed.” For more information, visit your FMC Star Retailer or FMCcrop.com. FMC Launches Elevest Insecticide The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently granted FMC Corp. registration for Elevest insect control in a broad range of crops including peanuts, soybeans, sweet corn, cotton and potatoes. The new insecticide combines full rates of Rynaxypyr active ingredient for lepidopteran control with full rates of bifenthrin, a pyrethroid. According to FMC, Elevest insect control provides growers enhanced activity on a broad spectrum of more than 40 insects that plague southern row crops, including corn earworms, armyworms and yield-robbing stink bugs. Following a mild winter, the potential exists for high lepidopteran and plant bug populations. Scouting will be key to selecting the best tools for the current and late-season conditions. “Scouting ensures you use the right insecticide at the right time. A premix product only fits certain situations,” says Bruce Stripling, FMC regional technical service manager. “If growers are fighting lepidopteran insects, Prevathon insect control with the single active ingredient Rynaxypyr is the best agronomic choice for effective control, while also being cognizant of the value of conserving beneficial insects. “However, later in the season, when growers may have to fight lepidopteran pests plus other insects, that’s when the
Reinke Precision Irrigation For Corners Reinke Manufacturing recently introduced a patent pending technology to increase variable-rate irrigation efficiency for swing arm corners — SAC VRI. Growers will benefit from the user-friendly RPM Preferred Touch or Annex PFTM panels and the ability to upload and store several prescriptions, saving both time and money. This latest irrigation innovation from Reinke has performed well in field tests, enabling growers to apply the highest probable prescription for a swing arm corner path. Uniform water application increases yield potential while eliminating the expense for outside sources to create and adjust prescriptions. Used on the whole irrigation system, variable-rate irrigation can segment water application into more than 300,000 zones, which growers can optimize over time. A predictive prescription is provided for SAC VRI to maximize yield based upon results of swing arm corner tests across numerous fields. “We believe this is the most advanced and easiest to use swing arm corner in the industry,” says Chris Roth, Reinke president. “Our team at Reinke is dedicated to
making sure producers can save time when they use our precision irriga- tion products in their operations.” SAC VRI is available on all new swing arm corner configurations. Visit reinke.com/variable-rate to learn more about variable-rate irrigation, SAC VRI and to find a Reinke dealer in your area.
AGCO Recasts Vision, Commitment Agco recently announced the change of vision as a commitment to bringing farmers sustainable high-tech solutions. “Our new vision — sustainable hightech solutions for farmers feeding the world — better represents our thoughtful approach to helping farmers and our businesses continually find better and more sustainable ways to raise the food people need all around the world,” says Martin Richenhagen, president and chief executive officer of Agco Corp. Agco’s sustainable high-tech solutions enable farmers to do more with less. Advanced farm machines require less fuel and make fewer passes in the field. Precision technology and agronomic solutions enable farmers to grow and harvest more per acre. Better sprayer technology enables farmers to apply products only where needed and reduce inputs to grow healthy food. For more information on Agco, visit https://agcocorp.com.
Southern States Partners With Heliae Southern States Cooperative has partnered with Heliae Agriculture to bring innovative microalgae products to farmers that enhance soil health and improve yield. According to the company, their product, PhycoTerra, can improve crop yields and soil health by feeding and multiplying soil microbes. Plants benefit directly from increased bio-available nutrients and stronger root and shoot growth. The environmental improvements include better water permeability and less soil erosion and runoff. For more information on PhycoTerra and how it is driving regenerative agriculture forward, visit PhycoTerra.com. 18 /
THE PEANUT GROWER • JUNE 2020
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Pointers Watch For Yellow Peanuts In June, growers should continue to implement strategies to control weeds and prevent thrips from causing injury. Hopefully, in-furrow systemic insecticides have provided adequate control, and follow-up sprays of insecticide have been made to clean up thrips infestations. Depending upon weather DAVID JORDAN North Carolina State conditions, residual herbicides University applied at planting or early Extension Agronomist postemergence should have been effective. If not, matching the correct herbicide with the weed complex is critical. Make timely applications to effectively control of weeds. A good practice is to include more residual herbicide with the contact herbicide in a single application, especially in fields that routinely have weed issues throughout the season. The contact herbicides control escaped weeds that have emerged, and the residuals prevent other weeds from emerging for several weeks. In most instances, contact herbicides (paraquat plus Basagran, Cobra, Ultra Blazer, Storm) can be mixed with residual herbicides (metolachlor products, Outlook, Warrant, Zidua, Anthem Flex.) Keeping peanuts weed-free for the first 6 weeks is important in capturing yield potential. Minimizing thrips injury, especially in the upper Virginia-Carolina region, also helps maintain peanut yield potential. For Virginia-market types and large-seeded runners, applying gypsum at f lowering is an important input. Addressing any micronutrient deficiencies (boron and manganese) ensures optimal plant nutrition.
Thrips injury
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THE PEANUT GROWER • JUNE 2020
Yellow row of peanuts
Keep an eye out for yellow peanuts and determine the cause. Sometimes this is from wet conditions and poor root growth. At other times, it can be a sign that nodulation is not effective and the plants need nitrogen. If a nitrogen deficiency is because of inoculant failure, getting nitrogen applied to plants as quickly as possible is a must. It won’t be cheap, but it will be important to maximize yield. Take a look at the southern corn rootworm index while making decisions on applying chlorpyrifos. When you need it, you need it. If you don’t need it, an application of this insecticide can do more harm than good, such as flaring spider mites. The major task for the mid and latter portion of the season is establishing a solid leaf spot and stem rot fungicide spray program. Protecting peanuts from the pathogens that cause these diseases starts early. In North Carolina, applying fungicides at R3 to start protection from these pathogens is important. Then, make applications at twoweek intervals or possibly extending those intervals based on weather-based advisories. Rotating chemistry and making sure fungicides are applied at the correct rate, on time and using the right equipment are essential elements of an effective disease management strategy. Each state has a lot of good information on fungicide programs, and growers and their advisors are encouraged to spend time putting in place an effective program. Keep in mind that we have a significant number of cases where certain groups of fungicides are no longer effective. Make sure you are covered with the most effective chemistry each time you spray. In this column, I seem to have used “important” a lot. There are many things to do in June that are important and doing them on time helps set you up for optimum yields this fall. PEANUTGROWER.COM
Pointers Use Gypsum On Dryland Crop Most farmers have finished planting or are almost done by now. Hopefully, everyone has a solid stand of peanuts and the crop is off to a good start. Scout for early season weed escapes and clean those up while they are small and easy to control. Then, it’s time to begin a KRIS BALKCOM fungicide program. Disease Auburn University control in peanuts is one of Extension Specialist the most expensive production costs. Everyone wants to make the highest yield and save money by reducing the number of sprays. My advice is to start spraying peanuts
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for leaf spot at 35 to 40 days of age. We don’t want to be behind and spend more money trying to play catch up, while still possibly suffering yield losses in the end. Apply fungicides before disease is established. Use the recommended rate and volume of spray for good canopy coverage. Also, I think banding some of the high-end fungicides early is an excellent way to reduce costs and still provide adequate protection. There may be opportunities to delay sprays later in the season that will wind up saving a trip across the field, but the first one is not the one to skip or delay. One last tip is to pull a pegging-zone sample about 2 to 3 inches deep in the row to ensure you have adequate calcium levels for pod fill. Gypsum is a great product when you have a high pH but a low calcium level. Also, gypsum is important on the dryland acres because it is so water soluble and will enter the soil solution faster than lime when rains are scattered and sparse.
JUNE 2020 • THE PEANUT GROWER /
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Pointers Late Planting, Crop Fertility
Check For Active Nodulation
Rainfall during May has been inconsistent and that will cause some growers to have to plant peanuts in June. By no means is June planting a deal breaker, but obtaining optimal yield and grade becomes riskier. Increased leaf spot disease affects late-planted peanuts but can be managed with a good fungicide SCOTT MONFORT University of Georgia program. Extension Agronomist The biggest risk to Juneplanted peanuts is maturity. Maturity at 145 to 150 days after planting puts the crop well into October when it starts to cool down. Temperatures can be cold enough to stop normal maturation of pods, reducing yield and grade potential. On average, Tifton has experienced late October temperatures around 50 degrees, and Georgia has been in the low 40s in mid- to late-October a few times in the last 10 years. For those with peanuts in the ground, calcium and boron are two important fertility components to be mindful of in June. Decisions on calcium, in the form of gypsum, and boron applications need to be finalized over the next few weeks. Currently, about a third of the crop is moving into the 40 to 60 days after planting range. According to Glenn Harris, UGA fertility specialist, traditional calcium needs are accomplished through either lime at planting or gypsum at early bloom time. If your soil test results indicate at least 500 pounds per acre calcium in the top 4 inches of soil, the pegging zone, and a Ca:K ratio of 3:1 or higher, then you are not likely to see a yield response to calcium fertilization. However, Harris says, “All seed peanuts should automatically receive 1,000 pounds per acre of gypsum, or calcium sulfate, at early bloom. A lot of gypsum is applied ‘just in case’ or as insurance. This is a good strategy. Put your fertilizer dollars into gypsum rather than into some unproven or untested product.” In regard to boron, growers need to apply 0.5 pounds of boron per acre. Boron applications can be achieved in a number of ways. The easiest method is by foliar feeding at 0.25 pound boron per acre tankmixed with your first two fungicide sprays. Make product decisions wisely. Beware of products recommended at very low rates. For example, 6 ounces of a 5% liquid boron only gives you 0.025 pounds of boron per acre. If you need help in any way, call your county Extension agent. I hope everyone has a great production year.
Most of the Southwest peanut crop has been planted by June. Although rainstorms in early May helped increase pla nting moisture, ma ny growers had to irrigate fields prior to planting. Herbicides applied preplant and at planting have been effective, but new weed flushes following rainfall or irrigaEMI KIMURA Texas A&M AgriLife tion are likely as soil-applied herbicides are dissipating. Extension Peanut Specialist Herbicides applied at early postemergence that do not have soil activity are also prone to allow new weed flushes. In other words, good early season weed control may need some attention because previously applied herbicides have dissipated over time. Peanut forms a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium spp. to fix atmospheric nitrogen if an inoculant is properly applied at planting. It is time to assess whether the nodulation was successfully achieved. Carefully dig plants and count the number of active nodules. Active and healthy nodules should appear reddish-pink inside due to the reaction of leghemoglobin. Supplemental nitrogen is not required if an average of 20 active nodules per plants is observed. If supplemental nitrogen is required, 10 to 20 pounds per acre of N should be sufficient depending on the number of active nodules/ plant and residual N in soil and irrigation water. Excess N can increase disease problems. PG
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THE PEANUT GROWER • JUNE 2020
Active nodules
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