Rains Amplify Pod Rot Issues Adequate calcium helps protect pods from pathogens.
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Pod Rot Symptoms Deterioration or rotting of fully developed pods is what gives this disease its name. The color and texture of the diseased pods can be either tan to brown with dry decay or greasy, dark brown/black with wet decay, depending on the pathogens and the environment. Many pods may remain in the soil after digging because of weakened pegs. Often there are no above-ground symptoms associated with pod rot, and severely affected plants may be darker green and have prolonged flowering. Generally, the root system is not affected. The three most common pathogens associated with this disease are Pythium myriotylum, Rhizoctonia solani, and Fusarium solani. The severity of pod rot is related to presence of a specific pathogen in some cases, or multiple pathogens, and a wide variety of environmental factors, such as deficiency of a specific plant nutrient — calcium. In Florida, it has also been found that pods exposed to moderate levels of peanut root-knot nematode in combination with Pythium myriotylum sustained 31% more decay. Calcium Is Key The vulnerability to pathogens is reduced in pods containing .2% or more calcium. The critical period for calcium absorption begins about 20 days after pegs start entering the soil and extends for 60 days. The problem occurs when there is no moisture for calcium to be in solution for uptake by peanut pods. Soil test levels of about 450 pounds per acre of calcium result in maximum runner yields, while double this amount is needed for Virginia-type peanut. If soil samples show only calcium to be low, then calcitic lime would be satisfactory. However, if both calcium and magnesium are low, then dolomitic limestone should be selected. Lime should be applied TWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER
DE BROUGHTON
ate this season, Florida peanut producers saw an increase in pod rot disease. It’s little wonder given the number of tropical storms and hurricanes. In early June, Tropical Storm Cristobal provided torrential rainfall, followed by even more showers for a total of 18 to 22 inches within a week’s time in some locations. From that point forward, frequent afternoon showers and increased temperatures coupled with a maturing stage of peanut growth, allowed for soilborne diseases to proliferate. Potassium and gypsum applied before the heavy rains could have been lost to leaching, which would contribute to pod rot disease emergence. Canopy closure makes it difficult for soil at the base of the plant to dry, again providing a scenario for more disease pressure to develop below ground.
This picture shows typical symptoms of peanut pod rot. Note the dark colored pods with sand and dirt stuck to the shell. Despite the presence of pod rot, the root system is generally healthy.
three to six months before planting and up to planting. Gypsum is often applied at pegging time so that peanuts will have an adequate calcium supply. Rates of 250 pounds per acre of dry gypsum in a band or 1,000 pounds per acre of wet gypsum are often applied to peanuts being saved for seed. Fungicide Options With fungicides, consider the potential for pod rot development, the growth stage/time to maturity of the crop and the pre-harvest interval of the product. In many cases, for moderate levels of pod rot late in the season, the return on investment for the fungicide application might not justify the cost. For a history of severe pod rot, an application of fungicides at pegging could be warranted. Fungicides such as Abound and Ridomil will need to reach the crown and pod zone to have any effect. High-volume applications are one option to increase the likelihood of the product reaching the target but will require 30 gallons per acre to be effective. Another option is to use at least 15 gallons per acre and spray at night as the product will have a better chance to reach the target. The effectiveness of applying fungicides through an irrigation system for pod rot protection is unknown. PG Article by UF/IFAS Peanut Team: Ian Small, De Broughton, Fanny Iriarte, Nicholas Dufault, Keith Wynn, Jay Capasso and David Wright. NOVEMBER 2020 • THE PEANUT GROWER / 17
