JOHN BEASLEY
University of Georgia
Extension Peanut Agronomist
Southeast growers are anxious to plant one or more of the recently released
runner-type cultivars. Since 2006, there have been 10 cultivars released
by the University of Georgia, University of Florida, USDA-ARS and Golden
Peanut Co. Several years are needed for the seed supply of newly released
cultivars to reach a quantity sufficient for planting on widespread acreage.
The following cultivars will be limited in seed supply in 2008: Georgia-06G,
Georgia Greener, Florida-07, McCloud, York, AT 3085RO, Tifguard, Georgia-07W,
AP-4 and AT 215. The majority, if not most, of these cultivars will be
planted for seed increase in 2008. If a grower is asked to plant one of
these new releases, I would encourage them to do so. The best way to determine
if a new cultivar works in your situation is to plant it and compare it
to currently available cultivars.
Todd Baughman
Texas A&M University
Extension Agronomist
Yellow herbicides are still one of the most effective and economical tools
available. When properly used, yellow herbicides provide residual weed
control of many problem broadleaf and grassy weeds. More importantly,
it adds another mode-of-action to aid in resistant-weed management. The
continued use of the yellow herbicides will help us maintain the effectiveness
of ALS and glyphosate herbicides. One thing we often hear are concerns
about peanut injury with the yellows. Research in Texas has indicated
that when these herbicides are used properly, according to label directions,
injury is minimal. The final thing to consider with yellow herbicides
is proper incorporation mechanically or with irrigation. With overhead
irrigation, make sure the system is calibrated, and that 0.75 to 1-inch,
which is preferable, of irrigation is applied.
David Jordan
North Carolina State University
Extension Agronomist
Herbicide-resistant weeds are a top priority, and in peanuts,
the ALS-resistant weeds, such as Palmer amaranth and other pigweeds and
cocklebur, are the biggest concern. With these weeds, it is important
to have a sound program from the beginning so you don’t get behind.
If Cadre or Pursuit (or Strongarm as a PPI or PRE treatment or Classic
as a salvage) can’t be used, it is critical weeds do not get too
large before controlling them with Cobra, Ultra Blazer, Storm or paraquat
(4 inches is too large.) At-planting programs with a DNA herbicide like
Prowl or Sonalan, PRE applications of Dual Magnum or Outlook with Valor
SX, and timely applications of paraquat plus Basagran will buy time for
postemergence applications of Cobra, Storm or Ultra Blazer. Don’t
get me wrong: Cadre, Pursuit and Strongarm are excellent herbicides. But,
resistance to ALS herbicides, which these three are, requires us to think
differently about widespread use.
Kris Balkcom
Auburn University
Agri-Program Associate
Growers often ask which tillage method is best in peanuts. The key to
making the tillage work is to ensure good seed-to-soil contact, which
provides a uniform stand with a healthy plant. The moldboard plow buries
all the debris and residue from the surface that could interfere with
the seed-to-soil contact, offering the highest yield, but most expensive
method. In strip till, residue that remains on the surface decays, increasing
the soil organic matter creating a healthier soil. The problem with strip
till is what we call hair pining. If you have flat land, then ripping
and bedding is a method that conserves moisture in the beds until they
are knocked down at planting time. The most important factor in peanuts
is ensuring a uniform stand with rapid emergence, and the rip and bed
accomplishes that well.
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