Peanut Grower June 2021

The

PEANUTGROWER ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

JUNE 2021

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

Time To Think About Fungal Pathogens A Better Way To Track Maturity Shortages, Alternatives And Targeted Application: Calcium Q & A

Irrigation Scheduling Options Plus The Importance Of Uniformity

For the first time ever, early introduction of peanut foods is being promoted in the new

Through the National Peanut Board, America’s peanut farmers have allocated more than $35 million to food allergy research, outreach and education.

Visit preventpeanutallergies.org and dietaryguidelines.gov for more details on early introduction.

The

JUNE 2021

PEANUTGROWER ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

JUNE 2021

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

Time To Think About Fungal Pathogens

Volume 33 • Number 6

A Better Way To Track Maturity

Irrigation Scheduling Options

Shortages, Alternatives And Targeted Application: Calcium Q & A

Plus The Importance Of Uniformity

Departments 4

Editor’s Note Changing landscapes

5

News Briefs Texas promotes feeding America one nut at a time

8

Market Watch Cool conditions push back planting

20 Peanut Pointers Ways to avoid flaring spider mites

Stay Connected

10 Features

10 Irrigation Scheduling Options

Find a method that fits your needs and management style.

12 Calcium Q & A

Shortages, alternatives and targeted application are the key topics.

14 Early Season Disease Management

It is time to think about common fungal pathogens.

16 Tracking Maturity

Use adjusted growing degree day accumulation to measure maturity.

17 New Companies Sign On To The Seam Coastal Growers and Tifton Peanut Co. join in on the management platform.

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

Follow The Peanut Grower on Twitter @PeanutGrower TWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER

18 Growing Carbon Credits

Producers are interested in learning more about this emerging market.

Cover photo by Amanda Huber JUNE 2021 • THE PEANUT GROWER /

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EDITORIAL/PRODUCTION Editor Amanda Huber ahuber@onegrower.com Copy Editor Vicky Boyd vlboyd@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 subscription changes or change of address, 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 at Memphis, Tennessee, and at additional mailing offices. Copyright © 2021 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 60065-1388. 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.

Editor’sNote Editor’s Note Changing Landscapes

I

was one of those kids who had to be called in to supper. I roamed these sand hills with my two dogs making up imaginary adventures with every step. A stand of sand pines adjacent to the farm and across the dirt road had a cool feature — the remnants of an old mine, I suppose, that had filled in over time. To me, it was a deep ravine with sandy sidewalls. To an adult, it was probably no more than a glorified ditch. I would slide down one side and try to climb up the other, Amanda Huber falling back into the soft sandy middle.

Editor, The Peanut Grower That was my playground many years ago. The ditch probably filled in over the years, but the sand pines remained until recently. So did the dirt road.

In the span of a couple of weeks, the landscape of my whole life changed.

The pines were clear-cut and the road paved. It’s odd how different things look now.

Some recent events have me concerned about the landscape of all our lives. The supply chain of crop protection products is strained.

Manufacturers report product sitting at ports for weeks waiting on an open container for shipping. Once shipped, it may sit at the next port waiting on trucks to move it to the next location. This is happening more frequently and with an increasing number of products.

Another trend is the attack on crop protection products through the court system. In the United States, the Ninth Circuit Court’s recent decision related to chlorpyrifos requires the Environmental Protection Agency to either write a new rule to allow for the safe use of the insecticide or halt all food residue tolerances for it, which would effectively ban its use. In the European Union, its highest court recently rejected Bayer’s appeal of a lower court ruling that banned three neonicotinoids, which affects the insecticides imidacloprid, clothianidin and thiamethoxam.

Some missing pines and a paved road will be easier to deal with than shortages or outright banned ag chemicals needed to make good yields.

This changing landscape will take a lot more planning, communication with your ag chemical retailer and flexibility in your management plans.

One Grower Publishing, LLC

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THE PEANUT GROWER • JUNE 2021

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NewsBriefs News Briefs Recapping 2020 Exports: A Banner Year

The American Peanut Council reported that for calendar year 2020, peanut exports totaled 910,101 farmer-stock tons valued at $759.6 million, up 20% by volume and 12% by value compared to the previous year.

The APC says this represents the second highest total in history behind only 2016 and corresponds to a record high 33% of total production.

Shipments to China accounted for nearly 44% of total exports by volume and reached 395,840 farmer-stock tons for $296 million, up 224% by volume and 177% by value compared to 2019.

Exports to Canada totaled 198,787 tons for $193 million, down 0.13% by volume but up nearly 7% by value.

Shipments to Mexico fell 4% by volume and 3% by value at 175,125 tons for $138 million.

Exports to Europe totaled 73,456 tons for $71 million, down 59% by volume and 54% by value compared to the previous year due to the import tariff. Shipments to Japan totaled 20,660 farmer-stock tons for $25 million, down nearly 20% by volume and 21% by value. Exports to all other areas declined 3% by volume and 2% by value to reach 46,232 tons for $81 million.

The APC administers export promotions for U.S. peanuts. Funding is shared between the U.S. peanut industry and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service. The efforts are funded through the Market Access Program, Foreign Market Development and other related programs administered

by USDA. Each year, the U.S. peanut industry comes together to review and revise an international strategic plan or unified export strategy, which is then submitted to FAS for review, approval and allocation of funds.

Calls For Tariff Relief Grow

According to the APC, calls for relief

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from the European Union’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products are increasing. A coalition of nearly 90 trade associations, including the APC, sent a letter to U.S. and EU leaders seeking a permanent suspension of retaliatory tariffs related to Airbus and Boeing World Trade Organization disputes.

In the dispute, the EU placed a 25% tariff on U.S. peanuts, which in February was suspended until July 11. Separately, in response to tariffs placed on EU steel and aluminum, the EU imposed 25% tariffs on U.S. peanut butter, among other products.

Companies such as Harley-Davidson are now publicly calling for relief from those tariffs, which are scheduled to double on June 1.

NIFA Wants Peanut Research Projects

With the completion of the Peanut Genomic Initiative, which completely mapped the peanut genome, the next step is to link key traits with genetic markers. This will make breeding more precise and faster.

To that end, the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture has accepted a joint proposal from the National Peanut Board and The Peanut Research Foundation that will qualify for dollar-for-dollar matching funds for an approved research project in the amount of $500,000.

The project must focus on using phenotyping to identify marker-trait associations in the peanut core collection to expand the use of marker-trait associations for yield improvement.

Proposals must have a letter of support from the National Peanut Board before being considered by NIFA.

Georgia Commission Reaffirmed

The Georgia Peanut Commission was reaffirmed with a vote of 94.43%, the highest the commission has received in its nearly 60-year existence.

As required by law, the state’s peanut

In Brief • Trade groups call for relief from tariffs, some of which double on June 1.

• 2020 exports second only to total in 2016.

• APC and APSA plan in-person meeting in New Orleans.

• Peanuts are part of diet found to reduce stroke risk by 59%.

• North Carolina producer association selects new leader.

farmers vote on the commission with a referendum every three years. Ballots were mailed to producers the week of March 15, and the certified public accounting firm of Allen, Pritchett and Bassett counted the ballots on April 23.

“Our staff is humbled by the support of peanut farmers in Georgia,” says Don Koehler, GPC executive director.

“We will continue to seek opportunities through programs in research, education and promotion to enhance profit opportunities on the farm.”

“I am thankful our board and staff have been able to work in the areas of research, promotion and education of peanuts, as well as support efforts in Washington to maintain legislation that is helpful for peanut farmers,” says Armond Morris, GPC chairman.

Georgia peanut farmers invest $2 per ton annually to the commission.

For additional information, visit www. gapeanuts.com.

USA Peanut Congress Announced

The 2021 USA Peanut Congress will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana, June 28 through July 1.

The 25th annual USA Peanut Congress is a joint meeting of the American Peanut Council and the American Peanut Shellers Association and will be held at the historic Roosevelt Hotel.

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NewsBriefs News Briefs Officials of both organizations are working on an exciting program. APC chairman Karl Zimmer of Premium Peanut says, “We are looking forward to safely reconvening and reconnecting in person this June. There are plenty of opportunities for industry partners to get involved.”

NC Grower Association Selects New CEO

Lynn Hobbs, North Carolina Peanut Growers Association president, recently announced Ashley Collins as the new chief executive officer. Collins has more than 16 years’ experience in the agricultural industry, most recently serving as the director of collegiate relations and communication for Ashley Agriculture Future of Collins America.

In this role, she was responsible for establishing and fostering relationships with more than 200 colleges and universities across the country. As such, she developed connections targeted to promote the organization as an avenue for young agricultural professionals to engage in leadership development experiences to enhance their future careers.

Prior to joining AFA, Collins served as the education and marketing manager for AgCareers.com, where for more than a decade she designed and managed a variety of student outreach initiatives as well as corporate training efforts, enabling a variety of agricultural companies to implement top-talent recruitment programs.

“I am thrilled to serve the producers of one of North Carolina’s most iconic commodities and look forward to an exciting future as the peanut industry is experiencing many advancements in production, research, innovation and consumer demand,” says Collins.

“I am also honored and humbled to follow the tenure of Bob Sutter, 6/

THE PEANUT GROWER • JUNE 2021

THE MIND DIET & PEANUTS: A

SUPER PLAN FOR

YOUR BRAIN. WITH A WEALTH OF ANTIOXIDANTS, VITAMINS, MINERALS, UNSATURATED FATS AND POLYPHENOLS, peanuts aren’t just brain food—they’re brain superfood! So it’s no surprise that when the MIND diet was created to bring together the most brain-boosting foods, peanuts and peanut butter were high on their list.

THE MIND DIET WHAT IS THE SLOWS COGNITIVE

MIND DIET?

The MIND diet (or Mediterranean-DASH diet Intervention for Neurological Delay) combines components from two existing diets that are recommended for overall health: the Mediterranean and DASH diets. The MIND approach incorporates foods from each that have been shown to be particularly beneficial for the brain. And the best part?

Peanuts and peanut butter are a part of all three!

MIND CAN REDUCE

ALZHEIMER’S

RISK BY

53%

A study on the relationship between MIND diet adherence and Alzheimer’s Disease examined a total of 923 participants, ages 59-98, for an avg. of 4.5 years. They found high adherence reduced risk of Alzheimer’s by 53%, and a significant reduction with even mild adherence.2

DECLINE

OTHER

WAYS

In 2015, 460 MIND diet participants were followed over the course of 4.7 years. Researchers observed a higher adherence to the MIND diet “substantially slows cognitive decline with age.”1

PEANUTS

CAN HELP THE BRAIN INCREASE BLOOD FLOW TO THE BRAIN

Resveratrol in peanuts is believed to improve blood flow in the brain by as much as 30%, which may reduce risk of stroke3 and help improve cognitive abilities.4

HELP ENHANCE YOUR MOOD

Polyphenols (like those found in peanuts) have shown the potential to enhance mood, which may also help reduce risk of depression.5

HELP YOU STAY ALERT

Unsaturated fat in peanuts gives you energy, which can ward off fatigue and help you stay sharp.

Better Brain Health With Peanuts The Peanut Institute continues its support of the MIND Diet study, led by researchers from Harvard and Rush Universities. In April 2021, a study published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience found that adherence to the MIND diet was associated with a 59% reduced risk of having a stroke.

The MIND diet combines nutritious foods like peanuts, peanut butter, berries and leafy vegetables to create a diet that promotes better brain health and cognitive function. who successfully led the association for nearly 30 years and to have the opportunity to learn from him before his official retirement.”

Collins is a graduate of North Carolina State University, with a bachelor of science in agricultural education, as well as of North Carolina A&T State University with a master

of science in agricultural education.

She serves on the North Carolina FFA Foundation Board, the North Carolina State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Alumni and Friends Society and is currently a member of the inaugural Palmetto LEAF leadership class.

Collins and her husband, Guy, live in Bailey, North Carolina.

PEANUTGROWER.COM

NewsBriefs News Briefs

Texas Producers Are Feeding America Southern Ag Carriers will be promoting Texas peanuts by declaring that they are feeding America, one nut at a time. The promotion is a partnership between the Texas Peanut Producers Board, the National Peanut Board and Southern Ag Carriers.

Texas Peanut Producers Board executive director Shelly Nutt says, “We had decals installed on five Southern Ag Carriers trailers, and we’re applying for a grant from our state department of agriculture to purchase decals for 10 more.”

Are you missing out?

Keep up with the latest from Peanut Grower by signing up for the monthly E-News at www.peanutgrower.com.

Look for the E-News sign-up box in the upper right corner of the home page.

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JUNE 2021 • THE PEANUT GROWER /

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MarketWatch Market Watch Cool Conditions Push Southeast Planting Later

L

ast year, it was predicted that the coronavirus would be the biggest threat to the global economy ever. It was also thought the peanut industry would suffer from lost markets including closed schools and restaurants.

With factories shut down, export shipments were likely to be reduced as well.

Peanuts and other commodities were already suffering from low prices. No doubt that the pandemic crippled the economy, but the peanut industry did not suffer its expected fate.

Following the Centers for Disease Control’s recommended guidelines, shellers were able to continue processing the crop and delivering raw-shelled peanuts according to orders. More than 1,000 employees covered the federal/ state crop inspection with only one COVID-19 incident.

As grocery store shelves emptied, manufacturers ramped up production as much as possible for the easy nutritious comfort food consumers were needing while sheltering in their homes. More than 60% of consumers bought groceries online.

The entire industry is to be congratulated as growth continues with use up 3.4% overall. A manufacturer of the leading peanut butter reported a 7.1% increase during the pandemic.

Planting Conditions The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates peanut acreage to be down 2%, mainly because higher corn and cotton prices. Some analysts predict it could be more like 3.5%. The deadline for farmers to report planted acres is July 15. However, planting season has not kicked off all that well with the Southeast experiencing cooler than normal temperatures. Rain is also hit or

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THE PEANUT GROWER • JUNE 2021

J. Tyron Spearman Contributing Editor, The Peanut Grower

Leading Marketing Indicators (As of (May 7, 2021)) 2021 Acreage Estimate (- 2%) ........................................ 1,625,500 acres 2016-20 Average yield ........................................................... 3,934 lbs/A 2021 Est. Production .......................................................... 3,197,358 tons 2021 Market Loan (5-5-21) ................................................ 2,435,355 tons 2020 Remaining in Loan ................................................... 1,126,407 tons 2020-2021 Domestic Use (8 Mo.)............................................. Up + 3.4 % 2020-2021 Exports (7 Mo.) ....................................................... Up + 9.5 % NATIONAL POSTED PRICE (per ton) Runners -$424.55; Spanish - $415.57; Valencia and Virginias - $428.74

miss with some areas of the Southeast peanut belt having 7 inches or more and other areas needing significant rain. The Virginia-Carolina region is cold and wet with the Southwest still dry. Peanut specialists cautioned producers not to get in a hurry and to wait for soil temperatures to average 68 degrees for three consecutive says before planting.

Prices And Premiums With the higher commodity prices, shellers have been offering some premiums to encourage farmers to plant peanuts and stay on rotation. With a base offer of $475 per ton for runners or $500 per ton for Virginia type, premiums included $25 for irrigation use, $25 for high-oleic varieties, $25 for seed production and even some hauling bonuses. Buying points and shellers need to beware of 2022 corn prices as some farmers are booking bushels at high prices.

While the farm price for peanuts increases, USDA’s monthly average price increase will eventually reduce the price loss coverage payment for next year.

Stocks And Processing Report Export volumes are running about 10% above last year as China continues to buy in-shells. Domestic consumption is now up 3.4% after seven months.

Market demand is estimated at 3.18 million tons. If producers average 3,934 pounds per acre, which is the five-year average, total U.S. production would be 3.19 million tons, leading to fairly tight supplies.

U.S. peanut usage for March was up 3.9% compared to March 2020.

Categories show positive increa ses except for in-shells, which is down 14.2%. For the eight-month period, peanut use is up 3.5% with peanuts in candy up 7.5%, peanut snacks up 4.9% and peanut butter up 4.2%. For manufacturers, the market today is priced for a normal-sized crop with prices next year at approximately 53 cents for splits, 54 to 55 cents for mediums and 56 cents for jumbo runners. Prices are much higher for large-kernel Virginia types and for Spanish peanuts, if you can find any.

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MarketWatch Market Watch Buyers are taking a wait-and-see attitude toward this crop and will be watching for problematic weather conditions that would push prices higher. Current crop remaining stocks at shelling facilities are limited, and, if one assumes approximately 60% of farmer stock has been contracted on the new crop, there will still be some negotiating to do at the buying point.

Export Markets U.S. peanut exports for the 2020 calendar year totaled 910,101 farmer-stock tons and was valued at $759.6 million, up 20% by volume and 12% by value compared to the previous year. This represents the second-highest total in the history of the industry. The value of the 2019 crop was down because of the poor quality. A good portion of that crop was shipped to China for crushing into oil production.

For seven months of this marketing

‘‘

The pandemic is slowly winding down. Thankfully, the 2020 peanut crop is good quality and will be shipped to expanding and growing markets... Our industry, like most, is looking forward to a more normal year with good growing conditions and excellent quality.

year, China has purchased 131,903 metric tons of in-shells. As a result, reports indicate that in-shell peanuts are in short supply. China is also buying rawshelled peanuts.

Overall, raw-shelled shipments are down 17.3% and peanut butter is down 9.4%. Total exports are up almost 10%.

The 25% tariff into the European Union is a concern as sellers avoid that market until it is settled.

Argentina expects to reduce exports 14% because weather there has caused a delay in maturity. They are hoping for

sunshine and dry conditions to finish the crop.

Getting Back To Business The pandemic is slowly winding down. Thankfully, the 2020 peanut crop is good quality and will be shipped to expanding and growing markets.

Hopefully, you will get to meet some of the new leaders around the peanut organizations over the summer. Our industry, like most, is looking forward to a more normal year with good growing conditions and excellent quality. PG

Times are changing by the day — sometimes by the minute.

One thing that hasn’t changed?

Since 1988, The Peanut Grower has worked to provide our readers timely coverage of the U.S. peanut industry in an effort to help boost your bottom line.

www.peanutgrower.com/subscribe TWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER

@PeanutGrower JUNE 2021 • THE PEANUT GROWER /

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Irrigation Scheduling Options Find a method that fits your needs and management style.

By Amanda Huber

P

eanut growers have several options for scheduling irrigation.

Any one of these methods is better than waiting for visible stress, says University of Georgia Extension irrigation specialist Wesley Porter.

“Based on the irrigation survey we conducted, we know that a lot of peanuts are still being irrigated based on visible stress and fewer are using more advanced scheduling methods,” he says.

Make The Most Of Your Dollar Porter reminds growers that although they don’t pay for water, they do pay to move that water with energy costs.

“This year’s budget costs for pumping irrigation has the average irrigation cost at $8.50 per acre-inch of water applied.

For 500 acres of irrigated land, if you put out 10 acre-inches of water, that’s $42,500.

There are many irrigation scheduling tools available to producers from the checkbook method to computer models and soil moisture sensors. Depending on your operation and irrigation capabilities, one of these methods may be a good fit.

The checkbook method is available for corn, cotton, peanuts and soybeans and is published in each respective production guide. It is free and requires minimal user input.

“This method is not advanced and is one step above irrigating a set amount of irrigation a certain number of times per week,” says Porter. “It also tends to be conservative, meaning that it can lead to over irrigating in wet years and under irrigating when it’s dry.”

The checkbook methods are all developed based on a historical average crop water use and evapotranspiration.

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THE PEANUT GROWER • JUNE 2021

Irrigation recommendations from Irrigator Pro are based on long-term, multi-crop irrigation management research performed by the USDA Agriculture Research Service’s National Peanut Research Laboratory in Dawson, Georgia.

Computer Models The next step up in irrigation methods, according to Porter, is one of the computer models. Producers have several options including smart irrigation apps, PeanutFARM and Irrigator Pro. These methods are usually free and also require minimal user input. The real-time daily data used in computer models often comes from a local network of weather stations.

“These models use the checkbook as the backbone but rely on daily real-time data to make decisions. One benefit is they take soil type into consideration.

“A localized computer model can be a very good option for a producer new to scheduling irrigation. It can help them keep a track of how much irrigation they need and when to apply it based on current climatic conditions.”

Soil Moisture Sensors The most accurate way of scheduling irrigation currently is with the use of soil moisture sensors. There are many types of sensors, and costs can range from $500 up to $2,500 per site.

Irrigation scheduling with the use of

soil moisture sensors provides current data to be used to make hourly to daily irrigation decisions. User input is required for these methods and use of the data can be a challenge, but it is an accurate method when used correctly.

“It’s not readily adopted because of the investment and, like any electronic device, you are going to have problems because the sensors are placed into a harsh environment.

“Also, the data can sometimes be difficult to interpret or make accurate decisions from. Once you get this data, how will you use it? If you’re at this last stage and saying, ‘I’ve got this data but I’m not real sure how to use it,’ I would encourage you to use a hybrid systems.”

A Hybrid System Irrigator Pro is considered a hybrid system that can be used multiple ways.

“It can be used for soil-water balance such as the computer models, and it has an option where soil temperature and/or soil metric potential data can be manually entered or automatically populated into the model using soil sensors,” says Porter.

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Water Requirements for Peanuts

Irrigator Pro, which is available for peanuts, corn and cotton, calculates the available water in the soil and the daily water needs of the crop based on its growth stage. If the water needs of the crop exceed the available water in the soil, irrigation is recommended.

Irrigation recommendations are based on long-term, multi-crop irrigation management research performed by the Agriculture Research Service’s National Peanut Research Laboratory in Dawson, Georgia.

Rainfall and irrigation data can be

manually entered into Irrigator Pro, or the data can come from another source, such as soil water potential sensor values from a UGA Probe and Bridge device or from the Trellis wireless soil moisture system.

Work on Irrigator Pro continues and in 2022, Porter says, it will include volumetric measures of water content using capacitance sensors.

Know The Critical Time Once the peanut crop is in the ground, it’s time to start considering

Possible Causes of Poor Uniformity Common Problems

Measures

Clogged nozzles

Remove and clean nozzles

Sprinklers not turning

Repair sprinklers and check for inadequate pressure

Inadequate system pressure**

Increase pressure if possible

Towers containing leaky boots or stuck open drain plugs

Replace gasket, boots or drain plugs

Sprinkler in wrong order**

Obtain printout from manufacturer and install sprinklers correctly

End-gun not adjusted properly

Adjust part circle stops on end-gun

Wrong end-gun nozzle**

Place correct nozzle on end-gun

Worn nozzles**

Replace sprinkler nozzles

Excessive wind*

Check uniformity while wind velocity is low

* Only conduct a uniformity test when wind velocities are less than 5 miles per hour to obtain representative results. **These items may need irrigation dealer input.

TWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER

how to manage it and specifically how to manage irrigation.

Porter says to keep in mind that the water requirement for peanuts is irrigation plus rainfall, and the weekly water requirement recommendation was developed based on the historical average of evapotranspiration.

“Your actual water and irrigation requirement may vary slightly based on weather conditions and rainfall during the growing season.”

Peak water use for peanuts is at 70 to 100 days after planting. PG

Why Is Uniformity Important?

Just as crop uniformity is important to reach maturity equally, so is the uniformity of water application.

University of Georgia Extension water educator David Hall says systems not properly checked and maintained can lead to significant losses in potential income.

“A farm’s return on investment is directly affected by the way water is applied to crops. The wrong end-gun settings can result in overwatering or underwatering large portions of field acres. Clogged or partially clogged nozzles lead to obvious water shortages that can be visually observed or measured using yield monitors.”

By request, UGA Extension’s mobile irrigation lab can perform a pivot test. Contact your local Extension office for assistance with this process.

JUNE 2021 • THE PEANUT GROWER / 11

Q&A

Calcium Q & A

Shortages, alternatives and targeted application— these are the key topics in 2021.

Editor’s Note: University of Georgia soil scientist Glen Harris answers gypsum-related questions.

Q A

Will there be a gypsum shortage as we have heard about?

The same rumors made the rounds last year, but gypsum was always available. According to my sources, there shouldn’t be a problem with the gypsum supply this year either.

However, the logistics of moving the gypsum is more likely to be the primary problem. In his words, “You may not get it exactly the day you want it, but you should get it pretty soon thereafter.”

Q A

Is there an alternative to gypsum that will provide the calcium needed by the crop?

The short answer is “not really.” Gypsum is the best.

Lime is also recommended but needs to be done at or before planting and only when a pH adjustment is called for.

Other products have been tried, such as 10 gallons of liquid calcium chloride applied through the pivot, but it does not provide as much soluble calcium as 1,000 pounds per acre of gypsum. Also, alternatives do not leave as much calcium in the soil as gypsum does.

Q

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What can we do in case of a shortage or simply to reduce the tonnage needed?

THE PEANUT GROWER • JUNE 2021

A

We always need to put calcium where it is needed. One tool that I think is underutilized is the pegging zone calcium test. Sampling around the field directly from the pegging zone and learning how much is present will let you know both how much and where it is needed. In places where you already have the UGA recommended 500 pounds per acre and a calcium to potassium ration of at least 3:1, there will not be a yield or grade increase if you do not apply gypsum.

What I am interested in seeing more of is grid sampling and variable-rate gypsum application. Some farmers are starting to implement this strategy to put product out only where needed. One farmer said he now uses less than half of what he was before. If there is a shortage, grid sampling and variable-rate application will probably get more popular.

Q A

What about foliar-applied calcium products? Is that a possible alternative to gypsum?

No. Foliar products do not provide the rate of calcium needed and, even if they did, calcium does not translocate through the plant from the leaves to the pods. Calcium has to be absorbed with water directly through the walls of the developing pods in the pegging zone (top 4 inches or so of soil) not through the roots or any other part of the peanut plant.

Foliar calcium products with a recommendation of 1 quart per acre and sprayed at a total spray volume of 10 to 20 gallons per acre do not provide enough calcium.

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However, liquid calcium applied through a center-pivot irrigation system is different.

This is considered a soil-applied application because the amount of water per acre is such that it runs off the leaves and onto the soil. For comparison, the foliar-fed system applies 10 gallons per acre, whereas applying 1 acre-inch of water through the pivot puts out approximately 27,000 gallons of water!

Q A

Which is better on dryland peanuts: lime or gypsum?

In most years, gypsum outperforms lime applied at planting for providing calcium to the pegging zone. The calcium in lime is less soluble than the calcium in gypsum under limited water situations. In dryland production, and without significant rains, the calcium in lime may not become available to the developing pods in the pegging zone as it would with the use of irrigation.

Q A

Should I split my gypsum applications and put some on at planting and some at early bloom?

Research studies have not found this to be a benefit to providing calcium to the crop. In fact, if you get a big rain early, the calcium can leach or move downward out of the pegging zone. Plus, split applications would add an unnecessary trip across the field.

Q A

How late in the season is too late to put out gypsum?

Gypsum should be applied at early bloom or approximately 30 to 45 days after planting, depending on growing conditions.

Once you get past 100 days after planting, the majority of pods have absorbed what calcium there is in the soil solution. It is either enough for kernels to develop or not. After this, damage to the vines during application would not be desirable.

Q A

What are the recommended calcium requirements in soil and gypsum application rate?

The current recommendation from the University of Georgia is you need both 500 pounds per acre and a calcium to potassium ratio of at least 3:1 in the pegging zone.

If either of these levels is not met in a pegging zone soil test, then apply 1,000 pounds per acre of gypsum at early bloom to runner-type peanuts.

Peanuts to be saved for seed should automatically receive 1,000 pounds per acre of gypsum at early bloom even if these levels are met. PG TWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER

Q&A

Virginia-Market Type Calcium Q & A

Editor’s Note: North Carolina State University Extension agronomist David Jordan talks about calcium use in Virginia-type varieties.

Q A

Last year, I applied normal landplaster but still had a lot of pops. What do you think could have been the problem?

Excessive rain after gypsum application or dry weather during pegging and fruit set can cause pops. Could one of these examples be the reason? All Virginia market-type peanuts should get adequate calcium in the pegging zone. This equates to 1,500 to 2,000 pounds per acre of gypsum at blooming. Calcium must be available in the pegging zone when the first pods begin to form.

Q A

What is the proper timing for applying landplaster to meet the crops calcium needs?

Best results are obtained when gypsum is applied in late June or early July. I think some gypsum is going out earlier than needed. If there’s a lot of rain, particularly an excessive amount, after application, it is possible we are running out of calcium later in the season.

Some moisture is needed to make gypsum soluble and calcium available to the This picture shows a calcium deficient peanut fruit. In unusually peanut kernel embryo versus a normal dry years, peanuts may show embryo. symptoms of calcium deficiency, even when recommended rates of gypsum are applied.

Overall, gypsum application is better early than late. Just not too early.

Q A

What did you find in the potash application field trial you did on peanuts? I understand it was applied up to and after emergence in fairly high rates with little or no incidence of pops.

We did a series of studies many years ago applying 250 pounds of potash on the soil surface right after planting and observed no major issue. If soil test calls for it, you should apply it, but don’t cut back on gypsum. Of course, high rates of potash can cause issues with nutrient balance, but the rates we typically apply in fields with good fertility programs are not a major issue. We would recommend that potash be distributed throughout the soil profile to the root zone where it is needed.

Q A

What is the relationship between soil pH and gypsum for peanuts?

Many years ago, we did a study with a range of soil pH values and rates of gypsum. What we found was that getting your soil pH close to 6.0 will help get a positive return on your gypsum investment. In fact, when soil pH is too low there are times when you will get a negative response to gypsum. Getting the pH right continues to be critical. PG JUNE 2021 • THE PEANUT GROWER / 13

Early Season Disease Management With the crop moving beyond seedling stage, it is time to think about common fungal pathogens.

P

reseason decisions, such as varietal selection and in-furrow applications, have been made, and peanuts are in the ground starting to grow. Decisions for management of tomato spotted wilt and nematodes are mostly done. Now it is time to think about early season disease management options for common fungal pathogens — peanut rust, leaf spot diseases and white mold/stem rot, and in preparation for next year, Aspergillus and Rhizoctonia.

N. DUFAULT, UF/IFAS

Peanut Rust We saw a reemergence of peanut rust during the 2020 season, which may have this disease on many producers’ minds in 2021. Peanut rust can be a devastating if left unchecked, but luckily many of our leaf spot fungicides also manage this disease. Typically, we do not need to concern ourselves with rust early in the season, as this disease is generally spread from more tropical climates where volunteer hosts are abundant.

This means it takes some time for rust to appear in our peanut fields. This was the case last year when it began to be identified in late August and early September.

The primary concern with peanut rust early in the season is in terms of scouting for this disease and monitoring the crop for any early introductions. More information about peanut rust can be found in the article, “The What, When and How of Florida’s Peanut Rust Issue” on the Panhandle Ag News website at http://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/phag/.

N. DUFAULT, UF/IFAS

Know the difference between late and early leaf spot symptoms, which are caused by two different pathogens.

This picture shows peanut rust pustules on the underside of a leaf.

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THE PEANUT GROWER • JUNE 2021

Leaf Spot Diseases Peanut leaf spot diseases are an annual problem for producers. These leaf spot diseases are caused by two different pathogens, both of which tend to show up every year in varying amounts. Typically, we see more early leaf spot in the Suwannee Valley and more late leaf spot in the Florida Panhandle. However, it is not uncommon to have different leaf spot pathogens in neighboring fields. This means we need to have a good mixture of fungicide products in our programs, as our generic products, such as tebuconazole, azoxystrobin and pyraclostrobin, all vary in how they manage each pathogen.

The most often asked question related to peanut leaf spot disease management is, “When do I pull the trigger and apply my first spray?” There is no simple answer to this question.

Leaf spot disease onset can occur anytime between 25 and 90 days after planting. However, if we are looking to delay our first fungicide application, then we must focus on reducing our risk for leaf spot disease as much as possible.

Peanut Rx is an excellent tool to provide insights related to risk reduction. Typically, leaf spot disease quantity, as well as onset, depends on variety, crop rotation, in-furrow treatments and the timely application of fungicides. Having a resistant variety in a well-rotated field, three or more years away from PEANUTGROWER.COM

N. DUFAULT, UF/IFAS

This shows early season white mold/ stem rot developing on a peanut seed away from the plants.

White Mold/Stem Rot The impact of stem rot on Florida peanut production is variable across the state, but when this disease is severe, it can have a tremendous impact on yields. Stem rot was apparent in the 2020 peanut season, partly because of the warm conditions experienced periodically throughout the season. Fields with a history of stem rot or ones in a reduced rotation should consider an early banded application of the fungicide Proline before 60 DAP. This is especially true in peanuts planted before the third week in May. Scouting is also critical for effectively managing this disease.

As University of Georgia Extension plant pathologist Bob Kemerait says, many peanuts stay in the ground 150 days, meaning more attention needs to be given to this disease besides protecting the crop at the traditional 60 and 90 DAP. This includes early season scouting and management, especially in fields with a history of stem rot.

Aspergillus And Rhizoctonia Crown Rot Unfortunately, there are no economically viable management TWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER

N. DUFAULT, UF/IFAS

peanut and applying either Velum or Thimet in-furrow will likely delay disease onset. Each of these factors alone will have an impact on peanut leaf spot, but it is always better to integrate these techniques, as their impact can change from season to season.

If these techniques are implemented, then we can consider delaying the first fungicide application until about 40 DAP or a little later. Growers are encouraged to consult with an Extension agent and ag-chemical representatives to better understand how and when to delay a leaf spot disease management program.

Aspergillus crown rot on peanut is recognized by the black spores produced by the fungus.

options for crown rot diseases once the furrow has been closed.

However, early season monitoring of these pathogens is critical so that it can impact your management decisions for 2022.

Not all crown rot pathogens are created equal, and there are a few more options available for the management of Rhizoctonia spp. than Aspergillus niger. This means the proper identification of the pathogen is needed. It is recommended that growers contact UF/IFAS Extension or a diagnostic lab when a crown rot issue is present. PG Article by Nick Dufault, University of Florida Extension pathologist, Ethan Carter, regional crop IPM agent, De Broughton, regional specialized agent and Ian Small, UF/IFAS plant pathologist.

JUNE 2021 • THE PEANUT GROWER /

15

Tracking Maturity Adjusted growing degree day accumulation is a more accurate measurement of maturity than days after planting.

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his year’s peanut seeds may have just gone into the ground, but it’s never too early to take steps to maximize your crop’s yield and grade. Making sure peanuts are harvested at optimum maturity is one of the crucial steps.

To take this step, you must effectively track the crops maturity. While days after planting is commonly used to quantify peanut maturity, it is not the most accurate unit of measure available.

It should not be the sole criteria used to determine harvest date.

Many Factors Affect Maturity Rate Environmental factors, primarily temperature and moisture availability, not the calendar, drive how fast a peanut crop matures. Adjusted growing degree day (aGDD) is a unit that accounts for these factors. Depending on environmental conditions, a field will accumulate aGDDs at a different rate each calendar day and at a different rate than other fields experiencing different environmental conditions. A peanut crop will fully mature with approximately 2,500 aGDDs. Tracking the number of aGDDs accumulated by a specific field allows you to effectively track its maturity.

Tracking maturity with aGDDs is important as shown in these examples:  Planting date can affect how fast aGDDs are accumulated shortly after planting. Lower air and soil temperatures associated with early plantings slow the accumulation compared to fields planted later in the season.  Even slight drought stress slows the accumulation of aGDDs. The frequency of rainfall or irrigation and soil type can affect how fast the crop matures. This situation can become very evident in rain-fed fields when summer 16 /

THE PEANUT GROWER • JUNE 2021

The bars represent progress toward 2,500 aGDDs. The more aGDDs, the longer the bar gets. At 2,500 aGDDs, the cell will be completely blue.

showers are hit and miss.

To illustrate how aGDDs accumulate throughout the season and to provide growers with an approximation of how their fields should be progressing, the Florida peanut team will be sharing an aGDD tracker throughout the season.

The aGDD tracker is essentially a table that shows the accumulation of aGDDs for a wide range of planting dates at locations across the peanut-producing region of the state.

Another Use For PeanutFARM The aGDDs shown on the aGDD tracker are calculated by the Peanut Field Agronomic Resource Manager or PeanutFARM found at peanutfarm. org. The weather data, daily upper and lower temperature, and rainfall used in the aGDD calculation is generated by the corresponding Florida Automated Weather Network station.

Growers are urged to set up their own fields in PeanutFARM to allow more accurate calculation of aGDD for each field. This will enable them to enter their own field-specific infor-

mation, rainfall and/or irrigation data.

Temperature data is provided by the FAWN station closest to the field. Start soon to stay on top of the rainfall/irrigation data.

PeanutFARM is also a valuable irrigation scheduling tool. There is no cost to use it. If you need assistance getting started with PeanutFARM, contact your county’s agriculture Extension agent.

Pod Blasting Still Recommended Just like DAP should not be the only factor to determine harvest, aGDDs calculated by PeanutFARM should not be the deciding factor either. Once the aGDD tracker reaches 2,300, samples of peanuts should be collected and tested with pod blasting to help determine the crops actual physiological maturity. This final step will provide a recommendation of days to harvest. Most Extension offices in peanut-producing counties offer pod-blasting services. PG Article by Mark Mauldin, Washington County, Florida, agriculture and natural resources Extension agent.

PEANUTGROWER.COM

New Companies Sign On To The Seam The Memphis-based ag tech company is now working with all three peanut shelling plants opened in the past seven years.

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he Seam recently announced that Coastal Growers and Tifton Peanut Co. have entered into multi-year agreements for its cloud-based, peanut management platform providing food and agribusiness software and commodity trading solutions.

Owned by a cooperative of farmers, Coastal Growers is building a new 400,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art peanut shelling operation in Atmore, Alabama, slated for completion in 2022.

State officials say the $87 million project will create more than 150 jobs. Six buying point affiliate organizations will use the platform beginning with the approaching harvest.

Tifton Peanut Co., which maintains five shelling, warehousing, buying point and seed treatment locations across Tifton, Georgia, has also signed on with The Seam for operations specific to plant No. 4.

“Launched in 2016, our peanut platform has been transformational for shelling organizations, buying point businesses and peanut farmers,” says Mark Pryor, chairman and CEO at The Seam. “We are delighted to have Coastal Growers and Tifton join our expanding ecosystem, and we look forward to collaborations that will drive greater efficiency and sustainability throughout their extended supply chains.”

contracting, grading data integrations and logistics management.

“With an increased focus on food safety, agriculture sustainability and overall competitiveness, the U.S. peanut industry must look for new ways to tackle daily challenges while embracing innovative ways to drive efficiencies and profitability,” says Dirk Lindsey, CEO of Coastal Growers. “Our work with The Seam is a key part of the equation. Many of our farmers and buying points are already familiar with The Seam platform and its

ease of use. We are looking forward to ongoing collaboration and many successful seasons together.”

Three new U.S. shelling plants have launched in the past seven years, all of which are using The Seam’s platform. In addition to Coastal Growers, Premium Peanut of Douglas, Georgia, formed in 2014, recently renewed its multi-year agreement with The Seam, while Delta Peanut of Jonesboro, Arkansas, joined in 2020. Seven shelling organizations are now on the platform. PG

Driving Efficiencies The Seam’s platform provides document digitization, real-time data for decision making and embedded integrations with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Federal-State Inspection Service, among others. It delivers a digital hub for peanut organizations to interconnect with affiliate businesses and producers, providing the real-time status and value of stock, TWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER

JUNE 2021 • THE PEANUT GROWER / 17

Growing Carbon Credits Producers are interested in learning more about this emerging market.

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new, secondary market for farmers is on the rise as a carbon commodity market gains traction in the Midwest. In addition to marketing cash crops, producers may have an opportunity to sell carbon stored in the soil on their operation.

There is a lot of truth to the idea that farmers are the ultimate stewards of the land. The soil is their most valuable resource; farmers take great care to keep it fertile and productive. As this new market emerges, Alabama Cooperative Extension System agents and specialists are working to determine what it means for producers.

line and requirement as laid out by the brokerage company.

“One of the most important things for producers to determine is what is required as a producer. There may be some contracts that require nothing of the producer, while others might require the application of a special soil microbial amendment or other product.”

What Are Carbon Credits?

Simply put, corporations can purchase carbon stored in the soil to offset their own emissions. Corporations can make initial carbon purchases by using land management history as a measure. However, after the initial purchase, brokerage companies will measure units of carbon in the soil based on the implementation of new on-farm conservation practices.

The idea that producers can voluntarily sell units of carbon in the soil is a foreign idea for many. However, the carbon in the soil is on a fast track to become its own commodity as the United States moves toward a more comprehensive federal carbon market.

An Alabama Extension farm and agribusiness management team member, Jessica Kelton, says there are many unknowns right now.

“There is a big focus on carbon credits in the Midwest because there are larger tracts of land,” she says. “The biggest issue right now is that there are no standard regulations across the industry. Our team is working to learn more about carbon credits on the market so that we can help Alabama growers to make informed decisions.”

Things To Know While the idea of carbon credit sales may be appealing to some producers, most major brokerage companies are focusing efforts on tracts of land in the Midwest. However, there are still companies striking deals with Alabama farmers. There are several aspects producers should consider before signing a contract.

Contract One of the most important aspects is the contract itself.

Kelton says producers should prepare to thoroughly read each 18 /

THE PEANUT GROWER • JUNE 2021

PEANUTGROWER.COM

Price The going price for units of carbon varies by company and by geographical location. This is one aspect producers can expect to level out as the United States establishes a federal market. Some companies pay more for certified land; others offer a flat fee per acre. This is one aspect growers will need to confirm with individual companies before signing on the dotted line.

Additionality Many producers have already adopted conservation and precision agriculture practices on their farm. In fact, producers widely use these practices and have for some time.

Producers need to show sequestration above normal carbon storage in order to receive compensation for implementing conservation practices. This means producers will not receive compensation for the number of years farming with precision agriculture practices thus far. Only the implementation or addition of new practices counts for compensation through contracts.

Considerations Kelton says each producer will need to decide if a contract with a given company is the right fit for their operation.

“Read the fine print to decide if the requirements on your part are worth the paycheck you will receive,” Kelton says. “What is worth it to some producers may not be worth it to others.”

Because Alabama is not a focal point right now, the stakes are relatively low for producers who want to get in the game.

However, this could all change with a national mandate or legislation related to carbon credits.

More Information Alabama Extension’s farm and agribusiness management team will begin sharing information with producers as more information becomes available. For more information, farmers can contact the farm and agribusiness management agent nearest to them. Their contact information is available at www. aces.edu. PG Article provided by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

“Read the fine print to decide if the requirements on your part are worth the paycheck you will receive,” Kelton says. “What is worth it to some producers may not be worth it to others.”

TWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER

JUNE 2021 • THE PEANUT GROWER / 19

PeanutPointers Peanut Pointers Herbicides For Bloom And Early Pegging

In addition, it is important to know that 2,4-DB is different from 2,4-D, which is not labeled for use in peanut. The herbicide 2,4-D may cause yield loss or even plant death, depending on the rate and stage of growth at application.

2,4-DB may be used in peanut at various rates depending on the formulation. Applications should be made between two to 12 weeks after planting. Avoid applying it to peanuts suffering water stress. The second application should be made no later than late bloom, and do not apply later than 100 DAP or within 60 days of harvest. 2,4-DB has good activity on several annual broadleaf weeds including morningglory, smellmelon, sunflower and silverleaf nightshade.

Most Southwest peanuts have been planted, although it was delayed five to seven days because of the cold soil temperatures and rainfall. By now, herbicides applied preplant and at planting have dissipated, and new weed flushes may be observed following rainfall or irrigation. Herbicides are available that can be applied EMI KIMURA Texas A&M AgriLife to peanuts in bloom to early Extension peg stages.

State Extension Peanut Te x a s A & M A g r i L i f e Specialist Research and Extension looked at injury potential of applying herbicides, including imazapic, imazethapyr, acifluorfen, 2,4-DB and lactofen, during this timing. However, we have not observed a problem when these herbicides are applied at that time during the growing season. Pay attention to the preharvest interval, crop rotation restrictions and read the label carefully.

JONATHAN RAMIREZ, AGRILIFE EXTENSION

Protecting Yield Potential

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Growers have been blessed with milder temperatures and good moisture for most of the planting window. This has allowed them to plant without any major delays. Growers have also achieved better plant stands this year, which is directly related to having better seed quality. Compared to the last few years, the peanut crop SCOTT MONFORT University of Georgia is off to a great start. Now, Extension Agronomist growers need to swap to managing the crop for high yield and quality. A few things to consider in the early season are as follows.

Good seed quality has reduced stand issues. However, with growers still planting, late-season stand issues can be a problem. Visit each field 12 to 15 days after planting to ensure you have an adequate stand. Hopefully, every field will be good.

During the early part of the growing season, around 30 DAP, growers need to ensure there is a sufficient amount of available calcium in the pegging zone for the developing pods. The best way is to take a pegging zone sample at about 4 inches deep shortly after emergence. You can judge your needs by the winter soil sample results, but those tend to be less reliable than results from pegging zone samples.

A word of caution for growers needing to apply calcium. Foliar-applied calcium products do not supply nearly enough calcium, and it does not translocate through the leaves to the developing pods. That is why foliar calcium is not recommended on peanuts by the University of Georgia.

Once the crop is up and growing, growers need to shift gears to protect their yield potential. One of the most important steps is initiating a strong pest management program and remaining timely. Remember, Extension specialists PEANUTGROWER.COM

PeanutPointers Peanut Pointers and agents are here to provide research-based recommendations to help determine the most effective pest management program for your situation. Reach out to your local office for guidance. Another important step in this protection plan is to hire a consultant or scout to examine your fields on a weekly basis to ensure your pest management program is working or to alert you when you have a developing problem. Lastly, stay the course with proven products and be cautious about ones that have not been tested by the university specialists in your state.

Break Up Compacted Soil We not only missed the weather prediction for April, but it also appears we have missed May as well. I know everyone was looking to get an early start at planting this year. However, it didn’t happen because of the frequent rain. It’s true what they say, no two years are ever the same.

By the middle of May, only 20% of Alabama’s peanut crop has been planted. I know everyone has been pushing lately to get the remainder of the crop in the ground. As I have said before, at least our seed quality is good this year.

TWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER

Therefore, we shouldn’t lose any time to replanting, which is good because more time is something we don’t have this year with 80% of the crop still to plant from mid-May on.

It is with rainfall like we have had that I have seen some peanuts with a yellow tint.

This could be one of the biggest issues we see this planting KRIS BALKCOM Auburn University season. One of the only times Extension Specialist I recommend cultivating the crop is with this type flooding rains. When we receive this much rain and the soil is super saturated, I advise grower to run the middles with the cultivator in certain parts of the fields with some of the heavier soil types or just traditionally wetter areas of the field. This is mainly to disrupt the compacted soil from the heavy rains by breaking the soil crust to allow oxygen to get to the plant’s roots. Again, it doesn’t occur everywhere in field, but plants tend to respond relatively quickly to green back up.

JUNE 2021 • THE PEANUT GROWER /

21

PeanutPointers Peanut Pointers Ways To Avoid Flaring Spider Mites In early June in the VirginiaCarolina area, the two most critical pests are thrips and weeds. Hopefully, most growers were able to get adequate suppression of thrips with systemic insecticides applied in the seed furrow at planting. If not, acephate applied to foliage in a timely manner will help DAVID JORDAN protect yield. Best results are North Carolina State when this insecticide is applied University three weeks after planting.

Extension Agronomist About 50% of growers make this application, often in combination with herbicides. It is important be make the application before excessive injury.

June is also a good time to firm up residual weed control.

As with systemic insecticides, hopefully the preplant incorporated or preemergence herbicides were activated and gave adequate control for the first three or more weeks in the season. Paraquat plus Basagran applied with residual herbicides, such as the metolachlor products Outlook, Warrant, Zidua or Anthem Flex, is a good option at this time. Paraquat can be applied up to 28 days after peanuts emerge but earlier is better, generally three weeks after planting if possible.

Basagran reduces peanut injury from paraquat.

Residual herbicides can increase foliar burn, but in most cases, it is no more than 20%. Of these residual herbicides, Anthem Flex can cause the most stunting, but peanuts recover. Warrant can occasionally stunt peanuts but generally only when heavy rains occur and peanuts absorb a substantial amount of acetochlor at one time. A non-ionic surfactant at 1 pint per 100 gallons should be added.

As a note of caution, if thrips injury is excessive, which systemic insecticides usually keep from happening, do not apply paraquat. Peanuts can handle thrips injury or paraquat injury but not the combination without a significant yield hit. Our work in North Carolina shows that paraquat, Basagran and residual herbicides are compatible with acephate. However, if thrips injury is excessive, take care of the thrips first and then apply herbicides after peanuts have recovered.

There is less information on combinations of paraquat, Basagran and Anthem Flex applied with acephate, and I am concerned about the impact of Anthem Flex if there is excessive thrips injury. We are working on this potential issue in 2021. Some growers will opt out of paraquat and 22 /

THE PEANUT GROWER • JUNE 2021

move to Cobra, Ultra Blazer, Storm or Cadre for weed control. Residual herbicides can be applied with these herbicides as well. The key on all of these herbicides is timing.

Don’t cut rates, and spray small weeds.

During the last part of June, growers with Virginiamarket types need to apply gypsum. Try not to be too early on the application. Peanut foliage helps limit the movement of soil and gypsum off of beds if there are heavy rains.

Growers in the upper Virginia-Carolina region can run into southern corn rootworm damage under irrigation or on soils that are poorly drained or have a fine texture. These conditions promote survival of larvae that feed on pods. Use the risk index to decide if chlorpyrifos is needed in those fields. Keep in mind, applying this insecticide under hot and dry conditions in fields that are at low risk for southern corn rootworm can flare spider mites. This is where the risk index can help you avoid applications when it is not needed and when it can cause a secondary pest like spider mites to become established.

Finally, in late June, begin thinking about fungicide sprays for leaf spot and stem rot. Our recommendation is to apply fungicides beginning at the R3 stage of growth.

Chlorothalonil is an important part of leaf spot control programs and should be included in the first spray. More on the remaining sprays in your fungicide program in the July column.

Use good stewardship with all products for pest control.

They all carry risk to the person mixing and making the application and to environment. When handled and applied properly, the risk from pesticides is minimal. When pests are present, the benefits of pesticide use far exceeds the risk of using them. But this statement carries a major assumption: Be diligent in making sure you stay safe when using them and keep pesticides in the field where applied. Applying the correct product, one that is legal on peanuts, at the correct time is essential.

PEANUTGROWER.COM

Southern Peanut Growers Conference

july 15-17, 2021 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 Booking Codes 1159ZV (Edgewater) or 11960R (Majestic).

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

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