2010 Peanut Rx

Know where the varieties you select fit in the risk index

 
The 2010 version of Peanut Rx has been released by researchers and Extension specialists at the University of Georgia, University of Florida and Auburn University. Changes to the risk index, based on observations and data from the 2009 season, can be found in the cultivar/variety section.

Because of the number of new varieties available in seed quantity enough for planting larger acreages, producers are reminded to see where those varieties fit into the index, even if the variety offers an improved disease resistance package.

Variety Selection Is One Factor

“The first question is about varieties,” says James Hadden, technical support representative for Syngenta Crop Protection, “and growers need to be aware of where their variety is in the risk model.

“There are some new varieties that can help some growers in terms of reducing their fungicide input, but that’s part of the total package. They need to look at all the factors.”

Syngenta Crop Protection was the first company to tailor a prescription program using Peanut Rx.

Bob Kemerait, University of Georgia Extension plant pathologist, says “Syngenta was the first to come out and say, if you follow Peanut Rx and find that you are at low risk, we have a four-spray program for you. If you are at high risk, we have a seven-spray program for you.”

More Companies Establish Programs

“In 2009, there was Syngenta with Abound, Nichino with Artisan and Convoy, Arysta Life Science with Evito and BASF with Headline,” Kemerait says. “In less than five years, we have had crop protection companies with seven-spray programs to now say ‘if you manage your crop well, show us the reduced risk, we’ll work with you to spray fewer times.’”

The Benefit Of Good Management

Kemerait says the Peanut Rx prescription fungicide program is based on putting the right amount of fungicide into a field based on risk.

“If you have a high risk from short rotations, growing soybeans, less resistant varieties, you need to spray at least seven times, and with a wet year like we had last year, eight or nine times may be needed to maintain yields.

“But if you’ve got good rotation, resistant varieties, good management, you may be able to get away with only four or five sprays,” he says. “The important thing is that the prescription program is a tangible way to benefit from using good management.”

Look At Different Scenarios

“What’s neat about the index is that you can go along and play ‘what if’ scenarios in terms of risk management,” Hadden says.

Besides the factors pointed out on the disease risk index, other factors, such as weed management, can play a role in disease management.

“Good weed control affects your ability to manage diseases,” Hadden says. “If weeds are intercepting the fungicides, it will decrease your level of control.”

Looking at the total package for peanut production, hopefully producers can continue to keep disease problems to a minimum and reduce input costs with good management. PG