Peanut grower july 2016

The

PEANUTGROWER ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

JULY 2016

THE PEANUT PRODUCER'S MARKETING & PRODUCTION MAGAZINE www.peanutgrower.com

Are You On Track With The Production Calendar?

Disease Management After Big Rains

From Here To Harvest

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BECAUSE PERFECT POWER SOURCES DON’T JUST GROW ON TREES. 7 powerful grams of plant-based protein Over 30 essential vitamins and nutrients

The most preferred nut in America Nothing beats a handful a day for heart health

Jeffrey Pope, Virginia Peanut Farmer

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nationalpeanutboard.org

ScientiďŹ cevidencesuggestsbut doesnot provethat eating1.5ouncesper dayof most nuts, includingpeanuts, aspart of adiet lowinsaturatedfat &cholesterol mayreducetheriskof heart disease.

The

JULY 2016

PEANUTGROWER ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

JULY 2016

THE PEANUT PRODUCER'S MARKETING & PRODUCTION MAGAZINE www.peanutgrower.com

Are You On Track With The Production Calendar?

Volume 28 • Number 7

Disease Management After Big Rains

From Here To Harvest

Departments 4

Editor’s Note Three more positive industry signs

5

News Briefs USDA works to streamline acreage reporting

6

Market Watch Do we have a bigger, better, safer industry?

20 New Products New StarFire guidance system from John Deere 21 Peanut Pointers A possible cause of yellowing foliage

Stay Connected

10 Features

10 From Here To Harvest

Planting conditions support the thought that the crop may be slightly less than last year.

12 A Golden Opportunity

A more modern warehouse will mean more efficient unloading and enhanced quality.

14 Optimal Disease Environment

What will significant rainfall from Tropical Storm Colin mean for peanut disease?

16 UF Student Is A “Cultivator”

Will Dezern, who is working on an updated database for peanut breeders, receives a prestigious honor.

Sign up for the monthly e-newsletter at peanutgrower.com to have exclusive industry news and content delivered directly to your inbox.

18 Management Calendar

Use this production timeline to finish out the production season.

Cover photo by Amanda Huber.

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JULY 2 016 • THE PE ANUT GROWE R /

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EDITORIAL/PRODUCTION Editor Amanda Huber ahuber@onegrower.com Copy Editor Carroll Smith csmith@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 Circulation Manager Charlie Beek (615) 377-3322 Production Manager Kathy Killingsworth (901) 767-4020 kkillingsworth@onegrower.com

For circulation changes or change of address, call (847) 559-7578

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD John Beasley Extension Agronomist Auburn University Dell Cotton Peanut Growers Cooperative Marketing Assn., Franklin, VA Kris Balkcom Agri-Program Associate Auburn University Craig Kvien Coastal Plain Experiment Station,Tifton, GA

Jason Woodward Extension Plant Pathologist 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 © 2016 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.

One Grower Publishing, LLC 6515 Goodman Rd., Box 360, Olive Branch, MS 38654 Phone: 901-767-4020

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THE PE ANUT GROWE R • JULY 2 016

Modernization Is Coming

T

his year in the peanut industry isn’t shaping up at all like I thought it would. And that’s a good thing. With peanut warehouses busting at the seams from last harvest, but no alternatively priced crop to steal peanuts’ thunder, I thought another big year might be the death knell for the peanut world. I didn’t stop to think that it’s adversity that will make you stronger, and it seems that is what it has done.

While tough decisions have been Amanda Huber made and downsizing has occurred in Editor, The Peanut Grower some areas, there is growth in other areas. In this issue as in last month, there is news of building and increased capacity. This time it is Golden Peanut and Tree Nut that is modernizing a warehouse to improve efficiency and enhance quality.

Modernization is certainly something that is needed in peanuts. Other than the use of some precision ag on the farm and the drying of peanuts in semi-trailers now, much of what happens to peanuts from the farm to the manufacturer has been the same for years. But change is coming.

How do I know? Because students like Will Dezern represent the future of our industry. You can read more about Will, a student at the University of Florida College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, and the honor he has received on page 16. However, I will let the kitty out of the burlap by telling you that Will has been working to modernize the peanut industry by improving and standardizing a database used by peanut breeders to reference the phenotypic, biochemical and genetic markers needed in breeding programs to improve peanut varieties. And he hasn’t even started graduate school!

With students like Will already working on improving the peanut industry through their various land-grant universities, I know a more modern, efficient and dynamic peanut industry is on the way.

Streamlining Acreage Reporting USDA officials have announced that farmers and ranchers filing crop acreage reports with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and participating insurance providers approved by the Risk Management Agency (RMA) can now provide the common information from their acreage reports at one office, and the information will be electronically shared with the other location.

This new process is part of the USDA Acrea ge Crop Repor ting Streamlining Initiative (ACRSI). This interagency collaboration includes participating private crop insurance agents and insurance companies, all working to streamline the information collected from farmers and ranchers who participate in USDA programs.

“If you file your report at one location, the data that’s important to both FSA and RMA will be securely and electronically shared with the other location,” says FSA Administrator Val Dolcini. “This will avoid duplicative reporting, and we expect this to save farmers and ranchers time.”

“Accuracy in crop reporting is a key component for crop insurance because an error can affect premiums or claims.

This is going to greatly improve efficiencies and reduce mistakes,” says RMA Administrator Brandon Willis.

USDA repre sent at ive s bel ie ve farmers and ranchers will experience a notable improvement in the coming weeks as they approach the peak season for crop reporting later this summer. More than 93 percent of all annual reported acres are eligible for the common data reporting.

Producers must still visit both locations to validate and sign acreage reports, complete maps or provide program-specific information.

The common data from the first-filed acreage report will now be available to pre-populate and accelerate completion of the second report. Plans are underway at USDA to continue buildT WIT TE R: @PE ANUTGROWE R

ing upon the framework with additional efficiencies.

Dolcini also reminds farmers and ranchers that they can access their FSA farm information from home.

“You can see your field boundaries, images of your farm, conservation status, operator and owner information and much more,” he says.

The new customer self-service portal, known as FSAFarm+, gives farmers and ranchers online access to securely view, print or export their personal farm data. To enroll in the online service, producers are encouraged to contact their local FSA office.

Help For S.C. Producers South Carolina producers will get $40 million in state aid to help them pay for crops ruined by last year’s massive flood. After weeks of effort, S.C. Farm Bureau was able to get a bill passed only to have Governor Nikki Haley veto it. Many peanut producers experienced crop losses.

The Senate voted 39-3 to override the governor’s veto, and the House voted 112-2. The votes are a rare, but sharp rebuke for the veto from the second-term Haley, who called the bill a bailout.

The bill allows farmers in disaster-declared counties to apply for grants of up to $100,000 each, covering no more than 20 percent of their total loss.

Cotton Gets Some Assistance

During the Farm Bill, cotton did not stay the course with the Market Loan Assistance Program. Cotton has now been suffering from low prices that threaten the entire industry. In an effort to help, USDA/FSA will provide an estimated $300 million in costshare assistance to producers through the new Cotton Ginning Cost-Share program in order to expand and maintain the domestic marketing of cotton.

The program will provide approximately 60 percent more assistance per

In Brief: • USDA streamlines acreage reporting to eliminate duplication, save time.

• Flooded farmers get help for crop losses.

• Ginning cost-share program to provide assistance in perpetually low-priced market.

• Olam International acquires Alabama-based Brooks Peanut Company.

• NPB seeks better allergy diagnostic test; water efficiency, and unveils upgraded website.

• USDA touts program results to producers, consumers.

• Algood, PB manufacturer, announces warehouse construction plans.

farm and per producer than the 2014 program. Eligible producers can receive a one-time cost-share payment, which is based on a producer’s 2015 cotton acres reported to FSA, multiplied by 40 percent of the average ginning cost for each production region.

With the need to provide assistance ahead of the 2016 ginning season, USDA will ensure the application process is straight-forward and efficient.

Sign up began June 20 and will run through Aug. 5, 2016, at the producer’s local FSA office. Payments will be processed as applications are received and are expected to begin in July.

The acreage rate is $47.44 for Southeast producers, $56.26 for MidSouth producers and $36.97 per acre in the Southwest.

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JULY 2 016 • THE PE ANUT GROWE R /

Do we have a bigger, better, safer industry than ever before?

T

he peanut market is often difficult to read, evaluate and especially to explain. The markets for farmer-stock peanuts have little or no impact on the shelled-market price at the sheller level. The export market for the farmer is lost in the blending of seasonal prices and world competition.

Even the domestic market for the farmer is a three-way deal between the farmer, the buying point and the sheller.

The peanut program, a very small part of the much larger Farm Bill, strives to help the farmer through the Market Loan program allowing the farmer to place peanuts in the loan warehouse for a minimum of $355 per ton and sell within nine months to the sheller as the sheller repays the $355 per ton loan.

T he progra m helps t he fa rmer again and the buying point and sheller by advancing the handling charges and storage for the buying point and sheller. When the peanuts are removed from the warehouse, the loan and other advances must be repaid to the government through the Commodity Credit Corporation. Producers get additional financial assistance on 85 percent of the farm’s peanut base if the average peanut price is low enough.

Marketing peanuts in this system seems simple, but I’ve had to explain it several times to visitors from China and India. Their comment is, we just want to buy some peanuts. One Chinese group wanted to buy a buying point, but I explained a buying point is nothing without the farmers. Then he wanted to buy a group of farmers!

China Changing The Market China has experienced a growing demand for premium quality peanuts and low-quality peanuts for crushing into peanut oil. Now, China is turning

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THE PE ANUT GROWE R • JULY 2 016

J. Tyron Spearman

Contributing Editor, The Peanut Grower

Leading Marketing Indicators (As of June 14, 2016) 2016 Acreage .................................................................. 1,476,000 acres 2016 Production (estimated at 3,999 lbs/A).................... 2,877,500 tons 2015 Inspected ................................................................... 3,006,805 tons 2015 Market Loan ................................................................ 2,234,164 tons 2015 Market Loan Redeemed (6-8-16) ........................... 1,423,029 tons 2015-16 Domestic Usage (9 Mo.) ................................................ Up 2.7% 2015-16 Exports (8 Mo.) ................................................................. Up 8.6% NATIONAL POSTED PRICE (per ton) Runners -$424.51, Spanish - $407.34, Valencia and Virginias - $429.28

into a major importer, and imports are estimated at more than 280,000 tons this year. Chinese exports fell from 900,000 tons in 2006/07 to an estimated 500,000 tons in 2015/16. Trade reports higher prices at home and low inventory.

India is also having trouble this season. Exports from India are down 32 percent in 2015/16 with higher prices followed by a ban by Vietnam because of quality issues coupled with a poor monsoon season last year that reduced production.

Argentina reports weather problems as high relative humidity, overcast skies and some scattered showers, even an early frost, have made peanut harvesting almost impossible with some peanuts remaining on the ground 30 to 40 days.

Losses could be as high as 25 percent of production. It has caused them to withdraw from the market until they know more about quality and quantity.

The United States is today the lowest-cost producer of peanuts and has the acreage and resources to expand production. The industry has an evolved market structure and is advanced in its seed tech-

nology, which helps to keep the industry very competitive. A steady rise in production and exports is expected in the future to meet the increased demand in emerging markets such as China and India.

Production And Supply The U.S. peanut industry was estimated to have about 1,492,000 tons carryforward into 2016/17, and USDA predicted exports to increase about 15 percent to over 660,000 tons. The FSA report Jan-Apr 2016 shows a peanut export surge up 42.9 percent over the previous year. One market certainty is that peanut exports have absorbed a major portion of the excess peanuts.

The U.S. peanut crop for 2016/17 is estimated at 2,877,500 tons, based on harvesting 1,439,000 acres averaging 3,999 pounds per acre. The 15 percent increase in exports would give a carryforward estimated at 1,492,000 tons, a slight increase over last year. Look for that figure to be lower if China and Vietnam keep buying. April 2016 peanut exports totaled 90,971 short tons, farmer-stock basis and were up 125 percent from April of last year.

PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

Some analysts believe the peanut acreage is higher than the 9 percent reduction. Georgia was estimated 7 percent less than last season, but prices of other commodities have caused more peanut acreage. The next acreage report will be about Aug. 15 with a farmer-acreage reporting deadline of July 15.

Good News On Domestic Market All peanut categories were up for the month of April, averaging up 17.7 percent, which is unbelievable in the food world. For the 9 months, peanut candy is up about 1 percent, peanut snacks up 22.4 percent and peanut butter down 3.6 percent. Overall, usage is up 2.7 percent for raw-shelled peanuts. The government continues to buy peanuts and peanut products, now up 33 percent over last year.

Peanuts are the cheapest and best source of vegetable protein and stack well with all other nuts in terms of

health and wellness benefits. The peanut industry is well-poised to capitalize on the growing demand for nuts.

Big Market Indicators USDA loan data balances are not correct because of system migration and essential upgrades, which could impact markets when updated in early July.

Markets may not have as many peanuts as thought!

Last year on Aug. 24, USDA dropped the repayment rate $100 per ton below loan to minimize the accumulation of stocks of peanuts by the federal government and to minimize costs and encourage free marketing at home and abroad.

The 60-day lock price program almost cleared the loan, and now with similar loan volume as last year, will USDA lower the repayment rate? This thought is already impacting markets.

C ont r ac t i n g w it h g rower s h a s improved as some shellers have negotiated

price more and even requested that growers increase acres at some buying points, which had previously been limited.

The PLC (Price Loss Coverage) payment could be $150 per ton ($535 - $355) on 85 percent of farm base minus the budget reconciliation. Farmers with generic cotton base likely planted peanuts.

Excited About Peanuts Again Recently, a peanut industry leader said that the U.S. peanut industry is bigger, better and safer today. The new peanut program, with the generic base and peanut base, has caused farmers to rethink strategies and markets. It would be nice if other commodities could also improve to help with rotation and diversity, creating a better overall ag picture and reducing program costs. The world is knocking at our door, let’s figure a way to sell ‘em some peanuts. In the U.S., keep promoting and eating peanuts and peanut butter. PG

Long-Lasting, Residual Protection.

Quality Peanuts.

Better Yields.

Visit your local Agri-AFC or Alabama Farmers Cooperative location for more information.

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JULY 2 016 • THE PE ANUT GROWE R /

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Olam Buys Alabama Sheller Olam International Ltd (Olam), a leading agribusiness operating across the value chain in more than 70 countries, announced recently that it has acquired a 100 percent interest in Brooks Peanut Company for $85 million.

Brooks is the sixth largest peanut sheller in the United States and the largest Alabama-based sheller, processing approximately 110,000 farmer-stock tons with an annual capacity at 175,000 tons. Founded in 1959, the company is based in Samson, Ala., in Alabama’s southeast peanut growing region.

Olam’s acquisition of Brooks, which follows its acquisition of McCleskey Mills in December 2014, further integrates its value chain into direct farm procurement and shelling. It strengthens Olam’s market position as the third largest peanut sheller in the United States and helps expand its sourcing network into new areas in Alabama and Florida.

Olam’s President of Global Peanut Business, Anupam Jindel, says, “We are pleased to have the opportunity to acquire Brooks’ procurement and processing capabilities, which complement our footprint in the US and significantly strengthen our network and product offerings to our customers and growers.”

Barrett Brooks, president of Brooks Peanut Co. says, “I believe the combination of our modern processing assets and strong procurement franchise with Olam’s expertise in peanut processing, marketing and risk management will be a very successful one.”

The transaction is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2016.

NPB Seeks Proposals The National Peanut Board, in coordination with the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Foundational Program and USDA’s 8 /

THE PE ANUT GROWE R • JULY 2 016

Nationa l Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), announces a call for research grant applications that seek breakthroughs to improve food allergy diagnostic methods and also discoveries that lead to increased efficiency in water usage for peanuts.

National Peanut Board is allocating $250,000, with matching funds from NIFA for a total of $500,000, toward research to improve peanut and food allergy diagnostic methods. NPB is allocating an additional $150,000, with matching funds from NIFA for a total of $300,000, towards research in drought tolerance and efficient use of water resources in peanuts.

The funding through AFRI was authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill and is in addition to National Peanut Board’s ongoing and annually-budgeted production research projects.

“This funding will help accelerate solutions for two critical areas in the peanut industry—peanut allergies and drought tolerance,” says Bob Parker, NPB president and CEO. “We remain committed to improving the lives of those with food and peanut allergies and a key component of that commitment is ensuring people have clear, accurate and affordable diagnostic tools.

Currently, the “gold standard” of diagnosis, the clinical food challenge, is many times avoided because of risk, lack of clinical resources, cost and insurance coverage issues. Therefore, many people are incorrectly diagnosed with food allergy through the most commonly used methods, such as skin-prick tests and IgE blood tests. NPB will sponsor an innovative and ground-breaking research project that develops a diagnostic method that is definitive, accurate and safe for the allergic individual.

For drought tolerance and efficient use of water, the NPB-sponsored project will find ways to reduce the amount of water necessary to produce peanuts, develop a more drought-tol-

Calendar • July 12-14, 2016 - American Peanut Research and Education Society Annual Meeting, Hilton Clearwater Beach, Clearwater, Fla. For information: www.apresinc.com.

• July 14, 2016 - Sunbelt Ag Expo Field Day, Moultrie, Ga. Registration at 7:15 a.m.

Trams start at 8 a.m. Complimentary breakfast and lunch.

• July 21-24, 2016 - Southern Peanut Growers Conference, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Sandestin, Fla. For more information, visit their website at www.southernpeanutfarmers.org.

• Aug. 2-3, 2016 - American Peanut Shellers Association and National Peanut Buying Points Association Pre-Harvest Joint Convention, Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club, Cordele, Ga. For reservations, call 800-459-1230.

For other information, call 229-888-2508 or visit www. peanut-shellers.org.

• Aug. 20, 2016 - 27th Annual Brooklet Peanut Festival, Brooklet, Ga. For information and events, visit www.brookletpeanutfestival.com.

• Aug. 24, 2016 - Southeast Georgia Research and Education Center Field Day, Midville, Ga. For information, call 478-589-7472.

erant peanut variety or develop efficient agronomic methods that decrease the amount of water used in peanut production.

PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

“Less dependence on water resources through improved drought tolerance of peanut cultivars or through more efficient use of water will not only help farmers financially, but will reduce the environmental footprint of peanuts,” Parker says.

The application deadline is July 14, 2016.

Algood Announces Expansion Algood Food Company, a major producer of peanut butter, has filed plans to construct a 210,000 square foot warehouse adjacent to the manufacturing plant in Louisville, Ky. As a peanut butter manufacturer, Algood Food Company must store products tested for salmonella for a specific time period in order to confirm the product is safe for consumption. This warehouse would provide the storage of product before it ships out for sale, plus 25 outside parking spaces and a truck loading area.

A lgood ’s Louisville plant was built in 2003 and it also operates a site in Lawrenceburg. Its products include peanut butter, jellies and jams and customers include industries, food-service companies, the U.S. government, wholesalers and cooperatives and chain stores.

Pride In American Agriculture Since 2009, USDA has worked to strengthen and support American agriculture, an industry that supports one in 11 American jobs, provides American consumers with more than 80 percent of the food we consume, T WIT TE R: @PE ANUTGROWE R

National Peanut Board Upgrades Website The National Peanut Board has overhauled the look, feel and content of its website, nationalpeanutboard.org, the home base of its digital activities.

“Nationalpeanutboard.org is poised to become a hyper-relevant news and entertainment source for our target audiences of millennials and influencers,” says Lauren Highfill Williams, NPB marketing and communications manager. “Through this revamp, we’ve sharpened our focus on producing the right content through the right channel for the right audience.”

The new layout emphasizes stunning images that complement a mix of articles covering in-depth topics and snackable content that

ensures that Americans spend less of their paychecks at the grocery store than consumers in other countries, and supports markets for homegrown renewable energy and materials.

USDA has also provided $5.6 billion of disaster relief to farmers and ranchers; expanded risk management tools with products like Whole Farm Revenue Protection; and helped farm businesses grow with $36 billion in farm credit. The Department has engaged its resources to support a strong next generation of farmers and

millennials crave. Social media is integrated across the site so users can easily share content with their connections. Visitors to nationalpeanutboard.org can sign up to receive alerts when new content is added and NPB can distribute site content to thousands of media contacts.

The latest news is prominent on the homepage, along with on-trend categories of wellness, recipes and peanut info.

The new website is the first public-facing project of NPB’s new brand identity, which mixes rustic and contemporary styles and reflects the down-to-earth quality and modernity of today’s peanut farmers.

ranchers by improving access to land and capital; building new markets and market opportunities; extending new conservation opportunities.

USDA has developed new markets for rural-made products, including more than 2,500 bio-based products through USDA’s BioPreferred program; and invested $64 billion in infrastructure and community facilities to help improve the quality of life in rural America.

For more information on USDA’s results, visit www.usda.gov/results.

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Cool weather in May resulted in slow, non-uniform emergence for Virginia producers.

From Here To Harvest Planting conditions support the thought that the crop will be slightly less than last year.

By Amanda Huber

E

arly reports of the 2016 crop are good, but a lack of uniform emergence caused by cooler weather conditions will likely cause problems later in the season.

Without the ability for a “do over” of planting to get a more uniform stand, producers will need to be timely with production practices for management of the crop until harvest.

Slow Planting Cooler temperatures in May, followed 10 /

THE PE ANUT GROWE R • JULY 2 016

by tropical weather in early June slowed planting and stand establishment in the Virginia-Carolina area.

“Peanut yield in the V-C region can be unpredictable when peanut is planted during June compared with plantings in May,” says David Jordan, North Carolina State University Extension agronomist.

“An estimate of planted acreage for 2016 continues to be 100,000 acres in North Carolina and 110,000 acres in South Carolina. Yield estimate for the

Tips From Mid-Season To Harvest: • Be timely with inputs, especially fungicides.

• Apply herbicides when weeds are small for maximum control, especially pigweed.

• Keep up with irrigation needs, especially during peak bloom and pod fill.

• Don’t forget to supply needed calcium.

• Know what insects are more likely for given weather conditions.

• Consider using a weather advisory for leaf spot.

• Scout, scout, scout.

• Maturity can be sped up or delayed depending on conditions.

• Don’t dig based solely on days after planting or before a freeze or frost is forecast.

PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

region continues to be 4,000 pounds per acre.

Maria Balota, crop physiologist at Virginia Tech’s Tidewater Agricultural Research and Extension Center, agrees that the cool, humid weather conditions for most of May resulted in slow and non-uniform emergence.

“Herbicide injury was observed to some extent but was not excessive,” she says. “With thrips, not much damage has been observed.”

Balota says all peanut land was planted in Virginia and is estimated at 18,000 acres for 2016.

Put Seed To Bed Jason Sarver, Extension peanut specialist, says the planting season in Mississippi went pretty well for peanut growers overall.

“Outside of occasional seedling disease related to hot, dry conditions, stand issues have nearly always been somehow related to saturated soils, a problem peanut planted on beds can help alleviate,” he says.

Sarver says Valor herbicide, and now generic flumioxazin products, does a fantastic job of keeping fields clean if it is applied and activated on time. He notes that producers have come to expect some level of crop injury when using this product and that sometimes this injury can be severe, primarily when a heavy rainfall event occurs when peanuts are cracking the ground or have just emerged.

“It’s uncommon for this injury to significantly hurt stands, but I’ve observed it happening in low-lying areas that are subject to saturation after heavy rainfall events,” he says. “This, more than anything else I’ve observed in the state the last three seasons, has reinforced the need to get peanuts up on a bed.”

The lack of rains in some areas causes concern for activation of those residual herbicides needed for good Palmer amaranth control, making timely applications of postemergence herbicides more critical.

Disease Expectations Austin Hagan, Auburn pearman ad 11/14/08 3:19 PMUniversity Page 1 Extension plant pathologist, notes that intensification of tomato spotted wilt (TSW) has been associated with declining seed rates. However, white mold worsens with increasing seed rates.

“The impact of seeding rate of three, four, six and eight seed per foot on yield of Georgia-09B, Georgia-06G and Georgia-12Y as well as the occurrence of tomato spotted wilt, leaf spot diseases and stem rot were evaluated in 2014 and

Will declining seeding rates open the door for more incidence of Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus, or will varietal traits keep this disease at bay?

2015 under rain-fed conditions.”

However, Hagan says that because of low spotted wilt pressure overall, disease incidence was not impacted by planting date, seeding rate or variety selection.

“White mold damage was consistently lower on Georgia12Y than Georgia-06G or Georgia-09B,” he says, with increased white mold incidence found in the increased seeding rate of Georgia-06G and Georgia-09B but not Georgia-12Y. Similar yields averaging about 3,050 pounds per acre were recorded for all varieties.

“Yields, which differed by planting date and seeding rate, were greater at three seed per row feet than at six and eight seed per row feet for later April planting but were not influenced by seeding rate at the May planting date. Yields were lower in the May planting, regardless of seeding rate, compared with all seeding rates at the April planting,” Hagan explains.

A Look Ahead Despite struggling to store the entire crop in the past few years, Sonny Deuell, senior vice president of marketing at Birdsong Peanuts, says he expects the industry to be able to manage the volume this year. He was speaking to participants at the International Peanut Forum in Madrid, Spain.

“Going into 2017, depending on how big the crop is and how we’ve been able to move the crop, that is a question mark,” he says.

For the global peanuts industry as a whole, the outlook and demand is generally positive. PG

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JULY 2 016 • THE PE ANUT GROWE R /

A Golden Opportunity A more modern warehouse facility in Vienna, Ga., will mean more efficient unloading and enhanced quality.

T

he increase in peanut tonnage over the last decade has heightened the need to modernize peanut processing facilities. Golden Peanut and Tree Nuts is investing in a significant upgrade and modernization of the company’s warehouse in Vienna, Ga., which will help to increase unloading speed and improve product quality.

“Our Vienna facility has a capacity of approximately 40,000 tons of peanuts,” says Greg Mills, president of Golden Peanut and Tree Nuts, a subsidiary of Archer Daniels Midland Company. “Those peanuts come from our partners into the Golden Peanut and Tree Nut network and from there into the hands of customers and consumers across the United States and around the globe.”

Committed To Success “We are proud to announce significant enhancements that will make that process more efficient for our partner farmers and improve the quality of the stock that is sent to our Southeast processing operations.”

Taken together, the new, modern equipment will significantly improve unload times and will enhance quality control from the farm and field to the customer, Mills says.

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Golden’s plans for the Vienna warehouse include: • Replacing receiving equipment • Improving ventilation and aeration • Installation of new sand screens and additional conveyors

Golden Peanut and Tree Nuts is already one of the nation’s largest handlers and processors of peanuts.

“As the peanut and peanut oil markets in the United States continue to grow, we are committed to continuous improvement—for our partner farmers and for our customers around the world,” Mills says. “You cannot succeed in the peanut business by standing still.”

Continuous Investment Last summer, Golden Peanut and Tree Nuts announced plans to expand peanut oil production in Dawson, Ga., and at the end of the year, more shelling capacity was acquired in South Africa. “Now, we’re moving to enhance our collection and storage operations in Vienna,” he says. “Golden Peanut continues to work to always be better so our customers and partners know they can continue to count on us for the highest quality products and best-in-class customer service.” PG PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

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Optimal Disease Environment What will significant rainfall from Tropical Storm Colin mean for peanut disease?

By Nicholas Dufault and Rebecca Barocco, UF-IFAS Dept. of Plant Pathology

N

ow that Tropica l Storm Colin has passed through parts of Florida traveling up the Eastern Seaboard leaving rainfall amounts up to 10 inches in its wake, we are well on our way to another wet June here in Florida. A similar event happened in 2013 when areas of Florida and parts of the Southeastern United States were hit with 10 to 25 inches of rainfall in June because of Tropical Storm Andrea.

So, what does all the moisture mean for peanut growers? It means that the environment has become more conducive for disease. Specifically, it means that moisture, especially excess rainfall, creates an environment optimal for fungal pathogens (e.g. early and late leaf spot, rust and white mold) to grow, infect and spread. Too much water can stress peanut plants, and this stress can make the plant more susceptible to infections.

This graphic shows the path of Tropical Storm Colin on June 6, 2016 from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration.

Spreading Spores One of the big things a system like Colin does is spread fungal spores over short and long distances very effectively. Rain splashing as well as wind-blown rainfall are efficient means for dispersing of fungal spores in a field, but these factors are also critical to the release of spores into the atmosphere for long distance movement to fields miles away.

Too much rain creates problems for growers by limiting access to fields for fungicide sprays and other management practices needed for healthy peanuts.

Know Your Risk What can one do about the headaches excess rainfall cause?

There is no simple answer to this question, but the first thing would be to determine your risk for disease. Peanut-Rx is a powerful tool for assessing preseason disease risk and can tell you a lot about how your variety, planting date and other cultural practices affect disease development.

14 /

THE PE ANUT GROWE R • JULY 2 016

Understanding your risk is an important step to deciding how to respond to environmental events like tropical storm Colin. Peanut-Rx is available at the University of Georgia Extension website: 2016 PEANUT Rx or as an app on android and apple mobile devices.

High-Risk Fields Now that I know something about my preseason risk, how does environment/weather change this risk value? This is also a complicated answer that will depend a lot on the grower’s specific situation. For example, if you have high-risk peanuts that are 45 to 50 days old that have not been treated with a fungicide, then the risk for disease will be higher, especially if the pathogen is present.

Currently, observations of peanut leaf spots and rust diseases in Florida is low. This means that now would be a good time for a protectant fungicide spray with chlorothalonil. However, PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

For Optimal Disease Management: • Know field risk and variety susceptibility with Peanut-Rx • Scout for the presence of disease • Talk with Extension and consultants about diseases in the region • Use a protectant fungicide spray prior to infection • With disease-conducive conditions, add a penetrant product • Tankmix two fungicide classes based on FRAC numbers • Consider foliar and soilborne fungicides as needed • Spray on a shorter spray interval • Be ready to adjust according to disease and conditions

A rainfall event provides moisture for disease infection and helps to readily spread fungal spores.

since it is possible infections have increased since Tropical Storm Colin, adding a penetrant product like Alto, Priaxor and/or tebuconazole to the spray would be beneficial, especially in high-risk fields. There are many other products available for foliar disease control, and the important thing to keep in mind when mixing is to use two separate classes of fungicides based on their FRAC numbers.

Another factor to consider when selecting products is the risk for soilborne disease. Some products to consider for both foliar and soilborne disease control would be Provost and Fontelis. Each situation will be different, but for high-risk fields when environments become favorable it is good to consider using multiple fungicide chemistries and think about switching to a shorter spray interval during that period.

Low-Risk Situations What if the field has a low risk for disease? Environmental conditions right now are highly conducive for disease, and it is likely that many foliar pathogens were spread across the region through Tropical Storm Colin. This means that the risk probably increased in low-risk fields, but it will be important to pay attention to the variety’s susceptibility to various diseases as you consider adjusting your management program. This does not mean you will have to spray two or three more times this year, but it is always important to pay attention to how weather impacts our diseases.

In this case, the first step would be scouting your fields for the presence of disease and talking with Extension personnel and consultants about what diseases are present in the region.

In the absence of the pathogen, a protective chlorothalonil spray may be all that is needed in a low-risk field. However, if the pathogen is present and you have a susceptible host planted, it would be a good time to mix two chemistries as described above and continue scouting to see if the pathogen spreads.

Adjust Accordingly Ultimately, each situation will be unique and nothing makes up for experience when dealing with diseases. There are many sources of good information on how to handle T WIT TE R: @PE ANUTGROWE R

diseases and what to consider when selecting fungicide products. If after assessing your risk you have more questions than answers related to your spray decisions, it is time to seek advice from Extension specialists. It is likely, with the way our season is shaping up, that we will see problems from leaf spot, rust, white mold and Rhizoctonia limb rot this year. The important thing will be to stay ahead of these diseases and adjust your program accordingly to the disease and environment present. PG

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JULY 2 016 • THE PE ANUT GROWE R /

15

UF Student Is A “Cultivator” Will Dezern, who hopes to provide an updated database for peanut breeders, receives prestigious honor.

A

Un iver sit y of Flor id a C ol lege of A g ricu lt u ra l and Life Sciences student who re se a rc he s how to improve peanuts has been named as UF’s first Cultivator for the 2016 Farm Foundation Round Table.

Will Dezern, who recently earned a bachelor’s degree in plant science from UF CALS, participated the week of June 6 at the discussion forum in Louisville, Ky., where he presented a poster on his research. Dezern is one of six students, called “Cultivators,” selected nationwide to attend the forum.

Better Trait Database Dezern’s research focuses on the phenotypic, biochemical and genetic characterization of peanuts. Through his research, he hopes to provide peanut breeders a standardized, updated database to reference and compare peanut lines for their work.

“One area in particular I have focused on is the use of genetic markers to select for increased oleic acid content in peanuts,” he says.

Farm Foundation is a non-advocacy, public charity that promotes objective analysis, constructive dialogue and innovative ideas to build a deeper understanding of issues critical to the future of agriculture, food systems and rural communities. The foundation does not lobby or advocate.

Sharing Ideas The Cultivator program came about after Farm Foundation leaders invited six graduate students from landgrant universities to be guests at the 16 /

THE PE ANUT GROWE R • JULY 2 016

June 2013 Round Table meeting. When committee members saw the value of student participation, the steering committee recommended formalizing the Cultivator program. The term “Cultivator” was chosen to denote that the group is cultivating new leaders in agriculture.

“I am excited about the opportunity to hear from agricultural leaders from around the country,” Dezern says.

“Sometimes it is easy to be focused on one area of work, so I look forward to

gaining a better understanding of the state of the industry as a whole. I’m honored to have been chosen to attend the Farm Foundation Round Table event, and I hope to come back with new ideas and perspectives.”

Learning From Others Dezern was nominated for the honor

by UF’s College of Agricultural and Life Science’s Dean Elaine Turner.

“He is truly exceptional,” Turner says.

“In working with undergraduate stuPE ANUTGROWE R .COM

An Early Analysis of Phenotypic, Biochemical, and Genomic Data in USDA Germplasm Database Peanut Varie>es Will Dezern

Discussion:

Background:

Germplasm databases are needed to help breeders select the most appropriate lines in a breeding program. The USDA Peanut Germplasm Database has 687 core lines, and 109 mini-­‐ core lines. In a new series of trials, the 687 core lines, 109 mini-­‐core lines, as well as commercially grown cul>vars were grown in a blocked arrangement at the Citra Research Sta>on.

Leaf pubescence, oil content, protein content, and total yield were among the metrics measured. A third year of data is currently being collected, which will complete the trials.

This analysis centers on the Hi-­‐ oleic allele of the FAD2A gene, and the effects of this allele on oil composi>on.

Blocked design at Citra, 100 seeds planted per plot, 1098 plots total

Figure 1. The ra>o of Oleic Acid to Linoleic Acid was significantly higher in the homozygous recessive genotype (p<0.00001).

Figure 2. Homozygous recessive genotype (aa) had a significantly higher Oleic Acid percentage (p<0.00001) and a significantly lower Linoleic Acid content (p<0.00001).

Methods:

Samples were labelled and graded aXer harvest. Biochemical analysis was conducted using standard GC-­‐ MS protocols. Data was analyzed using R Studio.

Figure 3. The number of lines of each genotype for each market type. Note the high propor>on of homozygous recessive lines for Runner and Virginia types.

Figure 4. Oleic acid content by market type for each genotype.

Oleic acid content in the homozygous recessive lines is significantly higher in each market type.

Phenotypic and genomic data confirms the homozygous recessive nature of the Hi-­‐oleic allele of the FAD2A gene.

Addi>onally, results from Hi-­‐ oleic cul>vars were not included in this study, and would likely show an even stronger rela>onship.

All gene>cally tested varie>es were homozygous dominant (BB) for the FAD2B locus, and high-­‐oleic varie>es of peanuts are known to be homozygous recessive at both loci, which would further reduce the amount of oleic acid converted into linoleic acid.

Only a small number of Runner type peanuts were tested, however most of the Runner types were commercially grown cul>vars. Much of the breeding for the Hi-­‐oleic trait has been focused on Runner type, which is the most widely-­‐ grown type in the Southeast US. With the final year of data harvested, addi>onal analysis will be performed to confirm results seen in the two previous years.

UF student, Will Dezern presented the above poster at the Farm Foundation conference in Louisville, Ky. It summarizes his work in updating the database of peanut germplasm, which will make it easier for peanut breeders to select for high-oleic traits.

dents in CALS, we stress the importance of learning outside the classroom and encourage everyone to get involved in something, such as volunteer work, research, study abroad, internships or student organizations. Now and then, we have a student like Will who fits all of these into his four-year plan.

Participation in the Cultivator program will give him the opportunity to not only share his research with agricultural leaders from around the country, but also make connections that will last a lifetime.”

Dezern will start a master’s degree program in agronomy at UF CALS this fall. After earning his graduate degree, Dezern hopes to work as an Extension agent. PG

CHOOSE QUALITY. CHOOSE DEPENDABILITY. CHOOSE KMC.

Article by Brad Buck, Science Writer, UF/IFAS Communications, University of Florida.

T WIT TE R: @PE ANUTGROWE R

JULY 2 016 • THE PE ANUT GROWE R /

17

MANAGEMENT CALENDAR Use this production timeline to finish out the production season.

Note: This peanut management calendar appears in the Agronomic Recommendations and Procedures section of the 2016 Virginia Peanut Production Guide.

Days

Date:

Growth

After

(if

Stage

Planting

planted

Management Comments

1 May) 70

9 July

Beginning

• First application of fungicide for leaf spot and stem rot control (Provost, Abound,

Pod (R3)

etc.) should be applied at beginning pod stage where peanuts are planted in a two- or three-year rotation. Fungicide application can be delayed until beginning seed stage (R5) if peanut is planted in rotations of four years or longer. All subsequent leaf spot sprays should be applied according to the Virginia Peanut Leaf Spot Advisory and Sclerotinia Blight Advisory Programs available on the Peanut/Cotton InfoNet (http:// webipm.ento.vt.edu/cgi-bin/infonet1.cgi) or Peanut Hotline at 1-800-795-0700.

• Use Storm, Basagran or Select if needed for grass control. It usually takes a minimum of 60 DAP to close the canopy.

• If Lorsban 15G is used to prevent soil insects, it should be applied during pegging (about the first week of July).

75

14 July

Full size

• Check Peanut/Cotton InfoNet and Peanut Hotline for last effective spray dates for

pod (R4)

leaf spot and Sclerotinia blight control.

• Mn can be tank-mixed with the 60 DAP fungicide appl. if required by soil test.

• Spot spray escaped grasses with Select or Poast Plus.

• Most critical water use period begins; apply 1.0 – 1.5 inches per week minus rain 60-110 DAP. • Apogee growth regulator timing is 50 percent vines touching for first application and second application at 100 percent row closure.

80

19 July

Beginning

• First application of fungicide for leaf spot and stem rot control should be applied no

Seed (R5)

later than beginning seed stage in fields with a four-year or longer rotation of peanut.

• Check last effective spray date for control of leaf spot and Sclerotinia blight. Scout fields for leaf spot, Sclerotinia and stem rot weekly for early detection of disease problems.

• Check weekly for corn earworm and fall armyworm starting around 1 Aug. through first week of September.

90

110

29 July

18 Aug.

Full Size

• Under severe drought stress watch for spider mite hits in late August to September,

Seed (R6)

particularly where Lorsban is used.

Oldest

• Continue spraying fungicide according to problems found when scouting fields and

pods show

last effective spray dates on the Peanut/Cotton InfoNet and Peanut Hotline.

internal hull color (R7) 18 /

THE PE ANUT GROWE R • JULY 2 016

PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

130

7 Sept.

Early

• Begin checking fields for maturity to plan digging dates. Use the hull scrape method

Maturity

to determine the percentage in white, yellow, orange and brown-black hull color

(R7)

categories.

• Continue spraying fungicide according to problems found when scouting fields and last effective spray dates on the Peanut/Cotton InfoNet and Peanut Hotline. The final spray of fungicide for leaf spot control should be chlorothalonil (Bravo or generic) for resistance management.

• Irrigate between110-130 DAP 0.75 to 1.0 inch per week as needed to prevent wilting.

• Have digger and combine ready to go.

150 -

27 Sept.

Harvest

• Monitor Virginia Peanut Frost Advisory available at (http://webipm.ento.vt.edu/

160

– 7 Oct.

Maturity

cgi-bin/infonet1.cgi) or Peanut Hotline at 1-800-795-0700 from October 1 until

(R8)

completion of harvest. Do not dig peanuts when a freeze is forecast to occur in the next three to five days. Freshly dug peanuts contain high moisture (28-30 percent) and will sustain freeze damage that can reduce value to as low as 7 cents per pound compared to 25 cents or higher for peanuts without freeze damage.

• Never dig strictly based on DAP. Variety, seasonal temperature and rainfall determine maturity. Use hull color guidelines to verify harvest maturity.

• Optimum dig for Virginias: 70 percent pod color (orange + brown + black); 20-30 percent brown + black; 1-2 percent coal black; 132-135 days for medium maturity varieties.

• Optimum dig for runners: 70-75 percent pod color (orange + brown + black); 30-40 percent brown + blacks; 5 percent coal black; 140 days for medium maturity varieties.

• In October check for velvet bean caterpillar defoliation on the latest maturing fields.

170

17 Oct.

Over-ma-

• Even on healthy plants, by 170 DAP there is a very high risk of pod loss from deteri-

ture (R9)

orating peg strength on over-mature Virginia type pods.

Information provided by Maria Balota, Peanut Variety and Quality Evaluation Program Coordinator

T WIT TE R: @PE ANUTGROWE R

19

JULY 2 016 • THE PE ANUT GROWE R /

Field Monitoring Station Reinke introduces Ranch Systems as a new ReinCloud Ready product partner. Through this new partnership, Reinke offers RS300, a field-monitoring device focused on soil moisture, weather a nd water meter i ng st at ion s.

T he R S30 0 a l low s users to collect f ield data that can be accessed through ReinCloud.

“The partnership with R anch Systems enables us to bring to market an advanced line of daily field management and monitoring equipment that can be used worldwide,” said Reinke Product Manager Cody Bailey. “This gives users the ability to access and use data regarding weather and soil moisture that is crucial to their operation, helping them to make informed decisions regarding their irrigation management.”

Data from the RS300 is sent to ReinCloud, where it can be displayed and accessed alongside data from mechanized irrigation systems. The data is collected, stored, and can be analyzed and presented through an easy-to-

use dashboard. The RS300 is a cellular-based device that requires an appropriate cell signal.

“Knowing what the user wants to monitor is the most important part.

From soil moisture to water metering to a complete weat her station, we partnered with ReinCloud to provide data solutions that the grower needs,” s a id R a nc h Sy s tem s President a nd Founder Jacob Christfort.

ReinCloud allows growers to manage and monitor their irrigation system, analyze soil moisture data, check the weather and more from a single mobile web application.

For more i n for m at ion on t he ReinCloud data services platform, visit www.MyReinCloud.com.

Varisto Herbicide Now Available T he Env i ron ment a l Protec t ion Agency (EPA) recently registered BASF’s Varisto herbicide for use in soybeans, dry beans, clover grown for seed, and other peas and beans.

“Varisto herbicide offers multiple sites

StarFire 6000 Receiver Nearly 16 years ago, John Deere introduced the StarFire guidance system. Now, the company takes satellite-based guidance to even higher levels of accuracy, repeatability and signal pull-in speed with the introduction of the StarFire 6000 receiver and SF3 signal.

With the combination of the StarFire 6000 Receiver and SF3 signal, customers can get RTK-like accuracy without having to invest in an RTK system, or if they are operating in fields without an RTK network.

An improved Rapid Recovery feature allows for a quicker return to high-accuracy performance if the GNSS signals are lost due to shading from trees, buildings or terrain.

StarFire 6000 RTK customers also receive up to 14 days of RTK Extend, which allows machinery to keep operating with guidance even with a lost or interrupted signal.

In addition, the StarFire 6000 Receiver has a builtin USB port to more quickly and easily install software updates in about three minutes compared to more than 20 minutes with the previous receivers. The receiver also has a built-in 8GB data-logger to capture and store data for improved trouble shooting and diagnostics.

20 /

THE PE ANUT GROWE R • JULY 2 016

of action for excellent weed control and resistance management in a convenient pre-mix formulation with low crop response,” said Christa Ellers-Kirk, technical market manager, BASF. A 2013 University of Idaho research trial showed that Varisto herbicide was 98 percent effective in controlling hairy nightshade, 96 percent effective in controlling redroot pigweed, 90 percent effective in controlling common lamb’s quarters and 84 percent effective in controlling green foxtail. Results were measured 29 days after treatment.

In that same trial, a post-emergence application of Varisto preceded by a pre-emergence application of Outlook herbicide was 99 percent effective in controlling hairy nightshade and redroot pigweed, and 98 percent effective in controlling green foxtail and common lamb’s quarters.

For the best results, use as part of a weed management program that includes Prowl herbicide or Outlook herbicide applied at pre-emergence timing, followed by Varisto herbicide applied at post-emergence timing.

For more information about Varisto herbicide, please visit their website at www.varistoherbicide.com.

Deere has maintained its plug-and-play integration of the new receiver, making it compatible with current and former displays and other technologies that customers are using on equipment. Current customers can easily upgrade to the new StarFire 6000 Receiver and SF3 signal this year. This newest guidance technology can be factory installed on 2017 sprayers, combines, tractors and other platforms.

For information on the new StarFire 6000, contact your local John Deere dealer or visit JohnDeere.com/ag.

PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

Keep Plants Healthy

Protect Against Pod Rot

July will bring issues associated with disease management, cleaning up fields with escaped weeds and the possibility of insect issues. For Virginia market types, it is not too late to apply gypsum.

If for some reasons there are delays, applications of gypsum into late July and early August are still advisable.

DAVID JORDAN North Carolina State Also, southern corn rootUniversity worm can be an issue in some Extension Agronomist fields, and while insecticide application in late June or early July would be the most effective, application through July can pay for itself if this insect pest is present.

Applying effective fungicides on time is the key to disease management. These applications should be based initially on growth stage, but generally in the V-C we start around the second week of July. Resistance or tolerance to leaf spot disease and stem rot is relatively good in our newer varieties and that gives us some flexibility in start time. Once we jump in, we need to be on roughly a twoweek schedule unless conditions are dry and/or the advisory system suggests application is not needed for a period of time.

Maintaining healthy plants through the entire season gives us the greatest flexibility in digging, and the fungicide programs we implement now can go a long way in keeping disease epidemics from developing. However, we know from the 2015 crop that we must keep our guard up for the entire season, especially as we approach digging and harvesting.

Finally, in July we often have a lot of pests to deal with – weeds, insects and disease. This brings about a lot of questions about tankmixtures with two, three, four or more possible pesticides/fertilizers/PGRs going out at the same time. There are a number of sources of information, such as companies, labels, Extension, research, consultants, farmers, gut feelings, that can help with this decision. However, it is also possible that none of these sources will have information on your specific four-way mixture. A sequential application of some of these will often give you more effective control because you can time things more precisely than getting them out there all at once. Although there are logistical challenges with sequential applications, try to minimize any gunk in the tank, crop injury or poor performance on the target pests.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure – While this statement was coined by Benja min Frank lin and is believed to address fire safety, the quote is equally as true when managing peanut disease. Most peanut fields are at peak bloom, and now is a good time to start protecting developing pegs and pods from soilJASON WOODWARD Texas Agri-Life Extension borne disease.

Plant Pathologist In the Southwest, the pod rot complex is the most common disease affecting peanuts. Numerous fungi can be found in the pegging zone; however, Rhizoctonia solani and several Pythium spp. incite pod rot symptoms. Pods infected by R. solani and Pythium spp. are similar in appearance and of ten dif f icult to differentiate.

To further complicate matters, the two can occur simultaneously in the field.

Infected pods initially exhibit light brown lesions, which turn dark brown to black as the disease progresses. A subtle difference between the two is that pods infected with Pythium typically have more of a water soaked appearance, whereas pods infected with Rhizoctonia have more of a dry rot appearance. Distinguishing between the two is critical when choosing fungicide options and rates.

Recent research has shown that preventative calendar-based applications made 60 to 70 days after planting are more effective than curative applications made after disease symptoms are readily observed. Similar results were obtained when dealing with other damaging diseases such as Sclerotinia blight.

Management of foliar diseases is no different. Although there are a number of systemic fungicides labeled for use against the leaf spots, applications made prior to infections occurring provide superior control when compared to applications that are made following the onset of symptoms.

Fungicides comprise a large portion of the inputs needed to maximize yield. While proper disease identification, fungicide selection and timing will lead to increased profitability, the effort required proves that “a penny saved is a penny earned.”

T WIT TE R: @PE ANUTGROWE R

21

JULY 2 016 • THE PE ANUT GROWE R /

Possible Cause Of Yellowing

Scout Weekly For Outbreaks

Now is the time of season when we sometimes see problems beginning to show up in our fields. Many of us have seen yellowing in spots in our fields before. Often times, it is difficult to know what the problem is because it is only a small area.

What I am referring to is not a disease problem but a KRIS BALKCOM Auburn University micro-nutrient problem. For Agri-Program Associate example, you may see the entire leaf become yellow with the internal veins of the leaves remaining green. The problem is a Manganese (Mn) deficiency, as pictured below, and it results from a high pH ranging from 6.6-6.8. The increased pH ties up the available Mn from the soil solution resulting in the yellow color.

Generally the spots are clay knobs where you would have a higher pH in the field or in an area where the lime was piled before spreading. The problem is usually corrected by spraying manganese sulfate.

I also want to remind everyone to apply their boron applications if they haven’t already. Boron prevents seed damage known as “hollow heart” which reduces seed quality. Boron is applied as a foliar spray due to the fact that it is highly leachable in the soil.

As we move into the second half of the season, disease and insect management will be the key in maintaining peanuts’ high-yield potential. Scout your fields on a weekly basis in order to stay ahead of any potential problems.

I have had many growers say, “I am on a fungicide program and I add insecticides SCOTT MONFORT University of Georgia every time I go across with a Extension Agronomist fungicide, so I should be okay, right?” The main concern regarding not scouting as part of your disease management program is many growers are using a low-input fungicide program and this type of program may not be the most effective program during severe disease outbreaks.

Scouting is an effective way to monitor for these outbreaks, letting you alter your fungicide programs as needed to maintain a high level of control. Likewise, scouting your fields is the only way to determine when and what to apply to effectively manage insects. Automatic applications of insecticides or applying the wrong products will cost you more than applying insecticides when thresholds are reached or when outbreaks occur. Feel free to contact your local Extension agent if you need information regarding pest management recommendations.

22 /

THE PE ANUT GROWE R • JULY 2 016

PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

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