JOHN BEASLEY
University of Georgia
Extension Peanut Agronomist
Late planting can result in potential problems. In the Southeast peanut-producing
region, it is best to complete planting by May 31, if possible. Cultivars
need adequate time to reach optimal maturity. This is typically about
140 days for mid-season cultivars and 160 days for late-season cultivars.
On occasion, as was the case in October 2006, we have cold weather in
mid-October where the minimum temperature gets low enough to halt the
maturity process.
Pay close attention to weed control the first few weeks of the growing
season. Research indicates that if you keep a field relatively weed free
the first six weeks after planting, weeds emerging after that time will
not reduce yield, except by interception of fungicides if allowed to get
taller than the canopy and interference with harvest. For best results,
control weeds when they are two inches in height or shorter.
Todd Baughman
Texas A&M University
Extension Agronomist
Peanut profitability is maintained through high yields. Crop rotation,
weed and disease control and irrigation are critical components to high
yields. With rising input costs, everyone wants to find ways to cut production
costs. However, do not do this if it negatively impacts yields. The other
thing to consider is that when you put the seed in the ground, you are
starting with the maximum yield potential. Crop rotation and field selection
have already set yield level. Irrigation, pest management and other crop
inputs only help protect that yield. Therefore, things like starting late
on irrigation or a missed herbicide application lower yields, and now
you are only trying to protect that lower yield level. If the disease
program is late, the yield goal drops further. Remember, lettin’
the cat outta the bag is a lot easier ‘n puttin’ it back in
(Will Rogers).
David Jordan
North Carolina State University
Extension Agronomist
Getting the crop off to a good start will pay dividends
throughout the season. Two of the first pests after planting are often
weeds and thrips (damage.) Hopefully, preplant incorporated and pre-emergence
herbicides were applied and activated by rainfall or irrigation and will
provide adequate early season weed control. Lack of activation will minimize
herbicide effectiveness and, eventually, control will breakdown. Proper
identification and timely application of postemergence herbicides will
minimize weed interference. Most growers apply an in-furrow insecticide
to protect against thrips damage, and every year some farmers have to
apply a foliar insecticide. Careful assessment of the crop and timely
application of these foliar materials is critical. Minimizing plant stress
from thrips damage needs to be addressed. In May, handling weeds and thrips
is an important first step in optimizing growth and, subsequently, yield
potential.
Kris Balkcom
Auburn University
Agri-Program Associate
Planting time is here. Moisture is not as critical as during the past
two planting seasons. With adequate moisture at planting, we can not only
get the peanuts in a uniform stand, but also get a head start on controlling
weeds. Pre-emergence herbicides are an excellent source for grass and
broadleaf weed control when moisture is not limited. These herbicides
keep weed pressure down and allow peanuts to flourish without competition.
Another point is to never plant into anything green. Whether it’s
a stale seed bed or conservation tillage, burn down weeds. There have
been times when we said, “I’ll come back and spray before
peanuts emerge,” and we always had one more job to do. Before you
realize it, peanuts were emerging. At planting is when we start controlling
the train, not when it has left the tracks.
PG
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