The
PEANUTGROWER ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC
MAY 2020
THE PEANUT PRODUCER'S MARKETING & PRODUCTION MAGAZINE www.peanutgrower.com
New: NCSU Risk Tool And Field Log Rootworm On The Rise
WHITE MOLD
WARNING
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The
MAY 2020
PEANUTGROWER ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC
MAY 2020
THE PEANUT PRODUCER'S MARKETING & PRODUCTION MAGAZINE www.peanutgrower.com
New: NCSU Risk Tool And Field Log
Volume 32 • Number 5
Rootworm On The Rise
WHITE MOLD
WARNING
Departments 4
Editor’s Note A positive distraction The CARES Act and farmers
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News Briefs Loan repayment deadline extended
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Market Watch Hoping for for aa better better quality crop
18 New Products New postemergence herbicide from FMC 20 Peanut Pointers Be proactive with planting strategies
Stay Connected
10 Features
10 White Mold Mold Warning Warning 10 White
A warm spring does not bode for lessonset soilborne Favorable weather could signalwell an earlier of fungal disease pressure. disease.
Rootworm On On The The Rise 12 Rise 12 Rootworm This damaging pest is on the increase in Georgia.
This damaging pest is on the increase in Georgia.
14 Planting Intentions Intentions 14 Planting Will COVID-19 affect markets enough to change Will COVID-19 farmers’ plans? affect markets enough to change farmers’ plans?
16 Know The Impact Of Your Decisions NCSU Peanut Risk Management is a practical Know The Impact Of Your Tool Decisions 16 The production for Virginia-type growers. The NCSU aid Peanut Risk Management Tool is a practical production aid for Virginia-type growers.
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Cover Cover photo photo by by Amanda Amanda Huber. Huber MAY 2020 • THE PEANUT GROWER /
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EDITORIAL/PRODUCTION Editor Amanda Huber ahuber@onegrower.com Copy Editor Vicky Boyd vboyd@onegrower.com Art Director Ashley Kumpe
ADMINISTRATION Publisher/Vice President Lia Guthrie (901) 497-3689 lguthrie@onegrower.com Associate Publisher Carroll Smith (901) 326-4443 Sales Manager Scott Emerson (386) 462-1532 semerson@onegrower.com Audience Services Kate Thomas (847) 559-7514 Production Manager Kathy Killingsworth (901) 767-4020 kkillingsworth@onegrower.com For circulation changes, call (847) 559-7578 or email peanutgrower@omeda.com
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Scott Monfort Extension Agronomist University of Georgia Dell Cotton Peanut Growers Cooperative Marketing Assn., Franklin, VA Kris Balkcom Agri-Program Associate Auburn University Dan Anco Extension Peanut Specialist Clemson University
Emi Kimura Extension Agronomist Texas A&M University David Jordan Extension Agronomist North Carolina State University Glen Harris Extension Agronomist University of Georgia Jason Ferrell Extension Weed Specialist University of Florida
ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC Mike Lamensdorf PRESIDENT/TREASURER Lia Guthrie PUBLISHER/VICE PRESIDENT The Peanut Grower (ISSN 1042-9379) is an agribusiness magazine for U.S. peanut producers. Published in eight monthly issues, January through July and November. Annual subscriptions are $40.00. Single Copy price is $5.00. Annual overseas subscriptions are $70.00, including Canada/ Mexico. Periodicals postage paid at Memphis, TN. Copyright © 2020 One Grower Publishing, LLC, all rights reserved except where otherwise noted. The Peanut Grower ® is a registered trademark, which reserves all rights granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in association with the registration. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO OMEDA COMMUNICATIONS, CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT, P.O. BOX 1388, NORTHBROOK, IL 600651388. All statements, including product claims, are those of the person or organization making the statement or claim. The publisher does not adopt any such statement or claim as its own, and any such statement or claim does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. Printed in the USA. One Grower Publishing, LLC, also publishes Cotton Farming, Rice Farming, Soybean South and Corn South.
Editor’sNote Editor’s Note A Positive Distraction
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he best thing about Peanut Grower magazine this month might be that it offers a respite from the constant flow of COVID-19 news. Other than a news brief on the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act and a mention here and there, this issue is all about peanut production and marketing, as it should be. In “White Mold Warning” on page 10, producers are reminded of the potential for an explosive fungal disease year given the warm winter and increased moisture. Finding white mold on volunteer peanuts in early April, Amanda Huber University of Georgia Extension plant Editor, The Peanut Grower pathologist Bob Kemerait calls it a possible “harbinger” of things to come. Consider his recommendation for an early banded fungicide application. “Rootworm On The Rise” comes from a point UGA Extension entomologist Mark Abney made in one of his winter production meeting presentations. Southern corn rootworms, a major pest in the Virginia-Carolina area, is increasingly being discovered in Georgia. It is typically found in heavier-textured soils with more moisture, such as field low spots. Learn more about this insect pest on page 12. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service surveyed producers in the first two weeks of March for their Prospective Plantings report. In it, NASS says U.S. peanut growers intend to plant 1.53 million acres in 2020, up 7% from 2019. However, one has to wonder if those numbers will hold. Read the report on page 14. A new decision resource is available to producers of Virginia-type peanuts: Peanut Risk Tool and Field Log. Available through the North Carolina State University Extension peanut website, the Microsoft Excelbased aid is practical and user friendly. Its purpose is to help producers determine the risk of pests based on production decisions. It can also be used to record practices and chronicle field histories. More information about this tool is on page 16. Along with these features are our regular columnists. Tyron Spearman, Peanut Grower’s marketing editor, writes about the tightening of the market. Peanut Pointer specialists David Jordan, Emi Kimura, Kris Balkcom and Scott Monfort offer planting tips and reminders for seedling and early crop care. You know that being editor of this magazine is a job I dearly love. This month, I consider Peanut Grower more of a positive distraction. I hope it is for you, too.
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THE PEANUT GROWER • MAY 2020
PEANUTGROWER.COM
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NewsBriefs News Briefs Loan Repayment Extension
Producers now have more time to repay marketing assistance loans as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s implementation of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2020. The loans now mature at 12 months rather than nine, and this flexibility is available for most commodities. The extension applies to nonrecourse loans for crop years 2018, 2019 and 2020. Eligible loans must be in good standing with a maturity date of March 31, 2020, or later or new crop year (2019 or 2020) loans requested by Sept. 30, 2020. All new loans requested by the end of September will have a maturity date 12 months following the date of approval. Current, active loans will be automatically extended an additional three months. Loans that matured March 31, have already been extended by USDA’s Farm Service Agency. Loans requested after Sept. 30, 2020, will have a term of nine months. “Spring is the season when most producers have the biggest need for capital, and many may have or are considering putting commodities under loan. Extending the commodity loan maturity affords farmers more time to market their commodity and repay their loan at a later time,” says U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. “We are extremely pleased that USDA can offer these marketing flexibilities at this critical time for the agriculture industry and the nation.”
Peanut Economic Impact
According to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, the price of peanuts averaged 20.1 cents per pound or $402 per ton last season, 6.5% lower than 2018. The value of the 2019 peanut crop at farm level is $1.129 billion, a 3.5% decrease from 2018. Harvested peanut acres were down 1%. TWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER
The highest average price was paid in Texas at $584 per ton, followed by New Mexico at $564 per ton. The lowest average price was paid in Alabama at $370 per ton. Mississippi was next lowest at $372 per ton. Georgia came in at $384 per ton. About 47% of the revenue from peanuts was produced in Georgia, followed by Texas at 12.8% and Florida at 10.5%.
Aid For The Rural Economy The CARES Act was signed into law on March 27. The $2 trillion legislation represents phase three of relief intended to provide immediate assistance for the workforce and businesses of all sizes. In addition to direct payments to individuals, extended unemployment benefits and federal loan guarantees, the act provides a number of food- and agriculture-related benefits. It includes funding to ensure children and low-income families have continued access to nutritious, affordable food. It also ensures that farmers have the financial resources needed to offset the more immediate economic impacts of the virus. The USDA received $9.5 billion, approximately 19% of the total food and agriculture provisions, to provide financial support to farmers and ranchers impacted by the coronavirus. The funding is allocated specifically for specialty crops, producers who supply local food systems and farmers’ markets, restaurants and schools, livestock producers and dairy farmers. In addition, the Commodity Credit Corp. received $14 billion, 29% of the total funding amount for agriculture. The CCC bolsters commodity and income support programs, natural resources conservation programs, disaster assistance programs and the market facilitation program. The outlay is for fiscal year 2020, so that’s in addition to the second and third tranche of MFP payments, as well as Farm Bill payments
In Brief • CARES Act extends marketing loan maturity to 12 months, provides ag-related benefits. • Peanut crop worth $1.12 billion. • Aflatoxin task force expands focus, urges more support. • GPC funds 40 research projects. • Missouri ruled a primary producing state.
made last fall. This replenishment will allow USDA to develop new support programs to assist agricultural producers and potentially help agribusinesses such as ethanol plants. Direct food- and agriculture-related provisions in the CARES Act total approximately $49 billion. The act provides $24.6 billion for domestic food programs and $15.8 billion to improve access to supplemental nutrition programs in the event costs or participation exceed budget estimates. Of that total, $300 million is allocated for SNAP improvements in underserved areas such as Indian reservations or U.S. territories. Child nutrition programs received $8.8 billion in additional funding.
USDA Asked To Buy More PB
The Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, the American Peanut Shellers Association and the National Peanut Buying Points Association, under the heading of The U.S. Peanut Federation, recently requested that the USDA include peanut butter in the coronavirus relief funding being used for nutrition programs. In a letter to Secretary Perdue, the USPF wrote, “As USDA continues to work on providing further assistance, the peanut industry believes that peanut butter is a product that should be considered for those in need.” MAY 2020 • THE PEANUT GROWER /
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NewsBriefs News Briefs The letter was in response to the CARES Act, which includes $1.2 billion in food assistance. The resources will be essential to provide food to those in need during this evolving pandemic, as well as ensure that the products Americans receive are safe and accessible. “Peanuts and peanut butter provide health benefits for Americans at every stage of life, including pregnancy, infancy, childhood, adulthood and older adulthood ... Dollar for dollar, peanuts and peanut butter are less expensive than almost all nut and meat proteins,” according to the USPF in the letter.
Aflatoxin Task Force Initiatives
The American Peanut Council organized an aflatoxin task force to challenge some of the quality issues in shipping peanuts abroad. Recently, the committee expanded its focus on the broader problem of aflatoxin. The 2019 crop presented significant challenges to all segments of the industry. According to J. Leek Associates, Inc., this crop has the most quality problems since the availability of consolidated testing data. Although multiple initiatives are being taken to mitigate the impact, the cost to the industry is conservatively at least $100 million. Solving this problem will take a coordinated approach across the industry. Initiatives already underway from the task force include: Working with USDA on new testing protocols for peanuts designated for export. Funding requests for research supported by all segments of the industry. Ongoing European port education and training. Karl Zimmer, taskforce cochairman says, “This is just the start. We urge all key stakeholders to join us through their representative industry organization. Do your part to help us solve one of the key issues threatening the future of this industry.” 6/
THE PEANUT GROWER • MAY 2020
GPC Research Funding The Georgia Peanut Commission board of directors recently approved $739,693 in research project funding for 2020-21. The projects include 40 proposals submitted by the University of Georgia, USDA Agricultural Research Service and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. “As a peanut grower, I’m proud to invest in the Georgia Peanut Commission and in the future of the peanut industry by supporting research that continues to demonstrate a return on our investment,” says Donald Chase, GPC research committee chairman. “We are proud of our partnership with research institutions and look forward to seeing results that will benefit farmers in the state and the entire peanut industry.” Georgia’s peanut growers invest $2 per ton annually toward GPC programs, which include research, promotion and education. The research programs primarily focus on peanut breeding, conservation methods, irrigation and water management, as well as pests and weed and disease management. Additionally, GPC manages funding of $1,260,682 for the Southeastern Peanut Research Initiative for projects in Alabama, Florida and Georgia. These projects are funded through the National Peanut Board.
Buying Point Awards At its winter convention, the National Peanut Buying Points Association presented three awards: the Peanut Pioneer, Buying Point of the Year and President’s Award. The Pioneer Award was presented to the National Peanut Laboratory in Dawson, Georgia, which celebrated its 50th year of research in 2019. The idea of establishing a lab to conduct peanut research originated with the National Peanut Council and the Peanut Improvement Working Group. The scientists pioneered many industry standards that are still in use today.
The lab has eight scientists and 28 staff. The Peanut Buying Point of the Year was presented to Farmers Peanut Co. in Whigham, Georgia. In 1977, Paul Trulock, Sonny Cox and Howard Newberry teamed together to start the buying point. They also sold chemicals, fertilizer and other farmer needs. In 2000, Danny Vaughan bought Farmers Peanut Co. and started a buying point purchasing for Birdsong Peanuts in cooperation with Damascus Peanut. Today, the buying point handles between 14,000 to 18,000 tons per season. Currently the team at Farmers Peanut includes operations manager Mike Wilde, and general manager Damon Gilstrap, together with Susie Ulmer. True to the community, Farmers Peanut Co. supports hog shows, cow shows, FFA, 4-H and many other projects.
New Primary Producing State The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service ruled effective April 22 to add Missouri as a primary peanut-producing state under the Peanut Promotion, Research and Information Order administered by the National Peanut Board. The rule adds an NPB seat for Missouri. Under the order, primary peanut-producing states must maintain a three-year average production of at least 10,000 tons. The NPB will go from 12 producer-members and alternates to 13. An organizational meeting for the Missouri Peanut Producers Association will be held to form a certified peanut producers organization, followed by an election to select two nominees each for member and alternate to the National Peanut Board. Because of the pandemic, the meeting had to be held by phone in late April. The National Peanut Board will submit Missouri’s slate of nominees to the secretary of agriculture, who makes the appointments. PEANUTGROWER.COM
NewsBriefs News Briefs
From Poster Child To Practical Progress Some people say peanuts are the poster child for food allergies. While less than 1% of Americans, including less than 2% of children, have a peanut allergy, the average American thinks 24% of people do. When you search the phrase “food allergies” online, peanuts are the focus of the majority of results. In the media and in discussions of food allergies in public places like restaurants, schools and airplanes, peanuts are commonly the focus. But is being the poster child always a negative? There is an upside to this attention, including a significant investment of researcher attention and focus resulting in positive outcomes. For instance, the recent FDA approval of the first-ever drug treatment for a food allergy is for peanut allergies. In the area of food allergy prevention, the current recommendations for infant feeding from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease focus solely on peanut. The view has morphed from negative perception to one of potential and progress as scientists unlock a greater understanding of food allergies and prevention. With a heavy focus on peanut allergies, this has potential to spark further research and applications for the other top eight allergens. The NPB has been honored to provide seed funding, as well as on-going support, for some of the most impactful research in peanut allergies. Peanut Farmers — Part of the Solution In 2000, the members of the first NPB recognized their potential at being part of the solution. The story attributes the following quote to Virginia peanut farmer and member of the inaugural board, DeeDee Darden: “If we’re part of the problem, we want to be part of the solution.” To that end, the NPB has contributed more than $32 million since its inception toward funding outreach, education and research on food allergies. Key findings
TWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER
about prevention and treatment for peanut allergies over the past decade can trace some of their roots back to this funding. Early Funding In its first year, NPB funded some of the earliest oral immunotherapy (OIT) research conducted in the United States for peanut allergies. This work, by esteemed researchers Drs. Wesley Burks and Stacie Jones, occurred at both the University of Arkansas and Duke University. They did the pioneering work of OIT for food allergy and because of that early exploration, other researchers and companies have been able to take the OIT concept and bring it to fruition. “Funding from peanut farmers helped with the framework for OIT,” said Burks, who currently serves as executive dean for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine. Peanut Allergies Now: Prevention, Treatment Thanks to these breakthroughs, there’s great hope when it comes to peanut allergies. We now know that early infant feeding of peanut foods reduces the risk of peanut allergies and holds promise to potentially reduce the numbers of children and adults who become peanut allergic. For those who already have peanut allergies, or who will in the future, there’s hope too. Palforzia was approved in January 2020 as the first and only FDA-approved treatment for peanut allergies. This OIT product has made its way to the market because of the commitments, efforts and sacrifices of thousands of families, study participants, researchers, other support staff, donors and funders. NPB is proud to play a part in supporting innovative and transformative solutions for those with peanut allergies. Article by National Peanut Board Consultant Sherry Coleman Collins, MS, RDN, LD.
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Watch A Good Quality Crop Is Needed In 2020
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OVID-19 is bringing more stress and worry to the agriculture picture. If there is a positive in this, it is that demand for peanuts and peanut butter will increase as more people are eating at home. The easy-to-use, nutritious, go-to food makes an ideal meal or snack for families staying at home instead of sending the kids to school and going to work. Food banks are also depleted of resources, and empty store shelves abound. Any surplus will likely be taken up, and more will be needed. Like everyone, peanut farmers are concerned about the coronavirus pandemic and how will it influence the coming crop year, their businesses in general, the total economy and even their family’s health. Farmers were already entering a stressful planting season with low commodity prices, and now they have to contend with the challenges associated with a global pandemic. While doctors and nurses are on the front lines saving lives of those with COVID-19, farmers are working to ensure that our world still has food to eat. Lack Of Succession Plans Another worry? Approximately 69% of producers do not have a backup plan to continue current farming operations if they get sick, much less a succession plan if something catastrophic were to occur. Most farms are still single-proprietor or have few family members or employees as part of the operation. Yet, the current situation has peanut butter demand up, store shelves depleted, and some manufacturers have had to make the decision to place their customers on allocation. Snack nuts have seen a rise in demand as well. There is still a disconnect between the farmer market and the shelled peanut
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THE PEANUT GROWER • MAY 2020
J. Tyron Spearman Contributing Editor, The Peanut Grower
Leading Marketing Indicators (April 2, 2020) 2020 Est. Acreage (+ 1%) ................................................. 1,391,700 acres 2020 Est. Production (acres x 3,949 lbs/A) ....................... 2,748,043 tons 2019 Market Loan ............................................................. 2,340,990 tons 2019 Loan Redemptions ....................................................... 839,244 tons 2019-20 Domestic Usage (8 Mo.) .......................................... Up + 4.3% 2019-20 Exports (7 Mo) .......................................................... Up + 24.1% NATIONAL POSTED PRICE (per ton) Runners – $424.13; Spanish – $416.70; Valencia and Virginias – $430.94
market. The Southeast’s hot, dry conditions during late season and harvest in 2019 has led to one of the poorest quality crops on record. Aflatoxin and damage are causing failure rates on approximately one-third of lots. Market Tightening The market has increased from the 40 cents to the mid-80 cents range per pound for Southeast runners. Offers for tight specifications are extremely difficult to obtain. Blanched jumbos have moved from the high 50 cents at harvest time to mid- to upper-90 cents today. One sheller announced an allocation on current crop contracts. But that’s farming…deliver to the contract and the next owner delivers to their agreed contract as well. Most of the peanuts were sold earlier to manufacturers at 45 to 46 cents per pound. With the 2019 crop in the warehouse, it’s a sheller problem meeting grade. What about the 2020 peanut crop? Despite coronavirus, farmers should be optimistic. Peanuts are a food product that the world is demanding. Again, the
peanut farmer is on the front lines for ensuring a safe, affordable food supply. Some Acreage Shifts Expected The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service released their prospective plantings report and projected 1.529 million acres in peanuts. This would be a 7% increase over 2019. Georgia is projected to plant 740,000 acres, a 10% increase over 2019. Assuming average yields, the result is a total U.S. crop of nearly 3 million farmer-stock tons. Cotton, the largest competitor for peanut acres, is projected to be 13.7 million acres or down less than 1% from last year. However, farmers were surveyed in early March before much was known about how long the economy would be shut down. More peanuts and less cotton will probably be planted than was indicated by the USDA estimate. With cotton prices as low as 50 cents per pound and the overall commodity markets so low, peanuts at $400 or $425 are still the most attractive option for Southeast growers. PEANUTGROWER.COM
Watch Demand At Home The market desperately needs the 2020 crop to be a good one from a quality perspective. With stronger than expected exports to China, the carryout from the ’19 crop will be lower than projected. One broker said, “I do not see much if any weakness in the market between now and the year end. If we have poor weather during the growing season or at harvest again, it will only add firmness to the market and/or reluctance to sell forward without a risk premium.” USDA estimates domestic food use to increase 1.9%, while exports are predicted to go up 10.6%. After seven months, domestic use is up 4.3% and exports are up 24.1%. Ending stocks are down, and that favors the farmers.
Strange Times During this unforgettable crisis, the Trump administration and Congress must be mindful of the agricultural supply chain and workforce for the ability of U.S. agriculture to meet the needs of consumers. These include but are not limited to impacts on accessibility to seed, fertilizer, crop protection products, agricultural labor, equipment, feed and ingredients for food-producing animals, modes of transportation, the availability of required U.S. government inspec-
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The advice this season is to follow the rules, stay safe, plant early and keep the faith.
tion services and even daily movement of milk. The advice this season is to follow the rules, stay safe, plant early and keep the faith. PG
Export Market China has emerged as a key export market for U.S. peanuts. In 2019, in spite of an ongoing trade war and high tariffs, the United States shipped nearly 97,000 metric tons to China. This was the second-highest total ever and made China the industry’s fourth largest export market, behind Canada, the European Union and Mexico. Shipments have remained strong to start 2020. U.S. peanut exports continue expanding, up 24.2% over the six-month period and up 24.8% comparing January 2020 to January 2019. China is also buying raw-shelled peanuts, ranking third in shipments behind Canada and Mexico. Raw-shelled exports are up 6.5%, but peanut butter is down 13.8%. Other Marketing Factors The Price Loss Coverage payment is good for peanut farmers. The average price for peanuts in February 2020 was $410 per ton. USDA estimates the PLC payment will be $123 per ton, which is applied to 85% of the farm peanut base. Payment is not expected until October and is based on previous year’s prices. Will a fourth round of payments be issued because of unjustified trade retaliation and low prices? That remains to be seen, but Washington, D.C., is squarely focused on COVID-19 at this time. TWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER
MAY 2020 • THE PEANUT GROWER /
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White Mold Warning Favorable weather could signal an earlier onset of fungal disease. By Amanda Huber
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t was the second warmest March on record across the globe according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. For the Southeast, the area was classified as much warmer than average. By April, conditions were still warm, and Pam Knox posted on the University of Georgia’s Crop and Soil Sciences “Climate and Agriculture in the Southeast” blog that more precipitation was forecast. “Wetter conditions than usual are also expected for the next three months in most parts of the Southeast,” Knox says. Coupled with a mild winter, higher temperatures and more moisture will likely mean an earlier onset of disease.
Already Found In The Field Bob Kemerait, UGA Extension plant pathologist, says, “Most fungal diseases will be more severe during periods of increased rainfall and of less concern during drier periods. When weather conditions are very favorable for disease, severe epidemics may occur in fields where it was not thought to be a problem.” White mold, also called stem rot, persists in the soil in its resting stage. Mycelium of Sclerotium rolfsii produces strands of fan-like growth as it spreads. Sclerotia can be seen as small, round structures that are initially white and later become tan to dark brown. White mold can be found in leaf litter or, as Kemerait found in early April, on volunteer peanuts already growing in fields. 10 /
THE PEANUT GROWER • MAY 2020
Seedling Treatment “Management of white mold can be improved by an early season banded application of Proline, by timely irrigation after application and by spraying some fungicides at night,” Kemerait says. “Staying on time is critical no matter what you do. There are plenty of fungicide options, and new ones may bring new opportunities for control. Don’t be afraid to step outside of what you have always done. “Be sure to irrigate in 24 hours unless you have received a rain. You need to move the material down the plant. Without moving it down into the crown of the plant, you aren’t going to get the same level of control.” PG White Mold Risk Factors: A history of the disease in peanut or soybean. Less than two years rotated out of peanut, soybean or other legume. The varieties Georgia-12Y and Bailey have some resistance to fungal disease. Other varieties may have some tolerance. Planting in the first week of May or earlier. Lack of rain preventing fungicide from being washed into the soil PEANUTGROWER.COM
Southern Peanut Growers Conference july 16-18, 2020 Edgewater beach & Golf resort • panama city beach, florida Room reservations at Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort can be made online at www.egdewaterbeachresort.com or by calling 1-800-874-8686 and providing the Group Code 115784. For detailed conference and registration information, visit www.southernpeanutfarmers.org.
Brought to you by the family farmers of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation
www.southernpeanutfarmers.org
The spotted cucumber beetle, the southern corn rootworm adult, is easily recognized in the field.
Rootworm On The Rise This damaging pest is typically found in heavier-textured soils with more moisture. By Amanda Huber
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he southern corn rootworm is an emerging insect pest in Georgia, according to University of Georgia Extension entomologist Mark Abney. The adult stage, the spotted cucumber beetle, is easily identified. The immature stage is not and may go undetected until peanuts are graded as Segregation 3 because of rootworm damage. “It is still considered a sporadic pest, but in some areas it is becoming a bigger problem. Growers with high-risk fields and those with a history of SCR infestations should consider the pros and cons of applying granular chlorpyrifos,” Abney says. However, as he points out often, producers are likely to soon lose the one product, Lorsban, that will control it. SCR requires moist soil conditions and is more typically found in fields with heavy soils and center-pivot irrigation. It can also be a problem in low spots with heavy-textured soils in periods of abundant rainfall. Following is more information about this pest. IDENTIFICATION Larvae of the southern corn rootworm are slender, white or cream colored and may reach a length of 1/2 to 3/4 inch
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THE PEANUT GROWER • MAY 2020
This is a picture of the southern corn rootworm. In the larval stage, it is white or cream colored and 1/2 to 3/4 inch long. The legs are visible on the first three segments behind the head. A dark spot on the abdominal segment can be seen on the right side of the insect.
when mature. They have three pairs of inconspicuous legs, and the head and the last segment of the body are dark brown to black. The adult is the spotted cucumber beetle, a greenish-yellow beetle, approximately 1/4 inch long, with 12 irregular black spots on its back. Rootworms damage peanuts by feeding on all underground parts of the plant, especially the pegs and pods. LIFE CYCLE The southern corn rootworm is the immature stage of the spotted cucumber beetle. Rootworm larvae develop in the soil PEANUTGROWER.COM
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E = Excellent Control; G = Good Control; F = Fair Control; P = Poor Control; NL = Not Labeled; G = Good = Fair Control; = Poor Control; E ==Excellent Control; and others; *PInsufficient data NL = Not Labeled; LS Labeled for suppression only Control; 11FDipel 1 Dipel and others; * Insufficient data LS = Labeled for suppression only
SCR Advisory For V-C Producers
Navigating The Late Season
The southern corn rootworm is considered a major pest in North Carolina and Lannate Lorsban 4E Chlorpyrifos 15G Orthene Radiant SC Sevin Steward Thimet 20G Blackhawk Dimilin Intrepid Prevathon Virginia peanuts. all fields Sevin Steward Thimet 20G Blackhawk Dimilin However, Intrepid not Prevathon Chlorpyrifos 15G 15G Orthene Radiant SC Lannate Lorsban 4E Chlorpyrifos need for SCR. P/F NL NL NL G NL G/E NL G to be treated G E G P/F NL NL NL G NL G/E NL G G E G P/F NL NL NL G NL G/E NL GVirginia Tech's G E G Tidewater Agricultural NL NL G NL NL NL NL NL NL NLExtension NLCenter entomolNL Research and NL NL G NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL G NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL ogist Sally Taylor says, “Knowledge E NL NL G E F G NL G NL NL Gof the E NL NL G E F G NL G NL E NL NL G E F G NL G history NL NL NL injury isG Guseful past of rootworm G NL NL F/G G F/G G/E NL G/E G NL G in determining If G NL NL F/G G F/G G/E NL G/E G NL G G NL NL F/G G F/G G/E NL G/E G the need NL for treatment. G SCR larvae injury in aNLfield, it willE/G again. G feed on pods, NL P/F NL NL F G NL G has occurred NL G NL P/F NL NL F G NL G NL NL E/G G NL P/F NL NL F G NL G"Keep field NL records NLon the extent E/G of causing damE NL NL G/E NL G/E NL G NL NL NL NL E NL NL G/E NL G/E NL G NL NL NL NL pod and peg injury noticed at harvest age shown E NL NL G/E NL G/E NL G NL NL NL NL time. attention toF/Gfields here.NLThe NL F NL NL NL NL NL NL Pay particular P NL NL NL F NL NL NL NL NL NL P NL F/G NL NL F NL NL NL NL NL NL P F/G discoloration is with higher levels of NL organic matter and P/F NL NL P/F G NL NL NL G F/G E E/G P/F from storage. NL G NL NL G F/G clay. survival he decision NL of whetherP/F to spray or P/F NL NL P/F G not or NL NL NL NL G Rootworms F/G haveE E a higher E/G E/G rate NL NL NL NL G F/G NL NL G in thoseNLsoils due NLto higher NLmoiswhen to startNL not alwaysG Risk For Late Leaf NL NL NL G NL NL NL NL NLdigging isNL NL G an easyF/G F/G NL FactorsNL NL G Spot NL NL NL NL ture-holding capacity, and injury will typone. The decision is made more difficult • Short rotations (less than 2 years out of peanuts) NL NL Gand pods. NL NL NL NL NL Areas NL NL NL NL NL NL on pegsG center-pivot irrigation. with NL and feed directly NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL G NL NL NL NL NL NL be more NLsevere NL NL NL than13M, in light soils." • Highly susceptible varietyically (Virginia types, Georgia Spain, when a storm or bad canweather is predicted. Eggs and small rootworms increased loam content in the soil NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NLCorn In the V-C, the Peanut Southern NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL TUFRunner 511) NL Last year’sNLactive hurricane NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL season NL made and end-of-season not survive in dry soil conditions. poor drainage areNLalso at risk of Rootworm Advisory is available to aid • Late (May 26 or later) NL NL NLtricky. Based NL on early NL seasonG/E G/E NL planting G G NL NL NL NL NL planning NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL and execution NL NL NL NL G/E NL G NL NL NL NL Therefore, irrigation or a wet weath- increased pod damage. producers to determine when fields need • Poor control of volunteer peaconditions and favor in case harvest conditions are F NLwill NL G/E NLsimilar PP NL G/E NL NL NL NL ANL digital version of the F er NL NL G/E NL NL G/E NL NL NL patternNL development of F NL G/E NL P NL in rotational G/E crops treatment. NL NL NL NL advinuts to last year, Clemson University peanut specialist Dan sory can be found on the Virginia Coopbeetles NL can be readily MANAGEMENT E the pest. Adult NL NL E G G NL NL E G/E E E/G • Poor season controlE E NL E G G NL G/E E E/G E NL NL E G G NL end of NL NL Eof G/E E E/G erative Extension’s Publications and EdAnco has the following advice. detected in peanut fields. Their preslate leaf spot in an adjacent NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NLare NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL Rootworm management ucational Resources website at https:// NL NL NL NL NL NL NL options NL NL NL NL upwind field NL the previous year ence in moderate to high numbers is a www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/. Click on “Crops” limited. Granular chlorpyrifos bandNL F/G F/G NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL Planting Dates NL ChangingF/G F/G F/G NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL • Starting fungicide programs NL F/G NL NL NL NL NL NL NL warning that a problem could develop. toNLsearch the list, or NL search by publicaed over the to row is theany only treatment later than 45 DAP; better Rains over several weeks in May caused some plans NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL E/G NL NL NL NL NL NL NL identification NL NLVCE Publication E/G NL NL tion forNL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL E/G NL early than late to peabe effective against this pest change. Rain brought on late leaf spot to proven volunteer SCOUTING 444-351. It is also available for download Edited by Dr. Mark Abney, University of Georgia Extension Entomologist Edited by Dr. Mark Abney, of Georgia Extension Entomologist Extending intervals be- University According• to researchspray connuts. Early pressure calls for early action. in As peanut. we entered Edited by Dr. Markas Abney, University of Georgia Extension Entomologist a PDF. yond 15Carolina, days Finding in thetosoil dif- ducted in Virginia and North June, thererootworms was still time getis peanuts planted and The advisory is designed to help de• Repeated, frequent periods of Threecornered Burrower Bug ficult, injury iswindow often not preventative Bug obtain and a reasonable of detected conditions for growth andinsecticide applications termine in a few Three-Cornered minutes whether fields Three-Cornered Burrower Bug leaf wetness; excessive rains, Alfalfa Hopper Hopper hard to to infestations idenBurrower bugs can bebefore hard idenmade are established until after peanuts are dug when it is need an insecticide treatment. PG harvesting. Alfalfa Hopper Burrower bugs can be hard to idenfrequent irrigation
What are the factors affecting final sprays and digging decisions?
T
Three-cornered hoppers in the field, field and Threecorneredalfalfa alfalfa tifytime and an an infestation infestation good control.• There are no foli- after applitooMid-May late for control measures. Scout is generally the best to provide plant Three-cornered alfalfa hoppers tify in for the field and an peanuts infestation Rain immediately are light green and wedgehoppers are light green is often not detected until harvest. are light green and wedgeis oftencan not detected harvest. ar insecticide available, and SCR by pulling up although plants andpeanuts examinin South Carolina, still beuntil made iftreatments cation – wait 24 hours to irrigate shaped. Theyshaped. stand about ¼ black-toand wedge They Burrower bugs have aa black or shaped. They stand about ¼ Burrower bugs have a black-totargeting the adult beetle has not been ing the roots and pods feeding injuplanted into early June.forOnce planting dates reach June • Consecutive use of fungicides with the same mode of action (exinch high and are about ¼ inch small red eyes on a stand about ¼ inch high brown body, body and small, red eyes inch high and are about ¼ inch brown body, small red eyes on a cept chlorothalonil) 10,and we sifting are looking at the approximate digging dates near shown to reduce injury or improve ry through looseon soil to long. Both adults and nymphs small-sized head. The upper wings and are about ¼ inch long. a small-sized head. The upper long. Both adults and nymphs small-sized head. The upper wings have mouthparts of burrower bugs are shiny and Oct. the 20 for a 132-day like Bailey or digging dates Both piercing adults and nymphs wings of bugs are shiny yields. find larvae. It mayvariety be necessary toburrower have piercing mouthparts of burrower bugs are shiny and and by penetrating the semi-hardened with the membrahavefeed piercing mouth parts and semi-hardened with the memSlowing A Growing Leaf Spot Epidemic: entering November moderate-maturity varieties Determine the need to treat on a wash off into wet or clay soilsfor to clearly see and feed by penetrating the semi-hardened with the membrastem and sucking plant juices. nous tip overlapping. Its legs are and feed by penetrating branous tip overlapping. Its legs Effective fungicide programs are designed tostem prevent disease, and sucking plantnot juices. nous tip overlapping. Its legs arebasis. Decisions like Georgia 06G. field-by-field can be damaged pods. pearman ad 11/14/08 3:19 PM Page 1andand tend and feed in a circular spiny, needle-like, piercing, the sucking plant are spiny needle-like. Piercing, it after the fact. If something goes wrong They andstem you to find late They tend to feed in a leaf circular spiny, and needle-like, piercing, One of growth the concerns that time ofbased year becomes on bothwith adultcure populations and Rapid after around rain can cause fashion around a stem, making sucking mouth parts are visible juices. They tend to feed sucking mouth parts are visible spot lesions in the bottom of the canopy, especially with lessa than 30 fashion around stem, making sucking mouth parts are visible slow drying conditions prior to awith combining that can lead punctures as they go. The damaged areafeeding typically punctures swells and above ground root past history in isispeanutfeeding fields. short splits or creases to occur in athe hand Burrower bug in a circular fashion around a stem, making as they go. The hand lens. lens. Burrower bug is closely days until harvest, treat immediately, retreating in 10and days, with one feeding punctures as they go. The damaged area typically swells above ground root with a hand lens. Burrower bug mayarea occur. On peanuts, feeding may occur on limbs, leaf petioles or occur. pegs. On closely related to stink bugs.toolate in growth to quality if they in damp conditions damaged typically swells, and above-ground root growth may related to stink bugs. Treatment the season followouter pod issues wall that cansitbeout confused growth occur. On peanuts, feeding may occur on limbs, leaf petioles or pegs. closely related to stink bugs. of the may following: peanuts, feeding occur on limbs, leaf petioles or pegs. long. SCR Everydamage. year is a little different, but overall combi- rainfall with ing the significant be 4.5 toomay late •may Topsin FL 10 fl oz + 1.5 pt Bravo nation lower yield likely potential, leafeffectively spot pres- prevent •rootworm This of pest is more to behigher foundlate to injuProvost Opti 10.7 oz + 1.5 pt Bravo surelow and spots generally harvesting ry. conditions are treatments in andunfavorable heavier-textured Late-season may • Priaxor 8 fl also oz more under prevalent for peanuts planted after about June 10.spider mite outbreaks. PG encourage soils moist conditions or with
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JANUARY 2 018 THE•PE ANUT GROWER MAY• 2020 THE PEANUT GROWER.COM // PE ANUTGROWER JANUARY THE PEANUT GROWER / JANUARY 2019 • 2020 THE •PE ANUT GROWER
Planting Intentions
T
he year started with dire warnings about an increase in virus — tomato spotted wilt virus. “Last year, TSWV made a comeback in Southeastern peanuts after a 10-year hiatus,” says Barry Tillman, University of Florida peanut breeder, in a recent blog post. “The last time we had appreciable spotted wilt in peanuts at the UF-IFAS research station in Marianna was in 2009.” But that all changed in March. Despite the current focus on COVID-19, producers are still planting peanuts. Moving Ahead With Planting According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agriculture Statistics Service, U.S. peanut growers intend to plant 1.53 million acres in 2020, up 7% from 2019. Compared with last year, all states are expecting an increase or no change in planted area except Oklahoma. In Georgia, planted area is expected up 10% from 2019. If realized, it will be the most acres planted since 2017. Price Fluctuations Since Survey Response The biggest differences to planting intentions are likely to come with crops other than peanuts. For instance, the NASS report says that cotton growers intend to plant 13.7 million acres in 2020, down less than 1% from last year. The largest increase in acres is expected in Texas. Clemson University Farm Business Consultant Scott Mickey notes that cotton prices have continued to decline since producers were surveyed in the first two weeks of March. “Pay attention to the prospective plantings report as cotton
14 /
THE PEANUT GROWER • MAY 2020
Peanuts: Area Planted by State and U. S., Estimated (March 31, 2020) State
Area Planted (1,000 acres) 2018
2019
2020
Percent
Alabama
165
160.0
165.0
103%
Arkansas
26
34
35
103%
Florida
155
165
175
106%
Georgia
665
670
740
110%
Mississippi
25
20
20
100%
New Mexico
5.5
4.7
5
106%
North Carolina
102
104
105
101%
Oklahoma
16
15
12
80%
South Carolina
87
65
75
115%
Texas
155
165
170
103%
Virginia
24
25
27
108%
1,425.5
1,427.7
1,529.0
107%
U.S. Total
prices were much higher during the survey period than they are now. At current prices, producers must evaluate alternative uses for acres originally intended for cotton.” Change In Consumer Behavior On the flip side, soybean prices have increased for a market that was already expected to be up 10% in plantings from 2019. According to the NASS report, soybean producers intend to plant 83.5 million acres in 2020. Compared with last year, planted acreage intentions are up or unchanged in 22 of the 29 estimating states. “Soybean prices rallied 30 cents per bushel the past two weeks due to concerns about possible shipping disruptions and shrinking crops in Brazil and Argentina, as well as the Chinese soybean shortage. Hopefully, the United States will capture more of the soybean export market,” Mickey says. For corn, the decreased use for ethanol production is likely to more than offset increased export and feed uses. NASS says growers surveyed intend to plant 97 million acres of corn for all purposes in 2020, up 8% from last year. If realized, this will be the highest planted acreage since 2012. Planted acreage for 2020 is expected to be up or unchanged from 2019 in 38 of the 48 estimating states. How long with the COVID-19 lockdown last? Will the economy rebound quickly, or will the United States be thrown into a full-on recession? On the agriculture front, how will NASS’ June report of actual plantings differ from this prospective plantings report? Many questions, such as these, will go unanswered for a while. PG PEANUTGROWER.COM
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Know The Impact Of Your Decisions Use the Peanut Risk Management Tool to see how various production practices affect pest response. Record management choices and outcomes in the Field Log. By Amanda Huber
A
practical, easy-to-use management tool for Virginia-type peanut growers is available through the North Carolina State University Extension peanut website under the menu selection “Peanut Risk Tool and Field Log.” Download the Microsoft Excel-based tool to use in determining the risk of pests based on production decisions. It can also be used to record practices and inputs associated with production and pest management to chronicle field histories. “The idea behind the Peanut Risk Tool was to make it easier to see the interrelationships among the practices we use to grow peanuts and how all types of pests respond, including weeds, arthropods, diseases and nematodes,” says David Jordan, North Carolina State University Extension peanut specialist. Find the tool at https://peanut.ces.ncsu. edu/peanut-risk-tool-and-field-log/.
The goal was to take all the risk information that they had learned and put it into one tool where farmers could look at different production scenarios and see what their total risk was based on those decisions, he says. Bringing An Idea To Fruition NCSU Extension Entomologist Rick Brandenburg says “The Peanut Risk Tool is useful to help understand risk in production, to help make the best decisions for your farm situation before the first seed goes in the soil and to make 16 /
THE PEANUT GROWER • MAY 2020
The idea behind the Peanut Risk Tool was to make it easier to see the interrelationships among practices, including the cost of those decisions.
wise decisions as the season progresses.” The concept of predicting risk in North Carolina peanut production was developed by the late Jack Bailey, NCSU plant pathologist. “Jack wanted to make a system that took not only our research findings but also our experiences over the decades and put it into a program that helped us make wise management decision,” Brandenburg says. “For a number of years, David Jordan has led an effort to continue Jack’s dream and put it into practice by providing guidelines for county Extension field faculty and a risk index calculator for peanut growers to reduce risk.” An Economic Component Although the tool is beneficial prior to planting, it can also be used as the
season progresses. “It can help producers understand how everything they do will impact something else,” Brandenburg says. “Cultivar selection, tillage practices, planting date, plant populations and row spacing, and on down the list, will all influence the problems later in the season. You can’t make potential problems disappear, but you can stack the deck in your favor to reduce those issues that are most troublesome and stressful on your farm.” He says researchers ma ke ever y attempt to develop cost-ef fective approaches to management and look at the economics of risk reduction. “Sometimes that comes at a premium price and limits our ability to produce the crop in a cost-effective manner. PEANUTGROWER.COM
The tool enables growers and consultant to determine pest risk based on production plans.
“The best decisions are the result of using the best sources of information you can, mixed with your own personal experiences, and making those decisions in a timely manner.”
How It Works Jordan says the tool, once downloaded, contains drop-down menus to select inputs. “Put in your field history. Choose
your rotation and inputs. Depending on your options, it’s going to show how much risk you are taking for the selected pests. It can be expanded to include more pests and categories of pests than what is currently in the tool. It is designed to be flexible and easily modified.” Risk assessments are based on the stoplight’s red, yellow and green colors. “If you see a lot of green, then it means those scenarios for the selected inputs are creating less risk for that pest. But if you see more red, you can go back and look at what you are doing to create that risk and what you might do differently to reduce it. “We’ve tied all of these practices back to a cost,” Jordan says. “So adjusting risks may show an increase or decrease in costs. That’s part of the tool.” Eliminating all of the uncertainties in farming isn’t possible. Using information gained from decades of peanut research can help producers make decisions that reduce some of the risk in their crop. Use the Field Log to record those decisions and yields achieved. PG
A Field Log For Record Keeping Based on grower surveys, Extension peanut specialist David Jordan found that nearly two-thirds of producers keep most of their records on paper. A spreadsheet was used by 18% of growers, and 23% relied on documentation associated with the Worker Protection Standards. Another 8% of growers depended on their own memory, with 4% having a crop consultant keep their field records. Some producers use multiple ways of keeping up with the information. For those who want to transition away from a system of keeping up with papers or relying on memory, the Field Log was included as a part of the Peanut Risk Management Tool. “As I have transitioned away from paper to electronic, and I’m not all the way there yet, I find it much easier and efficient to pull things together to make a decision when the information is all in one place,” Jordan says. “The idea is to start populating this log with all the information you have for your peanuts. “The value is you put all this information in and you look at the outcome for that year. Are yields what you expected? If not, and if you don’t already intuitively know, you can look at inputs and decisions to TWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER
The Field Log can be used to keep up with all management decisions and outcomes each year.
help figure out what affected the yield.” Jordan says he hopes producers will give the new Field Log and Peanut Risk Management Tool a try. “It is flexible, and you can record what you think is most im-
portant. It is not tied to something on the web where others can gain access. “If you don’t have a place where you are already recording this information, then it’s a good place to do that.” PG MAY 2020 • THE PEANUT GROWER / 17
Products New Postemergence Herbicide FMC has expanded the label of A nthem Flex herbicide to include at-cracking and postemergence applications in peanuts. Anthem Flex herbicide provides long residual control of grasses and small-seeded broadleaf weeds with burndown activity on emerged broadleaf weeds. The active ingredients in Anthem Flex herbicide are pyroxasulfone (Group 15) and carfentrazone-ethyl (Group 14). “FMC is pleased to provide peanut growers a new tool to help them better manage difficult weeds,” says Bruce Stripling, FMC regional technical service manager. “Anthem Flex herbicide offers control of pigweed species including ALS- and glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth. It also offers suppression of Texas panicum.” Palmer amaranth and Texas panicum are highly competitive weeds peanut growers need to keep in check. A layered residual herbicide program is the best approach. FMC Regional Technical Service Manager, Eric Castner, says, “With its low use rate, liquid formulation and long residual, Anthem Flex herbicide fits into existing sequential peanut herbicide programs and is an excellent tankmix partner with other postemergence peanut herbicides. The use of an adjuvant is recommended. According to the label, the re-crop interval following use of Anthem Flex herbicide in peanuts at 3.5 fluid ounces per acre is two months for cotton and one month for wheat. Read the Anthem Flex herbicide label for specific application and rotation cropping instructions.
Preemergence: Prowl® H20 herbicide 32 oz.; Early Postemergence: Gramoxone® herbicide 12 oz. + Storm® herbicide 16 oz. + Anthem® Flex herbicide 3 oz. + NIS 0.25% V/V; Postemergence: Anthem Flex herbicide 3 oz. + Cadre® herbicide 4 oz. + NIS 0.25% V/V.
Average % Weed Control, 62 Days After Post Emergence Application, Eric Prostko, University of Georgia 2018 100 95 90 85 80 75 70 65 60 55 50
Palmer amaranth
THE PEANUT GROWER • MAY 2020
Small flower morningglory
Florida beggarweed
*PRE (preemergence); EPOE (early postemergence); POE (postemergence)
In addition to peanuts, Anthem Flex herbicide also received a label expansion for weed control in dry/field peas, chickpeas, lentils, soybeans and sunflowers,
Syngenta Seeks Packaging Innovations To improve sustainability across its supply chain, Syngenta recently announced a $2 billion investment. Part of this will go toward packaging innovations. “Things like reducing the weight of plastic containers, moving plastics and products in bulk, and cutting the thickness of our label paper all contribute to making our operations more sustainable,” says Gabriel Oxby, Syngenta formulation and packaging group leader. 18 /
Annual grasses
■ Prowl® H20 herbicide PRE, Gramoxone® herbicide EPOE, Storm® herbicide EPOE, Dual Magnum® herbicide EPOE, Cadre® herbicide POE, Dual Magnum® herbicide POE ■ Prowl® H20 herbicide PRE, Gramoxone® herbicide EPOE, Storm® herbicide EPOE, Anthem® Flex herbicide EPOE, Cadre® herbicide POE, Anthem Flex herbicide POE
and it continues to be labeled for use in spring wheat, winter wheat, fallow, corn and cotton. For more, visit www.fmc.com.
The company hopes these and other sustainability efforts will help it meet a target to reduce by 50% the carbon intensity of its operations and supply chain by 2030. Syngenta is also testing technologies like slow-motion cameras to enhance the analysis of test results. The cameras use a machine learning program, which improves accuracy when checking package labels for errors. “From lab to field, we help make sure our products arrive to customers intact and on time, ready to go to work,” says Oxby. For more information, visit www.syngentathrive.com. PEANUTGROWER.COM
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Pointers High Priorities This Month There are several key issues to address in May. The first is establishing an adequate stand of five plants per foot of row and then protecting those plants from stresses early in the season. Peanuts are resilient and can sur vive even under difficult conditions. As long as peanut seed has good germination and is treated DAVID JORDAN with a fungicide, we generally North Carolina State University get an adequate stand. We can Extension Agronomist plant peanuts deep, down to the moisture, and that takes a lot of pressure off of the decision to plant or not when soil moisture is limited. Keeping plants free from thrips feeding and from weed interference during the first month of the season are high priorities. Expect to have both. Our preplant, PPL or PPI, and preemergence herbicides are critical in protecting peanuts from weed interference during that time weed scientists refer to as the “critical weed-free period.” Herbicides applied prior to and immediately after planting do not control weeds completely for entire season, but Sometimes our PPI the they do allow peanuts and PRE herbicides to emerge and grow without competition for give only a short a period of time. period of control, To get us through the month of May and then while other times into June, we of ten that control can be apply postemergence surprisingly long. herbicides, regardless The same is true for of the earlier program. Paraquat applied two to thrips suppression. three weeks after peanuts emerge can be very effective. This is a good time to shore up the residual control by including one of the products that fits this window. At the same time, we need to make sure thrips do not cause too much damage. Our in-furrow, systemic insecticides provide a degree of protection, especially if logistical challenges are in play or products do not perform well. In many cases, a timely application of acephate can give added protection. Our research shows that the combination of paraquat, Basagran, residual herbicides and acephate works well and helps us move the crop through the first four to six weeks without stress from these two pests. 20 /
THE PEANUT GROWER • MAY 2020
Being timely is the key. Sometimes our PPI and preemergence herbicides give only a short period of control, while other times that control can be surprisingly long. The same is true for thrips suppression. Some years our products don’t need a follow up, whereas in other years an early spray of insecticide is needed. Weather plays a major role in the effectiveness of these materials. More recently, we have also started being more concerned about evolved resistance in many of our pest populations. With that in mind, scout early to help ensure your yield potential by making timely postemergence herbicide and insecticide sprays.
Minimize Weed Competition We have received good moisture in March and April, which means that weed pressure may be high in the early season. Best management practices for peanut production include effective season-long weed management. Four weed management principles in peanut production are: 1. Start clean; EMI KIMURA 2. Use residual herbicides; 3. Texas A&M AgriLife Be timely with postemergence applications; and 4. Know your Extension Peanut Specialist weeds. Early season weed management is most important and should mean that weed control later in the season is easier. There are roughly five critical herbicide application timings in peanut production. These application timings include preplant burndown, preplant incorporated, preemergence, early postemergence and postemergence applications. Yield losses are minimized when peanuts are free of weed competition for the first four to six weeks after planting. The use of PP, PPI and PRE herbicides are critically important for minimizing weed competition during the early season. Early emerging weeds, such as Russian thistle and kochia, can be controlled by tillage or the use of burndown herbicides. PPI herbicides are effective on annual grasses and small-seeded broadleaf weeds such as Palmer amaranth (carelessweed or pigweed), Russian thistle (tumble weed) and kochia (iron weed). They are ineffective at controlling large-seeded broadleaf weeds such as cocklebur, sunflowers, and sedges (yellow and purple). Use of a PRE herbicide will enhance control of some of these weeds. If the incorporation is too deep, and peanuts are planted shallow, peanut roots from planted seed have to go through treated soil, which can result in stunting. The use of a PRE herbicide can be effective at controlling annual broadleaf and sedge weeds. Preemergence herbicides PEANUTGROWER.COM
Pointers must be applied and activated before weed emergence and some must be applied prior to peanut emergence to avoid crop injury. It is important to read the label carefully, especially for application rates based on your soil type, feeding restrictions, rain-free periods, rotation restrictions, herbicide groups and other issues.
Scout Your Stand Early Do I have an adequate stand of peanuts? This i s one of t he worst things that we come across this time of year. W hen we f ind ourselves asking, “Do we have a good enough KRIS BALKCOM Auburn University stand?” I hope Extension Specialist that there aren’t many of you in this situation this spring, but I know we had a lot of quality issues with last year’s crop and some of that has spilled over into the seed supply. It’s important to determine if there is an adequate stand early so there is time to replant if needed. First, determine what caused the problem. There are several factors that can prevent a good stand of peanut, such as percent germination, soil temperature, soil moisture, seed-to-soil contact, seedling disease and herbicide damage. Next, determine what type of plant stand you have. Is it a uniform, solid stand or skippy and erratic across the field? Maybe it was a planter problem recurring across the field. Does the plant stand have huge gaps or small amounts of variability between emerged plants? Look for a pattern of some kind. It could be soil type, a terrace channel, bottom or sandy flat, or maybe you had two different seed sources or varieties. You should be able to figure out if one of these was a contributing factor. Plant six seed per foot to achieve a plant stand of four plants per foot of row for maximum yield potential. Take a simple stand TWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER
MAY 2020 • THE PEANUT GROWER /
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Pointers count in various places across the field to determine the average plant stand. I typically like to see at least three plants per foot; however, under ideal weather, I have made stand counts averaging as low as 2.5 plants per foot that still averaged 4,500 to 5,000 pounds per acre dryland. However, Austin Hagan, Auburn University plant pathologist, had a test over a four-year period that only showed one year out of four in which four seed per foot was statistically higher than two seed per foot in an irrigated scenario. The dryland test was more consistent with an increase in yield for the increase in seed per foot. Therefore, irrigation or years with increased rainfall provided enough water for the plants to compensate and overcome skippy stands, whereas the dryland peanuts were more vulnerable to not having enough moisture to properly grow and produce enough pods to overcome the skips. If you find yourself questioning your stand this year, make some stand counts and attempt to determine what the problem was. This may help you in deciding whether to replant or not.
A Proactive Planting Strategy As I write this April 1, I can only hope that we are busy planting. April has brought some early warm conditions and a few rain showers. If the heat and rain continue, we should be in good shape to get the crop planted and provide seed with the best conditions to germinate and emerge. However, be prepared with a good offense if we are hit by a lack of rain with these high temperatures. Do not chase moisture this year. Remember, seed quality is likely to be lower than in previous years. The more
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THE PEANUT GROWER • MAY 2020
stress that is put on the seed, the more problems there will be in the crop. Taking a proactive approach when it comes to reducing stress on the seed and encouraging good emergence will aid in providing the best situation for peanut plants to thrive. Be sure to add these important tips to your 2020 proactive SCOTT MONFORT University of Georgia planting strategy: Extension Agronomist Make sure pH and fertility issues are fixed. Start clean and remain clean by applying the right herbicide at the right time. Clean and calibrate all application equipment. Add additional in-furrow fungicides as needed to support the seed treatments. Irrigate before and after planting, if needed. Add an inoculant to ensure proper inoculation. Use Thimet to reduce the risk for tomato spotted wilt virus and to control thrips. Slow planting speed to ensure proper seeding rate. Do not apply any fertilizer products in-furrow at planting for any reason. Finally, get out in the field. Revisit fields seven to 10 days after planting to determine if you have any stand issues that will need to be addressed. The Extension service is here to help. Please call your county Extension office for further assistance. PG
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