Peanut Grower May 2015

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PEANUTGROWER The

ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

MAY 2015

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

Insect Management: Scout And Report

How To Control Legume Weed In A Legume Crop

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MAY 2015

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PEANUTGROWER The

Volume 27 • Number 5

Departments 4 Editor’s Note Plenty of reasons to hope USDA is close with acreage estimate.

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5 News Briefs USDA proposes rule to limit nonfarmer payments.

6 Market Watch Protect the program, market with reasonable acreage increase.

Features

21 Peanut Pointers Recommendations for thrips, placement and late planting.

10 What’s Under That Canopy?

More scouting is needed for effective insect management, and survey responses are needed to shape future research.

14 Weed Management: Hairy Indigo Controlling a legume weed in a legume crop presents an added challenge in weed management.

16 Reducing Global Hunger What role does the Peanut and Mycotoxin Innovation Lab play in this effort?

18 Planting Intentions USDA predicts a nine percent increase in acreage from 2014.

Cover photo by Amanda Huber

19 Ag Research And Technology Showcased Sunbelt Expo field day combines education and practicality.

20 Spraying By The Numbers Use label information to rotate herbicide ‘families.’

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

ADMINISTRATION Publisher/Vice President Lia Guthrie (901) 497-3689 lguthrie@onegrower.com Associate Publisher Carroll Smith (901) 326-4443 Editorial Director Tommy Horton (901) 767-4020 thorton@onegrower.com Sales Manager Scott Emerson (386) 462-1532 semerson@onegrower.com Circulation Manager Janet Owens (229) 386-8809 Production Manager Kathy Killingsworth (800) 888-9784 kkillingsworth@onegrower.com

For circulation changes or change of address, call (800) 888-9784

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

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

ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC Mike Lamensdorf PRESIDENT/TREASURER Lia Guthrie PUBLISHER/VICE PRESIDENT The Peanut Grower (ISSN 1042-9379) is an agribusiness magazine for U.S. peanut producers. Published in eight monthly issues, January through July and November.

Annual subscriptions are $40.00. Single Copy price is $5.00. Annual overseas subscriptions are $70.00, including Canada/Mexico. Periodicals postage paid at Memphis, TN. Copyright © 2015 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 SUNBELT FULFILLMENT SERVICES, 307 SOUTHGATE COURT, Brentwood, TN 37027-7987. 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.

One Grower Publishing, LLC 1010 June Rd., Suite 102, Memphis, Tennessee, 38119 Phone: 901-767-4020

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THE PEANUT GROWER • MAY 2015

Reasons To Hope USDA Is On Target USDA has predicted a nine percent increase in peanut acreage in 2015, and although there are reasons to believe they have underestimated that figure, there are more reasons to hope they are on target.

From a marketing standpoint, there would be less carryover and the possibility of a profitable 2016.

From a production standpoint, one can hope a slight increase means that producers have stuck with their rotation schemes. Peanuts planted on shorter rotations encounter increased pest and disease pressure, which threaten yields. More recently, we have begun to understand that this increased pest incidence puts more pressure on the methods used to control those weeds, insects and diseases, which then negatively affects the genetic resistance or the efficacy of the chemical modes of action on certain pests.

Scott Tubbs, University of Georgia Extension agronomist, in a study on rotation effects, says, “Loss of either genetic resistance or certain classes of fungicide, herbicides or insecticides could be devastating to peanut production.”

Another reason to hope USDA is accurate is that pest products producers rely on, such as chlorothalonil – a stalwart for leaf spot control – may be in short supply if acreage increases significantly. In anticipation of a shortage, UGA Extension plant pathologist, Bob Kemerait, suggested the following: • The first two applications of chlorothalonil at 30 and 40 days after planting (DAP) can be eliminated if Proline at 5.7 ounces per acre is banded at approximately 35 DAP and a Provost program is initiated at 60 DAP. The first two chlorothalonil applications can also be omitted if Priaxor is used on the crop approximately 45 DAP. • Extend chlorothalonil by tankmixing a reduced rate of one pint per acre rather than one and a half pints per acre with two ounces per acre of Tilt/Bumper, five ounces per acre of Topsin-M or Alto at five ounces per acre.

• Tilt-Bravo or Echo-Propimax can be substituted for chlorothalonil.

• An application of Elast at 15 ounces per acre can be used to replace an application of chlorothalonil.

• For a single application during a season, Topsin-M at 10 ounces per acre can replace an application of chlorothalonil.

• Absolute (trifloxystrobin + tebucoanzole) and Stratego (trifloxystrobin + propiconazole) can be substituted for chlorothalonil.

In another month or so, we’ll know just how accurate USDA was in their prediction, but whatever your production challenge is, rest assured our researchers are ready to help you overcome those obstacles to a great yield.

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USDA To Limit Non-Farmer Payments

USDA Estimates Plantings For 2015

USDA has announced a proposed rule to limit farm payments to non-farmers, consistent with requirements Congress mandated in the 2014 Farm Bill.

The proposed rule limits farm payments to individuals who may be designated as farm managers but are not actively engaged in farm management.

In the Farm Bill, Congress gave USDA the authority to address this loophole for joint ventures and general partnerships, while exempting family farm operations from being impacted by the new rule USDA ultimately implements.

Under the proposed rule, non-family joint ventures and general partnerships must document that their managers are making significant contributions to the farming operation, defined as 500 hours of substantial management work per year or 25 percent of the critical management time necessary for the success of the farming operation.

Many operations will be limited to only one manager who can receive a payment. Larger and more complex operations that can demonstrate managers are actively and substantially engaged in the operation could be allowed payments for up to three managers. The changes specified in the rule would apply to payment eligibility for 2016 and subsequent crop years for Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) Programs, loan deficiency payments and marketing loan gains realized via the Marketing Assistance Loan program.

To comment on the proposed rule change, go to www.regulations.gov by May 26, 2015. The proposed rule is available at http://go.usa.gov/3C6Kk.

Peanut growers intend to plant 1.48 million acres in 2015, up nine percent from the previous year. The expected increase in planted area is mainly due to relatively low prices of other crops, especially cotton.

Over the five-year period from 2010 to 2014, USDA’s March Prospective Plantings estimate of peanut acreage has averaged 100.4 percent of actual plantings. However, this average masks a consistent pattern of underestimating plantings in years when actual acreage increases significantly from the previous year, such as in 2010 and 2012, and overstating acreage in years when actual plantings fall significantly from the previous year, such as in 2011 and 2013.

In 2014, the March Prospective Plantings overstated 2014 peanut plantings, even though actual plantings increased from the previous year. This may well have been because of the 20-cent per pound run up in the December 2013 upland cotton futures price from 65 cents to 85 cents.

Based on their historical performance, the March Prospective Plantings estimate for peanuts may understate actual planted acreage in years when plantings increase, and overstate actual planted acreage in years when plantings decrease.

To see the USDA Prospective Plantings by state, go to page 18.

Researchers Announce Annual Meeting The American Peanut Research and Education Society has announced their annual meeting for July 14-16, 2015, Francis Marion Hotel in Charleston, S.C. Find information and registration details at www.apresinc.com. Registration is now open.

Remain Eligible For Crop Insurance The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds producers that the 2014 Farm Bill requires producers to file a Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification form (AD-1026) with their local USDA service center by June 1, 2015, in order to become or remain eligible for crop insurance premium support.

Most producers already have a certification form on file since it’s required for participation in most USDA programs such as marketing assistance loans, farm storage facility loans and disaster assis-

In Brief: • Operation farm managers will have to show significant contributions to qualify for farm payments.

• USDA consistently underestimates plantings in years of significant increase from the previous year.

• Special Storage Agreement reached for Southwest producers affected

by Clint Williams Co. bankruptcy.

• Ben Smith honored for 47-year peanut career on American Peanut Sheller Association Hall of Fame.

• National Peanut Board’s Perfectly Powerful Peanut Pop Up takes New York City by storm with VIP events and PB&J deliveries.

• USDA awards grants to help get people off of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and back to work.

tance. However some new producers or those who have been producing specialty crops may not.

“USDA employees are working very hard to get the word out about this new Farm Bill provision,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “While many producers will not need to take action, we want to help make sure that those who are required to act do so by the June 1 deadline.

Producers should visit their local USDA service center and talk with their crop insurance agent before the June 1, 2015, deadline to ask questions, get additional information or learn more about conservation compliance procedures.

USDA will publish a rule outlining the linkage of conservation compliance with federal crop insurance premium support. View a copy of the rule at http://go.usa.gov/3Wy5J.

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Protect the program, market with a reasonable acreage increase he peanut stage is set. Producers across America have studied the 2014 Farm Bill, selected their coverage options and worked to establish the facts they’ll work by. Federal Crop Insurance has been improved for peanuts, and agents have worked to sell their plans to farmers. Seed has been ordered, and Mother Nature has supplied mostly good winter rains and offered warming soil temperatures to encourage planting. Farmers are blessed with an excellent array of fungicides and insecticides to control disease and insects.

Contracts have been signed, in most cases, and producers are convinced the new, improved varieties will set yield records again. Farmers have examined the various options on what to plant and what yields the most. Bankers and finance institutions have studied the numbers and work to limit risk.

Markets at home and abroad remain strong with nutrition news that touts the power of the peanut and record-setting shipments. All these players have prepared for a great peanut season and now it is time for kick-off.

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Plantings Industry factors look good, but how many acres of peanuts will producers plant? No doubt the new Farm Bill encourages more acres, mainly caused by the cotton base, now generic base. Producers and bankers are counting on the extra payback in October of each year.

Landowners are also wanting some of the payback.

Acreage estimates are varied: USDA predicts a nine percent increase, peanut agronomists estimate a 20 percent increase and crop insurance agents have predicted a 25 to 30 percent increase. It is difficult to determine who is right this

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PEANUT GROWER • MAY 2015

Leading Market Indicators ( April 8, 2015) •2014 - Acreage - up 27% 1,325,000 acres •2015 - USDA Acreage estimate up 9% - 1,481,000 acres •2015 - Production estimate on 4,000 lb/A yield - 2,960,000 tons •2014 - Average yield - 3,932 lb/A yield - dn 69 lb/A •2014 - Market Loan - 2,122,232 tons in storage •2014 - Market Loan - 823,250 tons redeemed •2014-15 Domestic Usage (7 mo.) - + up 7.5% •2014-15 Exports (Aug.-Feb.) up - 9.7% •National Posted Price (per ton): Runners $424.86, Spanish $403.91, Virginia/Valencia $427.79.

early in the season. Markets will have to operate with the shifting numbers until a new USDA acreage report on June 30, 2015.

Peanut Supply And Demand A 15 percent increase in acreage would increase last year’s 1,354,000 acres to 1,557,100 acres. With an average yield of 3,900 pounds per acre, that’s 3,000,000 tons of peanuts. Demand is predicted to be 2,700,000 tons (domestic and export). That means a carryover of 300,000 tons, added to the present 900,000 tons or a total carryover of 1.2 million tons.

There are factors that might change these dynamics. The U.S. peanut industry can only shell about 2.6 million tons per year counting new shellers under construction. Some states are reporting a shortage of fungicides, and a

J. Tyron Spearman

Contributing Editor, The Peanut Grower

major disease outbreak could reduce crop potential. As the low cost world peanut, exports are expected to increase; however, blanching capacity is limited and every major shipping port is warning of delays.

Peanut Contracts American peanut shellers have been reluctant to contract with farmers unless the buyers commit because it is too risky.

New varieties, irrigation and new technology have allowed farmers to produce more peanuts per acre. With good weather, that new plateau will allow farmers to average more than 4,000 pounds per acre. The new Farm Bill, the prospects of a major acreage increase and higher yields per acre have pushed prices lower. The early option contracts mostly settled at $375 to $400 per ton for runners, $425 per ton for high oleic runners, $425 per ton for Virginias and $450 per ton for Spanish (Southwest).

Farmers need to be certain that peanut seed is top quality, certified and legal and that the local buying point can receive and store the farmer’s peanuts in a government-approved warehouse so the market loan can be received.

Domestic Peanut Market The power in February is in the peanut butter again. Peanut butter usage was up 14.3 percent for the month of February posting a gain of 12.9 percent for the first seven months. For any product on the supermarket shelf, that is amazing. Peanut usage in candy is down 14.8 percent for the month and down five percent for the year. Peanut usage in snacks posted a decline of 4.8 percent for February and down only .3 percent for the year. Overall, another good month with total usage up 7.5 percent for the

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year. With the potential surplus of peanuts, three new blanching facilities are being added, and a lot of interest is being generated for refined peanut oil.

Drought in California’s tree nut areas could open more opportunities for snack peanuts.

Export Peanut Markets U.S. peanut exports are strong, up 9.7 percent over last year (seven months).

Raw-shelled peanuts were up 18.1 percent, with February up 26 percent over last February. In-shell shipments posted a 37.1 percent increase over last year, but China’s purchases have slowed.

Peanut butter continues to recover, up 16 percent for the month and down four percent year to date. U.S. peanuts continue to be the lowest-priced peanuts in the world market, and sales should increase after planted acreage is known in the United States.

Argentina is expecting an exceptionally good crop because of weather conditions in March and prices are likely to be lower, competing with U.S. peanuts.

China is preparing to plant another crop after a disappointing crop last year. Indian peanuts, almost 500 containers, have been delayed in Vietnam because of the groundnut seed beetle.

Think Before You Plant Increasing acreage 25 to 30 percent is irresponsible. The government does not want excess peanuts.

The new peanut program provides a safety net for producers facing low prices. Analysts estimate that an average seasonal price of $430 per ton would generate a $105 per-ton payment for base acres in 2014 and possibly $120 per ton for 2015.

The payment limit is certain to become a factor for larger growers, and if too many peanuts are planted and the world market price penalizes producers in developing countries, we could be in for a NAFTA/GATT challenge. Hold the increase to 10 to 15 percent and protect the program and the market. PG

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USDA-FSA Announces Special Agreement The National Peanut Board and state producer organizations worked together with USDA to develop a solution for stored peanuts following the bankruptcy of Texoma Peanut Co. The November 2014 bankruptcy of the U.S. peanut processor Clint Williams Company, an affiliate of the Texoma Peanut Company, had the potential to devastate the peanut industry in the Southwest, voiding the contracts peanut farmers had with the company.

“Producers in Oklahoma, Texas, Mississippi and Arkansas were being asked to forfeit marketing loans without a ready market for their 2014 crop,” said Bob White, chairman of National Peanut Board and Texas peanut farmer.

“We all know farming has enough inherent risks without added concern over buyers being able to honor agreements.”

Faced with the strong possibility of financial hardship, the National Peanut Board, Mississippi Peanut Growers Association, Oklahoma Peanut Commission, Texas Peanut Producers Board, Western Peanut Growers Association and Southern Peanut Farmers Federation joined forces to request that USDA-FSA help protect producers. They specifically wanted to slow down the acceleration of the repayment of loans to allow for an orderly marketing process for their 2014 peanut crop; to give growers relief on incharges and inspection charges; and to work out an agreement with the shelling companies acquiring Texoma Peanut Company on liability and risk of loss.

As a solution, USDA-FSA recently proposed a Special Storage Agreement (SSA) with companies that are assuming ownership and operation of former Texoma facilities. USDA reduced the loan repayment rate for segregation one peanuts stored under Texoma Warehouse License by $100 per ton from March 25, 2015, until midnight June 30, 2015.

“We are appreciative of the tremendous efforts USDA-FSA provided to bring relief to farmers and to create a

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THE PEANUT GROWER • MAY 2015

smooth transition as new buyers assume operations,” said Bob Parker, National Peanut Board’s president and CEO. “There was also great collaboration among the various industry organizations who represent the best interests of farmers.”

Now, peanut farmers affected by the transition have two options. He or she may choose to forfeit the peanuts and incur no further liability. Or, the grower may choose to sell the peanuts and repay the loan at a reduced rate.

USDA outlined a five-step process for loan repayment: 1. The grower repays the loan at an amount reduced by $100.

2. The grower repays the in-handling charge of $30 per ton.

3. The grower repays the incoming inspection fee.

4. The grower pays any storage charges accrued from the effective date of the Special Storage Agreement.

5. The grower pays any charges related to the safekeeping of the peanuts from the effective date of the SSA. The reduced loan repayment rate could possibly be limited by USDAFSA program payment limitations. Producers may incur additional charges (i.e., load-out charges), which may vary by location. After the loan and all charges are repaid, any remaining funds must be remitted to USDA. USDA will retain a portion of the funds to cover possible shortages not covered by the warehouse bond, while the producer will keep the remaining money.

Peanut Leadership Academy Training future leaders is key to any industry’s success, and that’s exactly what the Peanut Leadership Academy is all about. The leadership academy is a cooperative effort between grower organizations and Extension created to help prepare young leaders within the peanut industry for future leadership roles.

The academy is sponsored by Syngenta Crop Protection and the American Peanut Shellers Association and

Calendar: • June 13-17 - USA Peanut Congress, Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville, N.C. For reservations, call 800-438-5800 and reference “USA Peanut Congress.” The deadline for reservations in the room block is May 13.

For more information on reservations or meeting registration, go to www.peanut-shellers.org.

• July 9 - Sunbelt Ag Expo Field Day, at the Darrell Williams Research Farm, on the Expo Show Site. Registration at 7:15 a.m., trams depart at 8:00 a.m.

• July 14-16 - American Peanut Research and Education Society Annual Meeting, Francis Marion Hotel, Charleston, S.C. For more information, visit www.apresinc.com.

• July 23-25 - 17th Annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference, Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Ga. For more information, go to the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation website at www.southernpeanutfarmers.org.

hosted by the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation. Jessie Bland, Georgia Peanut Commission, serves as coordinator.

Participants are nominated by agricultural leaders in their counties and then selected by a committee of state leaders. The candidates must: 1) Derive their primary livelihood from farming and currently produce peanuts; 2) Preferably be between the ages of 30 and 45; 3) Make a commitment to the Peanut Leadership Academy to attend five sessions, which are in different locations for approximately 20 days of travel over two years.

The 2014-15 class consists of 21 growers and sheller representatives from across the Southeast, Texas and the Virginia-Carolina, including representation from the National Peanut Board.

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NPB Promotes Peanuts In The Big Apple America’s peanut farmers took a bite of the Big Apple in early April, with peanut butter, of course. The National Peanut Board set up the Perfectly Powerful Peanut Pop-Up space in New York City for four days of peanut and peanut butter sampling and engagement and encouraged people to share their experiences on social media with the hashtag #peanutpower.

From April 1-2, NYC locals and visitors met and had their picture taken with peanut farmers, learned about peanut farming and sustainability and found out about how peanuts are helping feed people in need around the world. And of course, they were able to sample peanuts and peanut butter as well as easy on-trend recipes like ancient grain bagels with peanut butter and peanut butter yogurt parfaits.

The event kicked off with a media and VIP preview event, as well as a Twitter sandwich delivery initiative where people within a certain area who tweeted using #peanutpower were

selected to receive a free PB&J lunch.

On Tuesday, dietitians were invited to meet peanut farmers and taste peanut and peanut butter inspired recipes. On Thursday, peanut growers and other volunteers made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the Bowery Mission, which helps the hungry and homeless of NYC. Sponsors and partners with the NPB for the week included Hampton Farms, Jif, New York Apple, One Sandwich at a Time, Peanut Butter & Co., Peanut Butter for the Hungry, Planters, Skippy and Which Wich.

To find out about this and where peanuts will pop up next, visit www.perfectlypowerfulpeanut.org.

Smith Named To Sheller Association Hall Of Fame

USDA Grants To Help Reduce SNAP Portion Of Farm Bill

The American Peanut Shellers Association has given its highest honor, The Hall of Fame, to Ben Smith, Commodity Manager for peanuts for Snyder’s Lance in Columbus, Ga. Smith joined Tom’s Foods in 1968, after earning a degree in forestry from the University of Georgia. In 1971, Smith became the Assistant Manager of Peanut Purchasing/Shelling at Tom’s, and then served as head of peanut purchasing/shelling from 1974 to 1980. In 1984, he was named Manager of the Peanut Operations where he stayed until 2005. Smith continued as Manager of Peanut Operations for Snyder’s Lance when the company purchased Tom’s in 2005. Smith currently serves as Commodity Manager – Peanuts, and recently announced that he will retire after 47 years in peanuts.

Smith joins peanut leaders in the Hall of Fame including John Anderson, Tom Chandler, Gaylord Coan, Buddy Davis, Jerry Grimsley and Jack Chastain.

The Farm Bill sets policy for agricultural programs and nutrition aid. However, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, formerly called food stamps, accounts for nearly 80 percent of the Farm Bill now with more than 46 million recipients. Using USDA grants, 10 states will test new ways to get food stamp recipients back to work and off the rolls.

The grants come as the Republican Congress is exploring ways to cut the program, which cost $74 billion last year – twice what it cost in 2008. Some in the GOP have proposed stricter work requirements as a way to do that. Grant winning ideas ranged from using career coaches to quicker training courses to mental health assistance. The bill made an estimated one percent cut to the program and established the grants for states to test work training programs.

Sec. Vilsack says the grants will help USDA identify what works and what doesn’t in terms of getting people to work.

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What’s Under That Canopy?

More scouting of fields is needed for effective insect management.

By Amanda Huber

ith insect management in peanuts, there are a lot of “if, then” contingencies.

If it is hot and dry, then expect to see more lesser cornstalk borer.

If you use a pyrethroid in a field where two-spotted spider mite is present, then it usually makes the spider mite problem increase after a brief decline. However, the truth of the matter is many producers are only guessing at what insect problems they may have because no one is actually scouting the fields.

“We are leaving money on the table by not scouting,” says Mark Abney, University of Georgia Extension entomologist.

“Regular scouting is the best way to determine if pests are present at damaging levels in peanut.”

be the most profitable one your consultant or scout can make, says Abney.

In 2014, several insect pests were more widely observed than in the couple years previous. However, thrips pressure has been on the increase.

“We have had two years of heavy thrips pressure,” Abney says, but instead of seeing it in early May, as it had been in the past, the thrips pressure came in late May and early June. “That’s why you can’t rely on the calendar.”

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A Number Of Observations Abney says in a survey 50 county agents were asked to estimate the percentage of peanut acres scouted in their respective counties. More than 20 percent of the agents answered that they estimated less than 10 percent of their county’s acres were scouted. Seventeen percent of the agents said that between 10 to 15 percent of acres were scouted. Roughly 19 percent of the agents estimated that 16 to 25 percent of acres were scouted, and 17 percent, each, estimated that from 26 to 50 percent and greater than 50 percent of acres were scouted. Finally, nine percent of the agents could not make an estimate on this topic.

Almost 60 percent of the agents said that less than 25 percent of the acres in 10 /

THE PEANUT GROWER • MAY 2015

While older plants can compensate for a significant amount of foliage feeding, scouting on young plants is necessary to find insect problems before the population reaches threshold level.

their counties were scouted.

Optimize Management Efforts “Peanut pests may be sporadic, but they can also be severe,” Abney says. “Current prices make optimizing insect management more important than ever, and scouting is the only way to ensure that insecticides are applied only when needed and that control measures are taken in a timely manner to prevent loss.”

The recommendation not to spray may

Follow What Is Known On Thrips When scouting for thrips, Abney says that adults will appear one week, then about a week later, the number of immature thrips will rise. Damage peaks in about two weeks, but after a couple of weeks of ideal growing conditions, damage is usually barely noticeable.

“It is important that we continue to use the recommendations found in Peanut Rx for reducing thrips pressure, even though the impact of direct feeding on yield is not well understood, and Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus,” he says.

“Phorate (Thimet) is still the only insecticide that has been shown to reduce TSWV incidence in peanut, and it provides good protection against direct-feeding damage. In-furrow applications of liquid imidacloprid (Admire Pro) have shown good efficacy against thrips in a number of university trials in recent years.

To date, seed treatments in peanut have not provided adequate thrips suppression in years with heavy pest pressure,” Abney says.

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New Insecticide Options The 2015 Peanut Integrated Pest Management Insect Control Guide features the following information on more recently released insecticide options.

• Spinetoram, brand name Radiant SC from Dow AgroSciences, has shown efficacy against thrips and caterpillar pests. Radiant acts as contact and stomach poison with translaminar action when applied on foliage. Radiant belongs to Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) Class 5, which has a different mode of action from neonicotinoids in class 4. Spinetoram, or Radiant, is more selective and lower-risk insecticide compared to synthetic pyrethroids. Therefore, this insecticide can serve as a rotation partner with pyrethroids when producers want to target a broad range of caterpillar pests.

• Novaluron, brand name Diamond from Makhteshim Agan of North America, Inc. (MANA), is an insect growth

regulator, or more specifically a chitinbiosynthesis inhibitor, and is another new product featured in the IPM Guide.

An IRAC chemical in class 15, it is only effective against caterpillars, but the earlier caterpillars are detected, the less product will be needed to get adequate control. It can also be used to help space out pyrethroid applications and or reduce usage to prevent spider mite issues during hot dry years.

• Besiege, from Syngenta Crop Protection, is a premix insecticide in peanuts that combines two active ingredients, chlorantraniliprole and lambda-cyhalothrin. At the lower rate of five to eight ounces per acre, it is effective against cutworms, three-cornered alfalfa hopper and velvetbean caterpillars. At a slightly higher rate of six to 10 ounces per acre, it offers protection against thrips, corn earworm and beet armyworm.

For any of the above products, do not use them as “preventive strategy” because they have good knockdown action. Scout crops and identify insects properly before making a treatment decision. Stop insecticide applications once the insect pest is under control and do not do “maintenance sprays” because that could flare up spider mites during hot, dry weather.

Stay alert for lesser cornstalk borers (LCB) and cowpea aphids, which are opportunistic pests in hot, dry weather.

The insect monitoring program using sticky wing traps always gets plenty of LCB moths in southeast Alabama.

The 2015 Peanut IPM Insect Control Guide (IPM-0360) can be found at www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/I/IPM0360/IPM-0360.pdf.

Information provided by Ayanava Majumdar, Alabama Cooperative Extension entomologist.

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Expect The Unexpected Lesser cornstalk borer (LCB) is a sporadic, but destructive pest, and 2014 was an outbreak year. Abney says it is important to scout for LCB because, while LCB are usually present all season and control measures are not needed in most locations in most years, losses to LCB can occur at any time. Spotting that breach of the threshold and timing an insecticide application accordingly is important.

Granular chloropyrifos (Lorsban 15G) is recommended for LCB control, but to be effective, Abney says, this product requires rainfall or irrigation soon after application. And, while back-to-back outbreak years of LCB are not common, the only way to know for certain is to conduct regular scouting.

Don’t Create More Problems The same hot, dry conditions that favored lesser cornstalk borer population growth also contributed to very heavy two spotted spider mite (TSSM) pressure in 2014, says Abney. Nonirrigated fields and the dry corners around pivots were commonly infested. Management options for TSSM in peanut are essentially limited to one active ingredient, propargite (Comite). Despite spider mite being listed on the label of pyrethroids, Abney says do not use that product for that pest.

“You will knock them back for a week, but then they will come back with a vengeance,” he says.

“There were many cases of very heavy spider mite pressure in fields where the pyrethroid insecticide bifenthrin was applied either for caterpillar or spider mite control.

Again, regular scouting is recommended to spot even low populations of spider mites.

“By the time plants are covered with mites and webbing and begin to turn yellow/bronze, no chemical treatment is capable of bringing mite populations in check,” Abney says. “Scout regularly and avoid using pyrethroid insecticides in fields where even

Georgia Producers Asked To Respond To Entomology Survey University of Georgia peanut entomologist, Mark Abney, has asked Georgia’s producers to respond to a survey that will be used to help shape the direction of research and Extension programs.

“Insects, while not a huge problem every year like they were in 2014, can cause significant economic losses each year,” Abney says. “The more information that researchers and Extension specialists at the University of Georgia have regarding the major pest problems growers face, the better off we are.”

The survey, which should only take between five and 15 minutes to complete, features questions about insect pressure, production practices that can influence pest populations and pest management practices used on individual farms.

“It’s very important for us to have that kind of information.

For example, if only 10 percent of the peanuts in Georgia are being scouted, we need to know that when we write grants and ask for funding for Extension work to educate growers about the importance of scouting their peanuts. Being able to document IPM practices such as scouting is very important,” Abney says.

Survey Incentive Offered “The data we gather from this survey will help us better understand what practices contribute to the risk of insect damage. There are only so many trials that can be conducted at the university each year, and not all insect pests will occur in our research plots,” he says. “Everyone is very busy this time of year, and we appreciate growers taking the time to complete the survey.”

As an added incentive, every person who responds to the survey can enter to win a Stihl MS291 chainsaw. The drawing for the chainsaw will take place on June 30.

The survey can be accessed online through a link on the Georgia Peanut Commission’s website at www.gapeanuts.com.

Notifications about the online survey were mailed directly to the more than 3,500 peanut producers in Georgia.

Information provided by University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

low populations of spider mites have been observed.”

Pyrethroids are not effective long-term on spider mites and will cause a spider mite infestation to flare up.

12 /

THE PEANUT GROWER • MAY 2015

It All Comes Back To Scouting Finally, Abney says foliage-feeding caterpillars can always be found in peanuts, but if it is early in the season, it is more likely to be tobacco budworm.

“Larger plants can compensate for a lot of defoliation, whereas smaller plants cannot,” Abney says. “However, too many acres in Georgia are sprayed below threshold for this pest.”

The take-home message is that for effective insect management producers must scout their fields or hire someone to do it to know more about what insect pests are present, if they are near thresholds and, maybe most important, if they are not in need of a wasteful insecticide application. PG

PG0515 Layout_CF 11/13 template 4/16/15 10:02 AM Page 13

Pending EPA PA A Approval Ap for in-furrow peanut applications

To ďŹ nd your local Crop Production Services store, go to www.lovelandproducts.com. Š 2015 Loveland Products, Inc. Always read and follow label directions. Radiate is a registered trademark of Loveland Products, Inc. All trademarks are assigned to their respected owners.

6822_D0115

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Weed Management: Hairy Indigo Controlling a legume weed in a legume crop is an added challenge.

By B.Colvin, J. Ferrell and R. Leon

airy indigo (Indigofera hirsuta) is an annual legume that was introduced to Florida as a forage crop. It has since escaped cultivation where it can be a troublesome weed in some crop settings. Hairy indigo is particularly difficult to manage in peanut production since we are attempting to control a legume weed in a legume crop.

Hairy indigo germinates in late spring and continues throughout the summer. In general, it is the later-emerging ones, those in late May through June, that are often the most problematic since many of the postemergence herbicides have already been applied.

H

Competition And Interference Hairy indigo commonly grows between two and five feet in height, and the stem becomes increasingly woody with age. As the name would suggest, the leaves are covered with a very dense mat of fine hairs that increase in thickness with age.

Hairy indigo in peanut can reduce yield in two ways. 1. The plant gains a significant height advantage over peanut and forms a dense canopy. This reduces photosynthesis, but also intercepts fungicide and leads to increased disease incidence. 2. The woody stems of hairy indigo complicate the peanut digging process and significant peanut yield loss can result.

Hairy indigo has fine hairs that create a dense mat and help reduce the amount of pesticide that reaches the leaf surface.

14 /

THE PEANUT GROWER • MAY 2015

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Control of hairy indigo from herbicides was best when weeds were one to two inches in height.

Control Options Few soil-applied herbicides have been found to adequately control hairy indigo. This, plus the fact that the weed has a long germination window, generally means that preemergence herbicides are of marginal value on hairy indigo. Therefore, postemergence herbicides were tested to determine which program would adequately control this plant.

Control of hairy indigo at four weeks after treatment when herbicides were applied to weeds at three sizes.

Variety Cadre Cadre + 2,4-DB Cobra + 2,4-DB Cobra + Cadre + 2,4-DB Storm + 2,4-DB

Rate/A 4 4 + 16 12 + 16 12 + 4 + 16 24 + 16

Hairy Indigo Height 1-2�

2-4�

4-6�

Percent Control 78 58 42 88 56 30 97 82 84 99 87 90 90

70

The data indicates that hairy indigo is a weed that can be managed with our current peanut production practices. However, if this weed has been a problem in the past, it is essential that we scout these fields often and prepare to spray when the weeds are small.

It must be noted that applications of Cobra should be used with caution if the peanut crop is greater than eight weeks old.

Numerous trials have shown that yield reduction will commonly occur if Cobra is sprayed at this time. If hairy indigo is present at this late-season time, it would be advisable to use Storm plus 2,4-DB to manage the weed. PG Article written by Jason Ferrell, professor, UF/IFAS Agronomy Department; Blaire Colvin, graduate assistant, Agronomy Department; and Ramon Leon, assistant professor, UF/IFAS West Florida Research and Education Center, Jay, Fla.

70

Experiments conducted at the University of Florida tested five herbicide combinations on hairy indigo that was one to two inches, two to four inches and four to six inches in height. All herbicides were applied with a crop oil at one percent volume/volume.

Plant Height Equals Big Difference Hairy indigo control, when sprayed at the one-to two-inch stage, was acceptable for all herbicides tested. Cadre, alone, provided a modest 78 percent control, but the Cobra and Storm treatments all provided 90 percent control or greater.

Surprisingly, allowing the plants to reach two to four inches in height dramatically impacted the ability to control this weed.

This small difference in plant height reduced control by 12 to 32 percent for all treatments.

As the plants reached four to six inches in height, the Cadre treatments were decreased yet again to 30 to 42 percent. However, control from the Cobra and Storm treatments stayed relatively stable as height increased from two to four inches to four to six inches.

Leaf Hairs Intercept Fungicides, Too This rapid reduction in herbicide activity was somewhat expected since the density of leaf hairs increases rapidly as the plants pass out of the seedling stage. These thick hairs intercept the herbicide and prohibit the droplet from absorbing into the leaf.

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MAY 2015 • THE PEANUT GROWER /

15

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Reducing Global Hunger What role does the Peanut and Mycotoxin Innovation Lab play toward this important goal?

By Jamie Rhoads, Assistant Director, and Christy Fricks, Communication Specialist, Peanut Mycotoxin Innovation Lab

any peanut producers may be familiar with the Peanut Collaborative Research Support Program, Peanut CRSP, which has been managed by the University of Georgia since 1982. This program, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has worked to connect the best U.S. scientists with collaborating research and development institutions in developing countries to improve the lives of peanut farmers and consumers across the globe through better peanut production.

The Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Collaborative Research on Peanut Productivity and Mycotoxin Control, better known as the Peanut and Mycotoxin Innovation Lab, or PMIL, continues the strong legacy of the U.S. peanut research community and industry supporting fellow peanut farmers in developing countries to become more food secure.

M

Food Security For All PMIL is part of the “whole of government approach” to food security and nutrition programming called “Feed the Future,” and is one of 24 similar Innovation Labs hosted at U.S. universities and representing more than 60 institutions of higher learning. While not a physical laboratory as the name might imply, the Innovation Labs are networks of researchers in the United States and abroad working together to improve food security and reduce poverty in key countries of the Feed the Future initiative.

16 /

THE PEANUT GROWER • MAY 2015

From left, Bryan Sobel, former coordinator, Meds & Food for Kids, Jamie Rhoads, PMIL assistant director, and Dave Hoisington, PMIL director, tour a farm in Haiti.

Women sort peanuts at a roadside sheller in Ghana. They will sell the high quality peanuts and consume the lower quality ones, which are often contaminated by aflatoxin.

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PMIL works primarily in five target countries (Haiti, Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia), with other collaborations in Uganda, Kenya, Senegal, Ethiopia, Mali, Nigeria and others, where peanuts are an important source of food security, cash revenue and agricultural diversity. Most peanut farmers in these countries farm less than two acres, using mainly manual labor and hand tools and only produce yields of 500 to 800 pounds per acre on average.

Mostly Grown For Home Use Here, peanut is grown in drier areas with no irrigation and on sandier soils where staple crops like corn don’t produce as well. Inputs, such as pesticides, fertilizer or improved seed varieties, are very rarely used because peanut is sold mostly in informal markets or consumed at home. Peanut farming has seen little investment from governments or the private sector.

In the target countries, most peanut farmers are women who grow peanuts to make sure their families have enough to eat and will sell the remainder in local markets for cash to pay for school fees or buy food.

As research continues to show, peanuts are a very healthy addition to the diet. In many of the targeted countries, peanuts are not only consumed as snacks or peanut butter, but are a more central part of the diet in the form of sauces and oil that are consumed daily. Peanuts are often the most important source of protein and fat for many people.

When drought hits an area and the corn crop fails, as it may for our partners in Malawi this year, the peanut crop may still survive and generate life-saving income for those farmers.

Much Work Aflatoxin-Related For these reasons, PMIL works to develop the capacity of local research and Extension organizations in these countries to support peanut farmers. Most farmers lack the basic information needed to improve their yields and better conserve their crop against pests and the risk of aflatoxin contamination.

The goals of the PMIL will be achieved through three focus areas: 1) Development of improved varieties specific to the production and market

A Win-Win For The U.S. Peanut Industry Although peanut production in developing countries may be entirely different, the supporting research benefits farmers in the United States as well. For example, PMIL collaborators have helped to obtain genetic materials for the peanut germplasm bank that has been used to introduce diversity into breeding programs, including disease resistance traits.

PMIL helps to support researchers at many important peanut research institutions, including the University of Georgia, North Carolina State University, the University of Florida, Texas A&M University, USDA-ARS and others. PMIL researchers often use personal time and resources for this work because they appreciate the impact their skills can have to help those less fortunate. They also often discuss how their experiences abroad and interactions with collaborating scientists reinvigorate their passion for peanut research and open their eyes to new ideas.

PMIL and Peanut CRSP funds have been used to train 136 students, including many at U.S. institutions who have contributed to U.S.-based research. These foreign students, many of whom have returned to train other students or lead government institutions, are often the best ambassadors for U.S. interests overseas.

“PMIL’s research objective is not to create competition, but to help farmers in developing countries grow peanuts to help feed their families and make a little extra to pay for their children’s education,” says Dave Hoisington, PMIL director.

Workers dry a recently harvested peanut crop in Nampula, Mozambique, at the Institute of Agricultural Research of Mozambique. Farmers lack the basic information on preserving their crop to reduce contamination.

constraints of each region. This includes everything from collaborative genetic marker identification for low aflatoxin contamination and drought tolerance, to evaluation and dissemination of improved varieties with resistance to common diseases in Africa, such as Groundnut Rosette Virus.

2) Addressing critical constraints along the entire peanut value chain in each of the target countries. This includes a range of activities from input evaluation and facilitation of input access, to evaluation of low-cost post-harvest technologies for the reduction of aflatoxin, to even development of new processing technologies for

improving food safety or nutrition for pregnant women.

3) Improving mycotoxin detection.

This includes the development and evaluation of low-cost technologies and methods to detect and remove aflatoxin from the value chain. Aflatoxin is a major uncontrolled public health hazard in many of the targeted regions and has been linked to childhood stunting.

PMIL serves as an avenue to show the power of peanuts to improve the lives of farmers and consumers globally.

For more information about PMIL’s activities, visit http://pmil.caes.uga.edu/locations/index.html. PG MAY 2015 • THE PEANUT GROWER /

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Planting Intentions lthough acreage increases of 20 to 25 percent have been talked about all winter, the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Agriculture Statistics Service says that producers only intend to plant 1.48 million acres in 2015, up 9 percent from the previous year. A modest increase such as this would be most beneficial to producers and the market moving through this year and into next.

The expected increase in planted peanut acres is mainly because of low prices of other crops, especially cotton, and Farm Bill changes in cotton base, now called generic base, that allow producers to plant it to another covered program crop. With no other crops being competitively priced, most people have expected much of that acreage to go into peanuts.

Georgia planted area is expected to be up 20 percent from 2014. However, Florida indicates a decline in acreage. If realized, planted acres in South Carolina will be a record high, but only a three percent increase over 2014.

Most of the Virginia-Carolina plantings will be similar to last year or up only slightly. In the Southwest, Oklahoma shows a possible acreage increase of 7,000 acres, with other states staying the same.

A

Soybeans Growers intend to plant a record high 84.6 million acres of soybeans in 2015, up one percent from last year. Compared with 2014, planted acreage intentions are up or unchanged in 21 of the 31 major producing states.

Increases of 200,000 acres or more are anticipated in Arkansas, Iowa and Ohio.

Compared with last year, the largest declines are expected in Kansas and Nebraska. If realized, the planted area in Kentucky, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Wisconsin will be the largest on record.

Cotton Growers intend to plant 9.55 million acres of cotton in 2015, down 13 per18 / THE

PEANUT GROWER • MAY 2015

Peanuts: Area Planted by State and U.S. USDA Estimate of Area Planted - March 31, 2015* State

2013

2014

2015

--------------(1,000 acres)-------------

2014/2015 percent

Alabama

140.0

175.0

185.0

106

Florida

140.0

175.0

160.0

91

Georgia

430.0

600.0

720.0

120

Mississippi

35.0

32.0

33.0

103

N. Mexico

7.0

5.0

5.0

100

N. Carolina

82.0

94.0

94.0

100

Oklahoma

17.0

12.0

19.0

158

S. Carolina

81.0

112.0

115.0

103

120.0

130.0

130.0

100

Virginia

16.0

19.0

20.0

105

US Total

1,191.0

1,354.0

1,481.0

109

Texas

*USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service estimate of intended plantings in 2015 as indicated by reports from farmers.

cent from last year. If realized, this will be the lowest planted acreage in the United States since 2009. Upland area is expected to total 9.4 million acres, down 13 percent from 2014 and the lowest estimated United States upland acreage since 2009.

American Pima area is expected to total 150,000 acres, down 22 percent from 2014.

Growers in all states except Oklahoma are expected to reduce planted acreage from last year. If realized, planted area in Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee would be record lows.

Corn Growers intend to plant 89.2 million acres of corn for all purposes in 2015, down two percent from last year and down six percent from 2013. If realized, this will be the lowest planted acreage in the United States since 2010. The reduction in planted acres is mainly due to the expectation of lower prices and returns

in 2015.

Planted acreage for 2015 is expected to be down across most of the Corn Belt with the exceptions being Minnesota and Wisconsin, which are both expecting an increase in planted acreage from last year.

Acreage in Nebraska is expected to be unchanged from 2014.

Wheat All wheat planted area for 2015 is estimated at 55.4 million acres, down three percent from last year. This year’s winter wheat planted area, at 40.8 million acres, is down four percent from last year and is up less than one percent from the previous estimate.

Of this total, about 29.6 million acres are Hard Red Winter, 7.75 million acres are Soft Red Winter and 3.43 million acres are White Winter. Area planted to other spring wheat for 2015 is estimated at 13.0 million acres, down slightly from 2014. PG

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Ag Research And Technology Showcased Sunbelt Ag Expo plans field day combining education and practicality. ooking for the latest and most pertinent agricultural research and technologies? Look no further than the Sunbelt Expo Field Day, scheduled for July 9, 2015, at the Darrell Williams Research Farm, located at the Expo Show Site. The goal of the Darrell Williams Research Farm is to provide farmers and agribusinessmen with the opportunity to combine education and practicality, which is the theme of the 2015 field day.

Attendees will be able to learn from the region’s top agricultural consultants and specialists in many diverse areas of agriculture. Thirty of the best known names in agriculture showcase plots at The Darrell Williams Research Farm.

These industry leaders will be at Field Day to share their technologies and answer any questions you might have.

L

Southern Hospitality The day will start with registration at 7:15 a.m. and will be complete by noon so producers can return to the farm in a timely fashion. Registration is free for anyone involved in agriculture and agribusiness and will be followed by a

complimentary biscuit breakfast, exhibit viewing and welcome from Georgia Department of Agriculture and Georgia Farm Bureau. There will be door prizes and other giveaways. Trams will depart for the field demonstrations at 8:00 a.m., and tours will conclude by noon with a BBQ lunch provided by Ameris Bank.

Varieties, Products And Equipment University researchers will also be on site to provide the latest information on topics such as soil fertility, crop protection, water management and irrigation technology, and cotton, peanut, corn and soybean seed variety trials. Researchers and agricultural companies will address current issues like low commodity prices that are driving farmers to produce top yields with the lowest inputs, weed management practices on a budget and new herbicide technologies released for 2015. These new

herbicide technologies will be displayed in the cotton plots. Static exhibits will also be set up to view the newest equipment and products for 2015.

Searching For Producer Solutions Research presented at the field day is producer driven. University researchers and company representatives gather information on the current issues facing the agricultural industry in the Southeastern region of the United States and will offer solutions catered to each farmer.

The Expo is located southeast of Moultrie, Ga., on Georgia Hwy. 133. For additional information on the field day, check the Expo Web site: www.sunbeltexpo.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, contact the Expo by e-mail at info@sunbeltexpo.com, or call 229-9851968. The 2015 Sunbelt Ag Expo will be held October 20-22, 2015. PG

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MAY 2015 • THE PEANUT GROWER /

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Spraying By The Numbers Use information on pesticide labels to rotate herbicide ‘families.’

erbicides are grouped according to family, such as triazines, and by the target site of action or mechanism of action, such as acetolactate synthase or ALS inhibitors. Herbicides within a family have similar chemical structures and, typically, the same site or mechanism of action (MOA). Knowing the chemical family and MOA group to which a herbicide belongs and knowing what other herbicides have the same MOA is critical for creating a plan to prevent or delay development of herbicide resistance.

H

Look For The Number To help ensure standardization, the Environmental Protection Agency requested that manufacturers include a pesticide’s MOA group number in a standard format on the label. Herbicides with the same MOA are assigned the same group number. When a premix label displays the group number or numbers, the user can easily determine the mechanisms of action included in the premix.

If a label does not contain a group number, it may be listed in the North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual, which can be found at www.pesticidestewardship.org/resistance/Herbicide/Documents/ACMHerbiMOA.pdf, by the herbicide name or common name.

Read, Follow The Complete Label In addition to considering MOA group numbers in the selection of herbicides, review all resistance management recommendations printed on the herbicide label. This may include information on the best management practices for a particular product, target species of most concern and the maximum number of consecutive applications that should be made before rotating to products containing herbicides 20 /

THE PEANUT GROWER • MAY 2015

Mode of Action (MOA) for Herbicide Families Prepared by Mike Marshall, Extension Weed Specialist, Clemson University Site of Action Group 1

2

MOA

Chemical Family (ies)

How it kills the plant

ACCase Inhibitors

Arloxyphenoxy propionate (FOPS) Cyclohexanedione (DIMS) Sulfonylurea (SU)

Blocks the first step in fatty acid synthesis in grasses, broadleaves are naturally resistant to the fops and dims due to an insensitive ACCase enzyme.

Blocks the production of branched chain amino acids (isoleucine, leucine, and valine) in the plant.

Plant dies from insufficient branched chain amino acid levels.

ALS Inhibitors

Imidazonlinone (IMI) Pyrimidines (PM) 3

4

5

6

7

Microtubule Protein Inhibitor Synthetic Auxins

Photosystem II Inhibitor

Dinitroaniline (DNA)

Interferes with the alignment of the spindle apparatus during mitosis and prevents normal cell division in root tissue.

Phenoxy (P) Synthetic auxins mimic the natural plant hormone IAA. These herbicides affect cell wall plasticity and Benzoic Acid (BA) nucleic acid metabolism which leads to inhibited cell division and growth in the meristem regions Carboxylic Acid (CA) (growing points).

Triazine (TZ) PS II herbicides inhibit photosynthesis by binding to the QB binding niche on the D1 protein of the photosystem II complex in the chloroplast. It Triazinone (TN) blocks electron flow from QA to QB and stops CO2 Nitriles (NT) fixation and production of ATP and NADPH2 which Benzothiadiazinones (BZ) are needed for plant growth and development.

Death occurs from free radicals destroying cell Ureas (US) membranes.

Product Examples FOPS: Assure II, Fusilade DX DIMS: Select MAX, Poast Plus SU: Accent, Classic, Beacon IMI: Cadre, Raptor, Scepter PM: Staple DNA: Prowl, Treflan, Sonolan

P: 2,4 D, 2,4 DB BA: Clarity, Banvel, Status CA: Stinger, Milestone TZ: Atrazine, Simazine, Caparol TN: Sencor NT: Buctril BZ: Basagran US: Lorox, Direx, Cotoran

This chart shows site of action groups one through seven, the mechanism of action, chemical family, explanation of how it kills the target weed and the common name. Charts like this are a helpful reminder that several brand-name products may have the same MOA.

with different group numbers.

Weed scientists from various herbicide manufacturers have formed the Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC) to develop uniform resistance management guidelines that can be implemented across geographic regions and across groups of products. Visit HRAC’s website at www.hracglobal.com.

For more information on resistance management and other pesticide-related information, go to the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship (PES) website at www.pesticidestewardship.org. The PES

Reduce herbicide-resistant weed selection using proactive resistance management by: 1) Selecting and using herbicides correctly 2) Recognizing weed characteristics that promote resistance 3) Managing fields, farms, or sites wisely.

promotes the proper use and handling of pesticides and is supported by the Center for Integrated Pest Management. PG

Herbicide Resistance Management Tips: • Rotate herbicides with different mechanisms of action, not just different label names.

• Avoid consecutive applications of the same herbicide unless it is used in a tankmix or prepack containing a herbicide with a different mechanism of action.

• Use other weed management options such as cultivation and cultural methods.

• Make sure herbicides are active against the target weed.

• Apply herbicides evenly and accurately, and use labeled application rates.

• Use postemergence herbicides only in tankmixes or prepacks with at least one mechanism of action that is known to control the resistant weed.

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Check Water Quality Irrigation is the key to profitable peanut production in the Southwestern United States. The growing season consists of different phases with water demands varying for each developmental stage.

Adequate soil moisture is needed for germination and stand establishment after planting, but water use is at its JASON WOODWARD peak during the reproductive Texas Agri-Life Extension periods of bloom and pod fill.

Plant Pathologist Water consumption starts to decrease as pods mature.

However, moist soil is needed at harvest to ease digging.

Research conducted in Texas has shown the irrigation capacity required to maximize yields to be as high as 4.5 to five gallons per minute per acre. With declining irrigation levels, it is becoming more and more difficult to maximize yields on full circles. Therefore, many producers have opted to scale back and plant peanuts on half or a quarter of a pivot.

Despite these efforts, it is important to examine output across the pivot to ensure that uniform amounts are being applied. New nozzle packages may need to be installed in

the event that distribution patterns are not uniform. This is especially important when peanuts begin blooming, as high humidity within the canopy needs to be maintained in order to facilitate pollination and aid in pegging.

In addition to irrigation capacity, water quality must also be assessed sometime during the growing season. Peanut is inherently sensitive to low-quality water, especially increased salts. The accumulation of salts in foliage leads to a burn that occurs on the margin of leaves and results in a loss of vine integrity. Peanut seeds are even more negatively affected by salt when imbibing water during germination.

Significant stand loss has been observed over the last few seasons as a result of such conditions; however, precipitation that has fallen over the past six to eight months should have leached any salts that may have accumulated in the seed zone during previous years. Adequate soil moisture and favorable temperatures should allow for quick germination and uniform emergence, which will help get this year’s crop off to a good start.

Late Planting Recommendations Planting season for peanuts in Georgia: What is to be expected? Each year we talk about how planting should go in a typical year. The problem is, I have not observed a typical planting season in the last five or more years. The good news is growers have learned to adjust to the weather during planting season.

SCOTT MONFORT For the most part, growers University of Georgia have tried to plant their acres Extension Agronomist in April and the first part of May because of the increase in acreage. However, every year weather delays drive planting into early June for a few growers. The negative aspect to late May to early June planting is a decline in yield potential.

That is not to say growers will not produce a high-yielding peanut crop with a late-planted peanut. It is just that in a typical year temperatures drop off in October, causing the date of maturity to be lengthened.

For these late-planted acres, plant the earliest maturing cultivar available, such as Georgia-06G, and try to do everything you can to manage weed and pest problems in a timely fashion to limit their impact on crop development.

MAY 2015 • THE PEANUT GROWER /

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Placement Is Everything Most peanut growers are very diverse in their cropping systems and planting and other field operations can make May and early June challenging. It never hurts to double check calibrations for seeding rate and depth as well as in-furrow and broadcast sprays. We need four to five plants per foot of row for Virginia market types, and planting into moisture is DAVID JORDAN important. Error on the side of North Carolina State University planting deep, which is oppoExtension Agronomist site the rule of thumb compared to cotton, to make sure soil moisture is adequate for germinating seed and for protection from increased soil temperatures for in-furrow inoculants, which are necessary for nitrogen fixation.

to be. Make sure granular insecticide, primarily Phorate or Thimet, is applied at the correct rate. While peanut will ultimately be fine, phytotoxicity from these materials can be painfully obvious on sandy soils with little organic matter.

Make sure broadcast spray equipment is delivering what you think it is. If not, control might be less than you desire or crop injury and expense may be more than you desire.

Check your math one more time. Sprayers can cover a lot of ground in a hurry and it doesn’t take much to make a mistake.

About 15 years ago, I sprayed a number of research trials at 20 gallons per acre but mixed using a 15 gallon per acre spray sheet. I had above-average weed control and peanut injury and had to find new space on the research station to do the trials again. A good friend of mine once told me that “there’s never enough time to do it right but there’s always enough time to do it over.”

For those making a living off of farming, economically, the stakes are certainly higher than finding another area on a research station to repeat a trial with the right calibration.

The things we do at and around planting are critical and set the stage for the remainder of the season. And always, always be as safe as possible around the equipment and crop protection materials you use.

Thrips Require Attention

Make sure in-furrow sprays are reaching the seed. If soil caves in after seed drop and before delivery of spray, the insecticide and inoculant will never reach the place it needs

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THE PEANUT GROWER • MAY 2015

Many producers started planting peanuts in April this year because of the warmer temperatures and good moisture. You have all heard and know the recommendations about soil temperature for planting peanuts along with seeding rates. I never recommend lowering the seeding rate during the April planting winKRIS BALKCOM dow. However, April has Auburn University passed and we need to cut Agri-Program Associate some costs in production this year. During May, with ideal planting conditions, we can lower the seeding rate to five seed per foot.

Another costly item is thrips control. There are a few options for thrips control: Cruiser Maxx seed treatment, Thimet 20 G and Admire Pro at 10 ounces per acre liquid in-furrow. I would suggest considering which of these options would best fit your operation with the amount of late thrips pressure we have endured the past two seasons.

Also, I have seen a lot of prepared land this planting season. I recommend staying with the residual herbicides to help control some of these troublesome weeds that we face, and don’t rely on tillage or cultivation alone to battle those weeds.

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Registration opens March 1. Visit southernpeanutfarmers.org to register!

For hotel reservations, call 844-532-7325 or visit http://www.callawaygardens. com/ASPGC2015.

For more information on activities at Callaway and area towns, as well as sponsorship of the conference, visit www.southernpeanutfarmers.org Brought to you by the family farmers of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation

PG0515 Layout_CF 11/13 template 4/15/15 9:59 AM Page 24

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