Peanut Grower May 2019

The

PEANUTGROWER ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

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MAY 2019

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

New Training For Paraquat Applicators Be Ready For Soil Insects

West Texas Organic Production

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MAY 2019

PEANUTGROWER ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

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MAY 2019

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

New Training For Paraquat Applicators Be Ready For Soil Insects

Volume 31 • Number 5

West Texas Organic Production

Departments 4

Editor’s Note Farming isn’t easy

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Market Watch Uncertainties hamper the market

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News Briefs Research funding benefits growers

20 Peanut Pointers Don’t overwater in the early season

Stay Connected

10 Features

10 Organics Take Hold In West Texas

The Texas Peanut Producers Board held a first-ever and well attended organic producers meeting this spring.

12 Stewardship Of Treated Seed

Minimize risk with proper handling, storage, planting and disposal practices.

14 New Training For Paraquat Applicators EPA mandated changes will go into effect on 2019 labeled product.

16 Be Ready For Soil Insects

Know the conditions favorable for these yield robbers.

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

18 Planting Intentions

See how peanut planting expectations fits in with other crop acreages.

www.peanutgrower.com Follow The Peanut Grower on Twitter @PeanutGrower T WIT TER : @ PE ANUTGROWER

Cover photo by Dylan Wann, IPG research director, of an on-farm trial in West Texas.

MAY 2 019 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

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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 (847) 559-7324 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 © 2019 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.

Farming Isn’t Easy

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n this issue of Peanut Grower, there is a lot of news about pesticides that reinforces my belief that it is getting more difficult to use products that you may have been using for decades. For example, on page 14, you can read more about the new regulations that will apply to paraquat by the fall. Additional training and certification will be needed to use 2019-labeled product. However, this chemical is still available to producers.

Another popular pesticide is likely to be lost to producers soon, says Mark Abney, University of Georgia Extension Amanda Huber entomologist, in the article, “Be Ready Editor, The Peanut Grower For Soil Insects.” Chlorpyrifos, brand name Lorsban and also generic formulations, will eventually be unavailable to producers, and there are no new active ingredients for soil pests coming in the near future, Abney says.

In the last few weeks, two chemicals have been banned for use in countries that we export to. Chlorothalonil has been voted for non-renewal by the European Union’s Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed. While this is for their own producers, how long will it be before it includes imports? It was only a couple years ago that changes to propiconazole limits resulted in an industry ban of fungicides including Tilt Bravo, Stratego and Artisan, in order to preserve that export market.

Within a few days of the EU/chlorothalonil decision, Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development announced that Vietnam would ban the importation of glyphosate for use in that country. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued a statement in response to this in which he said, “We are disappointed in Vietnam’s decision to ban glyphosate, a move that will have devastating impacts on global agricultural production. If we’re going to feed 10 billion people by 2050, farmers worldwide need all the tools and technologies at our disposal.” Again, this ban impacts Vietnam’s own producers most, but once you make it unavailable to your own producers, it isn’t out of the realm of possibility that you’ll try to level the playing field by banning its use on imports as well.

Then again, if you are weary of the problems in using pesticides, you can always give organic production a try. That’s what a group of West Texas peanut producers have been doing, which you can read about on page 10.

Because of their climate and lack of disease problems, organic production is flourishing in that area. However, it is not without problems either – particularly stand establishment and weeds.

Any way you look at it, farming isn’t easy.

One Grower Publishing, LLC 875 W. Poplar Ave., Suite 23, Box 305, Collierville, TN 38017 Phone: 901-767-4020

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THE PE ANUT GROWER • MAY 2 019

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8049

Too Many Unknowns For Market Movement

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t is not fake news to say that peanut markets are dead. As one broker explained, “As an industry, we must find a way to sell more peanuts.”

Domestically, we’re not going to turn this ship around anytime soon. As for exports, we could eventually export the 2017 forfeitures to China and maybe some peanuts from the 2018 crop, particularly those with quality problems, but that remains a hope and a dream.

Some of the reasons the market is so quiet is because of the many unknowns.

At this time we have sellers for 2018 crop with too few buyers. There are buyers for 2019 crop and no sellers: Farmers won’t contract 2019 crop at $400 per ton and may plant without a contract.

There is plenty more: Will Trump get a trade deal with China in time to inf luence crop prices and change the farmer’s acreage decisions? Will A rgentina har vest their good crop without complications? How bad has the weather affected the peanut crop in Brazil? Decisions regarding the sales of loan-forfeited peanuts remain unknown. The 2018 Southeast peanut crop has some aflatoxin issues, and the extent of the damage will not be known for several months. Some sellers report a premium may be paid for the top quality product.

Contracts Just too many peanuts worldwide is a common comment when farmers talk about contracting peanuts. Most shellers continue to have available the $400per ton contracts for 2018 runner type peanuts and 2019 crop with limited tonnage. Some shellers were offering $425 per ton for high oleic peanuts and other offers totaled $450 per ton for

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THE PE ANUT GROWER • MAY 2 019

J. Tyron Spearman

Contributing Editor, The Peanut Grower

Leading Marketing Indicators (As of April 2, 2019) 2019 Est. Acreage (+ 2%).................................................. 1,449,000 acres 2018 Est. Production (3,991 lbs/A)...................................... 2,730,800 tons 2018 Market Loan 4-2-2019................................................. 2,339,625 tons 2018 Redeemed/sold 4-2, 2019............................................ 690,680 tons 2018-19 Domestic Usage (7 Mo.) ..................................... DOWN – 3.0 % 2018-19 Exports (5 Mo.) ....................................................... DOWN - 0.4 % NATIONAL POSTED PRICE (per ton) Runners -$424.49; Spanish - $415.84; Valencia and Virginias - $429.80

high oleic and $450 per ton for Virginia type. Most of these offers have been withdrawn from the market until some of the unknowns are settled.

Planted Acres Peanut growers intend to plant 1.45 million acres in 2019, up 2 percent from 2018. The states expecting an increase in planted area are Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma and Texas.

In Georgia, the largest peanut-producing state, planted area is expected up 1 percent from 2018. The increases are minor with Georgia up only 1 percent and Alabama up 3 percent. The surprise was the 25 percent drop in peanut acreage in South Carolina to 65,000 acres.

Reducing acreage or holding steady is needed to get supply and demand back in balance.

Reducing Supply USDA is trying to help the industry reduce supplies by buying more peanuts. The 121,000 tons of 2017 forfeits are now being exchanged for commercial peanut butter. The jury is still out

on whether this idea will work. Because of the delay in finishing the Farm Bill, and then the work stoppage during the government shutdown, peanuts remained in the warehouse longer than needed.

The trade mitigation allowed the Foreign Ag Service to buy 5.3 million pounds of peanut butter for the domestic markets with an investment of $5,301,000.

Supply and Disappearance numbers had minor changes last month. The ending stocks remained at 1,191,000 tons. USDA showed a slight decrease in domestic food and a slight increase in exports.

USDA predicts a domestic food use increase of 1.3 percent, half of the previous prediction. However, through January 2019, peanut usage is down 3.1 percent. Peanut exports are predicted to decrease only 1.8 percent. More accurately, August through December shows a decrease of only 0.4 percent.

Export Markets U.S. peanut exports, overall, are holdPE ANUTGROWER .COM

ing the same volume as last year, down only 0.4 percent. However, the mixture of categories shows in-shells dropping 36.8 percent with peanut butter up 1 percent and raw-shelled peanuts up 5 percent. The new category of shelled-oil stock is up 87.7 percent as Mexico buys over 16,000 MT. Last year, China was a major player importing 21,177 MT during the five-month period, but this year they have only purchased 2,090 MT from this category. On raw-shelled, China bought 2,409 MT and this year only 710 MT. In Argentina, as the peanut plants are nearing maturity, unusually cold weather has set in. The colder soils and conditions cause the pods to slow down the maturity. Officials still estimate 1.1 million tons of in-shell peanuts, but late maturity could impact quality.

The Chinese peanut market has exports of only 4 to 5 percent, with

oil crushing leading their domestic demand. World estimate is that China will have 4.56 million hectares making 3.73 MT peanuts per hectare or a total of 39.39 million MT, down only 5.6 percent from last year and not likely to buy from United States.

Being Optimistic Farmers will have to be conservative this year, but optimistic — kind of like every year at planting time. Unknowns, although frustrating, can turn out favorable to the peanut farmer in the end.

It would help if Congress would approve the disaster aid package for those affected by hurricanes in 2018.

That would certainly be a positive. If movement from China caused cotton prices to increase before planting time, that would be a positive. Let’s sell all the forfeitures and eliminate that over-

“

Farmers will have to be conservative this year, but optimistic — kind of like every year at planting time.

Unknowns, although frustrating, can turn out favorable to the peanut farmer in the end.

hanging cloud, plus reduce acreage at least 10 percent to hopefully balance supply and demand.

Eating and selling more peanuts will help. It’s true that these peanut market unknowns are like a lottery scratch-off ticket — not every one is a winner. But, every now and then, you can turn up something positive. PG

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MAY 2 019 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

7

Bartering For PB

The USDA plans to conduct a barter exchange of farmer-stock peanuts acquired by Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) for commercial peanut butter. The farmer-stock peanuts are 2017 forfeits that farmers could not sell. A total of 121,685 tons, mostly in Georgia warehouses, was surrendered to the government.

The initial solicitation will be issued for commercial peanut butter deliveries beginning July 1, 2019, through Dec. 30, 2019, in exchange for CCC owned farmer-stock peanuts in store.

The Government intends to issue subsequent solicitations. Offerors will be advised of the results of the prior solicitation before being asked to submit a final bid for subsequent solicitations.

Delivery periods per solicitation will not overlap.

For the purpose of bidding, the United States will be divided into five regions. The CCC will group the peanuts by “lots.” Multiple warehouse locations will not be combined in a single lot. Lots will be advertised in a specific region of the United States.

Participants shall submit their offer identifying the number of lots they will accept, and in exchange, the number of full trucks of peanut butter they will provide in that region for the given delivery period. Separate offers will be submitted for each region.

The resulting award will be a firmfixed price, indefinite delivery, definite quantity contract. Multiple awards may be made. Orders specifying a two-week delivery period and location will be issued 45 days prior to the start of each delivery period. Deliveries are expected to be to various locations in the United States on an FOB destination basis.

More details are included in the notice.

NPB Funds PGI Phase II

At their quarterly meeting in Albany, Georgia, the National Peanut Board 8 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • MAY 2 019

(NPB) voted unanimously to contribute toward the funding of Phase II of the Peanut Genome Initiative (PGI), which prioritizes precision breeding using genetic markers. Peanut farmers, through NPB, committed to investing $200,000 per year for four years, beginning in FY-2020. NPB’s fiscal year runs from November 1 through October 31 of the following year.

“Phase I of the Peanut Genome Initiative saw incredible advancements in understanding the peanut genome.

Today, we have more knowledge about desirable traits and how to precisely breed for those traits, particularly for disease resistance,” says NPB’s President and CEO Bob Parker. “But if we want to remain competitive on a global scale, we still have work to do to find the best ways to apply that knowledge in areas of drought tolerance, aflatoxin mitigation and flavor conservation, to name a few key areas.”

As part of the meeting, NPB hosted a grower listening session with the Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) and local guests. Topics included support for precision breeding, the importance of addressing the issue of peanut allergies and an update on NPB’s Four to Six Months consumer campaign to help the prevention of peanut allergies, and promoting the sustainability of peanuts.

During the session, Donald Chase, GPC research committee chairman, said, “Farmers understand the importance of supporting precision breeding, and I’m glad to see they are leading the way for a future of helping to reduce costs and increase efficiency.

When grower costs are more efficient, the entire industry profits.”

Also attending the session were representatives from the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District, who encouraged growers to continue participating in a data-collecting project to formalize water usage and conservation information. Discussion then centered around peanuts being the most

In Brief: • USDA to exchange forfeited peanuts for peanut butter • NPB funds next phase of peanut breeding • GPC approves 35 projects, increase in research funding • Peanuts are big draw at natural food show • Summer meeting plans announced

water-efficient nut and, with the popularity of plant-forward diets, peanuts can play an integral part.

Learn more about the NPB’s commitment to the future of peanut breeding on the Peanut Grower website at peanutgrower.com/2018-nationalpeanut-board-research-review.

GPC Announces Research Funding Increase

The Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) board of directors has approved $653,901 in research project funding for the 2019-20 research budget year.

The research projects approved include 35 project proposals submitted from the University of Georgia, USDA Agricultural Research Service and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.

“We are proud of our partnership with research institutions in the state and are excited about the potential benefits of these projects for farmers in the state and the entire peanut industry,” says Donald Chase, peanut producer and GPC Research Committee chairman. “As a peanut grower, I’m proud to invest in the Georgia Peanut Commission and in the future of the peanut industry by supporting research that continues to demonstrate a return on our investment.”

Georgia’s peanut growers invest $2 per ton annually toward GPC programs PE ANUTGROWER .COM

which include research, promotion and education. The research programs primarily focus on peanut breeding, conservation methods, irrigation and water management, as well as pests, weed and disease management.

Additionally, GPC manages the Southeastern Peanut Research Initiative, which includes research funding of $1,239,098 for projects in Alabama, Florida and Georgia. These projects are funded through the National Peanut Board checkoff dollars from farmers.

For additional information and a complete list of the research projects funded by the Georgia Peanut Commission visit gapeanuts.com.

Peanuts At Natural Products Expo

Consumer interest in the natural foods sector is significant and shows no signs of slowing down. For example, 47 percent of Americans report intentionally including less meat in their diets, according to a 2018 survey, and 46 percent of millennials consider the sustainability of their food choices.

At the recent 39th annual Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California, with more than 85,000 food industry professionals in attendance, these trends were on display, including at the National Peanut Board booth.

NPB welcomed Virginia producer and board member Paul Rogers and his wife Dawn to the booth, and partnered with Crazy Richard’s Peanut Butter, Elmhurst and MeWe (formerly Little Nut) at the show to increase awareness and distribution of new peanut products. Crazy Richard’s Peanut Butter showcased their new Wholly Rollies frozen peanut butter protein balls.

Elmhurst showcased Milked Peanuts: chocolate, plus two new flavors, chocolate and vanilla bean, in their line of peanut protein shakes.

MeWe launched a rebrand from Little Nut of a peanut butter-based food for early introduction to infants to help prevent peanut allergies. NPB also highlighted the sustainability-focused PeanutVision.org website and providT WIT TER : @ PE ANUTGROWER

PB&J Day At Georgia State Capitol Georgia PB&J Day is an annual event at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta, that highlights one of America’s favorite foods and one of Georgia’s most important crops, as well as March as National Peanut Month. During the event, the Georgia Peanut Commission and Peanut Proud donated 14,400 jars of peanut butter to the Atlanta Community Food Bank.

On hand to grill PB&J sandwiches was Tyron and Sandra Spearman, who are pictured with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. ed resources for early introduction of peanut foods.

Peanut products are a favorite among the natural foods segment. More than 1,000 products at the show included peanut ingredients. Peanut butter and chocolate was by far the favorite flavor mix and was featured in on-trend applications. For more highlights from the show, follow National Peanut Board on Instagram.

APRES Meeting Registration Open

The 51 st annual meeting of the American Peanut Research and Education Society will be held on July 9-11, 2019, at The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center, Auburn, Alabama. Registration for the meeting is now open at www. apresinc.com.

Members can register on-line for the discounted rate of $250 until June 15, 2019. Registration includes access to

all general sessions, technical sessions, committee meetings and planned activities, including the ice cream social, receptions, meals and fun run. The registration also includes passes to these functions for your spouse or significant other and children.

Peanut Farmers Federation Announce Summer Conference

The Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, representing producers in Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi, recently announced plans for the 21st Annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference. The conference is back at the Edgewater Beach and Golf Resort in Panama City Beach, Florida, this year, and will be held on July 18-20. Registration is now open and online registration is available at www. southernpeanutfarmers.org. The conference will feature updates on peanut legislation, research and promotion. PG 9

MAY 2 019 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

Organics Take Hold In West Texas Research specific to organic production in the West Texas region is needed.

By Amanda Huber

A

s organic food and fiber products continue to garner a growing part of the overall consumer market, those manufacturers looking to find trusted sources of quality organic peanuts need to look no further than West Texas. With the help of a climate that does not favor fungal diseases as in the Southeast, West Texas producers work to overcome the other obstacles to meet a small, but growing, organic peanut market. Research specific to organic peanuts in the West Texas region would be a great asset to these growers.

Working To Get A Stand Zach Stone is a peanut farmer in Gaines County, Texas, who started growing organic peanuts in 2014, following the path his dad had forged back in 2006.

“This will be my sixth crop Organic Producer Meeting Stats: on my own,” Stone says, but it ▪ 42 producers in is only in the last few years that attendance with 93,972 he and other organic producers acres of crops had more significant problems ▪ 38 producers growing getting stands.

10,722 acres of peanuts “There are a lot of theories as organically to why this is, but I believe we’re ▪ 63% said No. 1 getting pathogens in the seed at problem was controlling some point,” he says. “It’s not a weeds, diseases and variety dependent deal. It’s more insects about where the variety comes ▪ 34% said the No. 1 from and how it’s been treated. problem was lack of markets or market prices Stand establishment is our No. 1 problem right now.”

Jeff Roper, a producer from Plains, Texas, and the current secretary/treasurer of the Texas Peanut Producers Board, grew his first crop of organic peanuts in 2013 because of the better price. Roper speculates that the handling of seed causes some of the issues with germination and stand establishment.

“It’s like dropping an apple. You don’t see a problem or a dark spot necessarily, but the next day, you take a bite and it’s mushy. I think we aren’t seeing the damage to peanut seed until it is showing up as problems in the field.”

Stone says that it is peanut seed that are grown in West Texas and never leave the area that seem to do best on his farm.

On-Farm Variety Trials In an effort to find what varieties might work best in organ10 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • MAY 2 019

ic production, Stone partnered with International Peanut Group (IPG), a private peanut seed company, to conduct some on-farm research.

“In 2018, we put out a variety trial on Zach Stone’s, one of our grower partners, farm to see if there were differences in crop establishment and yield. It was a good first step, and we are doubling the size of the trial this year,” says Dylan Wann, IPG field plant breeder and research director.

“We are taking conventional varieties and seeing if they will work,” says Mark Gregory, who is in charge of IPG’s business development.

In West Texas, producers cannot use a long-season variety.

“Our growing season is 63 days shorter than the Southeast’s season on average,” Wann says.

Producers grow mostly Valencia varieties and some Spanish.

Part of the reason is a lack of markets for organic runners and Virginias and part of the reason is that these market types offer more vigorous growth quickly.

Early Vigor Is The Key The Spanish and Valencia are more vigorous market types under West Texas conditions, which is what you need in organic production, Wann says.

“Pest pressure is very different in the Texas High Plains than in the Southeast U.S.,” Gregory says. “There is lower pressure from foliar diseases, with little to no fungal leaf spot. Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus and other mosaic viruses are almost non-existent.”

But they do deal with soilborne disease, particularly Pythium PE ANUTGROWER .COM

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New organic peanut product introductions duction all because of nutgrass.

NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL E/G NL NL NL NL NL NL NL than late NL NL NL NL E/G NL early over the past six months show a trend toward snacking and foods change. on late spot to volunteer “OnceRain it getsbrought into a field, it isleaf impossible to get outpeawithout Editedtoby Dr. on-the-go.

Mark Abney, of Georgia Extension Entomologist • Extending spray intervals be- University that are easy eat PG nuts.useEarly pressure calls forsays. early action. As we entered Edited by Dr. Mark Abney, University of Georgia Extension Entomologist the of herbicides,” Roper yond 15 days June, there help was with still both time disease to get and peanuts Rotations weed planted pressure,and but also • Repeated, frequent periods of Three-Cornered Burrower obtain a yet reasonable of conditions forBug growth and presents another window challenge. what the millsexcessive were looking and what they were Three-Cornered Burrower Bug leaf wetness; rains, for that year, Alfalfa Hopper Burrower bugs can be hard to idenharvesting.

Alfalfa Hopper “Our rotation is two years organic cotton, then We looking changed every year. I enjoyed organic peanuts the Burrower bugs can be peanuts. hard to idenfrequent for irrigation Three-cornered alfalfa hoppers tifytime in the field and an peanuts infestation Mid-May is generally the best to plant Three-cornered alfalfa hoppers tifybetween in the field peanuts, and an infestation • first Rainfew immediately after appliused to do a milo/wheat rotationis but those years, but it has been a struggle lately.” are light green and wedgeoften not detected until harvest. are light green and wedgeis oftencan not detected until harvest. in South Carolina, although peanuts still be made ifof an cation – wait 24 hours to irrigate were not good cash crops,” Stone says. “There’s not much What’s really needed for these farmersshaped. is research on about organic They stand ¼ Burrower bugs have a black-toshaped.

They stand about ¼ Burrower bugs have a black-toplanted into early June.

Once planting dates reach June • Consecutive use of fungicides with the same mode of action (exinch high and are about ¼ inch body, small red eyes it on work. a organic cotton market either, butbrown we’re trying to make production in West Texas. inch high and are about ¼ inch brown body, small red eyes on a cept chlorothalonil) 10, we are looking at approximate digging dates near long. Both adults and nymphs head. The upper wings If we could, it would be great.” small-sized long. Both adults and nymphs small-sized head. The upper wings have piercing mouthparts of burrower bugs are shiny and Oct. 20 have for a 132-day like Bailey digging dates “You to make variety the yield,” Roperor says. that is Need For Research have piercing mouthparts of burrower bugs are“Land shiny and and feed by penetrating the semi-hardened with the membraSlowing A Growing Leaf Spot Epidemic: entering into November for moderate-maturity varieties and feed penetrating the semi-hardened with the membratransitioned into organic production does not make the same Stand establishment is the biggest predictor ofbyyield, but juices. there and sucking plantnot nous tip overlapping. Its legs are Effective fungicide programs are designed tostem prevent disease, stem and sucking plant juices. nous tip overlapping. Its legs are like Georgia yields land06G. that 3:19 was fallow orspiny, in 1the Conservation Reserve are currently no peanut seed treatments that are OMRI (Organic pearman ad as 11/14/08 PM Page feed in a circular and needle-like, piercing, cure it after the fact. If something goes wrong They and tend you to find They tend to feedlate in a leaf circular spiny,time and needle-like, piercing, One of And the concerns around ofdecrease year becomes around a stem, making sucking mouth parts are visible you Program. with either one, that yields will unless Materials Review Institute) that fashion workwith effectively. spot lesions in the bottom of theapproved canopy, especially lessa than 30 fashion around stem, making sucking mouth parts are visible slow drying conditions prior to combining that can lead feeding punctures as they go.Texas The damaged areaProducers typically swellsBoard and above ground root with a hand lens. Burrower bug is can rotate good enough. says the Peanut iswith working daysRoper until harvest, treat immediately, retreating in 10and days, oneroot feeding punctures as they go. The damaged area typically swells above ground with a hand lens. Burrower bug is growth may occur. On peanuts, feeding may occur on limbs, leaf petioles or pegs. related to stink bugs.too to “The quality issues they to sit rotate out closely inisdamp conditions only goodif crop organic the universities in Texas to hopefully find funding for occur.

On peanuts, feeding may occur on limbs, leaf petioles or pegs. closely related tocotton,” stink bugs.he says. growth of with the may following: long.the Every yearone is athat’s little different, but overall “It’s only cost effective to keeptheitcombiclean con- some research production.

• Topsin 4.5 FLon 10organic fl oz + 1.5 pt Bravo nation of year lowerafter yieldyear. potential, higher latebut leafthat spotdoesn’t pres- pay • Everyone Provost Opti 10.7 oz + 1.5 pt Bravo sistently, We tried milo, agrees that more research on organic peanut prosure and generally unfavorable harvesting conditions are • Priaxorin8 the fl ozWest Texas area is needed to improve and grow enough to cover the hand labor you need.” duction more prevalent for peanuts after June never 10. grow opportunities in the organic peanut market. PG Roper says, “With wheat,planted it seemed likeabout we could

Navigating The Late Season

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JANUARY 2 018 • THE PE ANUT GROWER / PEANUT ANUTGROWER MAY 2 019 •• THE PE GROWER.COM //

JANUARY 2019

Stewardship Of Treated Seed

A

s planting season begins across the country, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) reminds farmers to follow the basic steps for stewardship of treated seed.

“Seed treatments provide farmers with an effective and economical way to protect their crops against damaging pests and diseases,” says ASTA Vice President, Government and Regulatory Affairs Jane DeMarchi. “Using treated seeds helps with more uniform stands, healthier plants and higher crop yields. It’s important to always remember to follow directions on seed container labeling for proper handling, storage, planting and disposal practices to minimize risk to applicators, wildlife and the environment.”  The basic stewardship steps of treated seed:  Follow directions on seed container labeling  Eliminate weeds in the field prior to planting  Minimize dust by using advanced seed flow lubricants  “BeeAware” of honey bees and hives located near the field  Ensure that any spilled seeds are removed or covered by soil to protect wildlife and the environment  Remove all treated seed left in containers and equipment.

Seed treatments undergo rigorous testing and review by the EPA prior to being permitted to be used commercially. The industry is constantly evolving to improve seed treatment processes such as enhancing seed coating polymers and application processes to keep active ingredients on the seed and reduce dust-off; developing new flow agents for use with planting 12 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • MAY 2 019

New Disease Control Tool Corteva Agriscience, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont, announced it has received federal approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the use of Aproach Prima fungicide in peanuts in all states except California.

With two modes of action, Aproach Prima offers peanut growers improved disease management, resulting in better crop quality and greater yield potential. Aproach Prima is also currently labeled in corn, soybeans and wheat, providing growers with increased crop flexibility.

“Planting decisions are always changing based on weather, market conditions and crop rotations,” said Nick Dame, U.S. Product Manager Fungicides, Corteva Agriscience. “The addition of peanuts to the Aproach Prima label will allow southern growers the flexibility to purchase one product that can be used across a variety of southern crops.”

“Aproach Prima has proven performance as an excellent fungicide in corn and soybeans,” said Dame. By expanding the crops protected by Aproach Prima, growers will now also have an effective option managing early leaf spot (Cercospora arachidicola), late leaf spot (Cercosporidium personatum), rust (Puccinia arachidis) and web blotch (Phoma arachidicola) in peanuts.

Peanut growers can now rely on Aproach Prima fungicide to protect their crop from diseases.

More information can be found at www.corteva.com.

equipment to further minimize the amount of dust-off during planting; and implementing an ISO planting equipment standard to better control dust emissions.

Founded in 1883, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) represents over 700 companies involved in seed production, plant breeding and related industries in North America. PG PE ANUTGROWER .COM

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New Training For Paraquat Applicators EPA mandated changes will go into effect when new paraquat labels enter the market.

By Amanda Huber

P

araquat is a widely used, restricted-use pesticide in the United States. In peanuts, paraquat is often an important part in achieving successful yields by controlling a broad spectrum of weeds and keeping the crop weed-free until canopy closure. It is also an important tool in the fight against herbicide-resistant weeds.

An example includes the use of the paraquat product, Gramoxone, which can be used to control emerged annual grass and broadleaf weeds up to six inches tall. A split application of the top rate of 16 fluid ounces per acre may be made at “ground crack” and again four weeks later to achieve the best effects.

Although paraquat offers this ability to achieve broad-spectrum weed control from an over-the-top spray without the peanuts sustaining any long-term damage, it is also a highly

toxic chemical to humans and can be fatal if ingested. Sadly, because of the illegal transfer of the product from EPA-labeled containers to drinking containers, there have been 17 cases of accidental ingestion and death since 2000. Many cases with severe injuries regarding skin, eye and respiratory exposure have also been documented.

Label Changes Coming Because of these poisonings, the Environmental Protection Agency is now requiring changes to paraquat-labeled products, which includes an additional applicator certification and the enaction of several mitigation measures. This additional training requirement and other changes outlined by the EPA will go into effect later in 2019, when new paraquat labels enter the market.

In peanuts, a paraquat product, such as Gramoxone from Syngenta, is recommended to keep the crop weed-free from that critical time of ground crack until canopy closure when weed competition would negatively affect yield.

14 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • MAY 2 019

PE ANUTGROWER .COM

Paraquat Training Q&A

This image shows the current wording on a Paraquat label. Text referring to direct supervision will be removed and no longer allowed for the updated labels in fall 2019.

“Upcoming changes include that all applicators must have a restricted-use pesticide license and pass the EPA-approved training online,” says Ethan Carter, regional crop IPM Extension agency in Florida. “‘Use’ includes activities such as transport or storage of opened containers, mixing, loading, application, cleaning equipment in contact with the product, disposing of excess pesticide, spray mix or containers.”

Know What ‘Use’ Means Products used in the 2019 cropping season were made and labeled in 2018. This training requirement only applies to newly labeled 2019 products. “The new rule will not go into effect until the new product labels and containers hit the market sometime in the fall. We are thinking mid-November,” Carter says.

The training can be found at usparaquattraining.com and takes about 45 minutes to complete. The training will encompass toxicity, label changes and restrictions, and consequences of misuse. Once passed, applicators will need to keep a copy of the training certificate.

Excellent Stewardship Course Stanley Culpepper, University of Georgia Extension weed specialist for cotton, says the new requirement is for anyone that applies paraquat, which includes Firestorm, Gramoxone, Helmquat, Parazone and other brand names, from this point forward.

“All in all, this is an excellent course about stewarding pesticides and continues to support the University of Georgia’s “All in all, this is an overall mission.” excellent course about Culpepper says first time stewarding pesticides and users will have to create an account with eXtencontinues to support the sion before being able to University of Georgia’s access the online course.

Once connected, it took overall mission.”

Culpepper 29 minutes to complete the course, but part of that is due to slow internet connection. The test took about 11 minutes. Participants must make 100 on the test, but can retake it as many times as needed to make that score.

“Paraquat is an important part of nearly every single sound management program UGA weed science recommends in agronomic crops,” Culpepper says. “Critical points to remember include: a) paraquat can only be applied by a certified pesticide applicator and b) an EPA-approved paraquat training is required every three years.

“After completing this training, we will be changing the way we handle paraquat, protecting ourselves and our employees even more effectively than we did before this user-friendly training,” Culpepper says.

Additionally, he says he hopes producers will not wait to complete the training, which would be useful for any paraquat application and an important reminder of safety measures. PG T WIT TER : @ PE ANUTGROWER

Q

Why are there additional training requirements to use paraquat?

Since 2000, there have been 17 deaths — three involving children — caused by accidental ingestion of paraquat. These cases have resulted from the pesticide being illegally transferred to beverage containers and later mistaken for a drink and consumed. A single sip can be fatal. In addition to these deaths, since 2000 there have been three deaths and many severe injuries caused by the pesticide getting onto the skin or into the eyes of those working with the herbicide. To prevent these type tragedies, EPA is requiring training for certified applicators who use paraquat. One purpose is to reinforce that paraquat must not be transferred to or stored in improper containers.

Q

Who is required to take this training?

Any person who intends to use paraquat must be a certified applicator and is required to take the training. “Use” includes pre-application activities involving mixing and loading the pesticide; applying the pesticide; and other pesticide-related activities, including, but not limited to, transporting or storing opened pesticide containers, cleaning equipment, and disposing of excess pesticides, spray mix, equipment wash waters, pesticide containers, and other paraquat-containing materials.

Q

Who is permitted to use paraquat?

The use of paraquat, a restricted-use pesticide, is restricted to certified pesticide applicators only; noncertified persons working under the supervision of a certified applicator are prohibited from using paraquat, including mixing, loading, applying the pesticide and other pesticide-related activities.

Q

What are the training requirements for paraquat products?

To use paraquat products, you must be a certified applicator. In addition, paraquat-specific training is required by new paraquat labels and must be completed prior to using products with the new labeling. All paraquat labels are expected to include a link to the training by fall 2019.

The training provides important information about paraquat’s toxicity, new label requirements and restrictions and the consequences of misuse. The training must be retaken every three years. Although this training is a paraquat label requirement, a state may choose to approve it for continuing education.

Q

How will certified applicators show proof that they completed the required training?

Once the certified applicator successfully completes the training, a certificate will be automatically generated. Per the new labeling, applicators are required to retain certificates of training completion. In addition, paraquat registrants have arranged for the National Pesticide Safety Education Center (NPSEC) to retain certification records should the user, state regulators, or enforcement personnel need access.

15

MAY 2 019 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

Be Ready For Soil Insects Know the conditions favorable for these yield robbers and what to look for when scouting.

By Amanda Huber

S

oil insects are somewhat unpredictable, but producers are likely to see one or more of them in their fields this year. The primary pests to be prepared for are the peanut burrower bug, lesser cornstalk borer, southern corn rootworm and wireworms.

Burrower Bug While burrower bug is typically thought of as causing problems in dry years or in non-irrigated fields, irrigation and/or adequate rainfall do not preclude problems.

“We are working very hard to learn more about the factors that contribute to burrower bug injury,” says Mark Abney, University of Georgia Extension entomologist.

Although they have tested the efficacy of a wide range of potential management tactics, Abney says deep tillage and the use of granular chlorpyrifos are still the only management tools that can be recommended for this pest at this time.

When scouting, there is a bug that looks similar to burrower bug. The “other” burrower bug that is commonly seen this time of year is the white-lined burrower bug, named so because of the white line on the margin of its body. This cousin to the peanut burrower bug can occur in large numbers and is often seen on weeds as temperatures begin to rise and land preparation and planting get underway. Fortunately, the white-lined burrower bug is not considered a pest of peanut, and growers should not be alarmed by its presence. The peanut burrower bug is solid dark brown to black and has very distinct spines on its legs. If in doubt about which bug you are finding in the field, you can always call your Extension agent to help.

16 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • MAY 2 019

Southern Corn Rootworm The southern corn rootworm, of which the adult is the banded cucumber beetle, require moist soil for survival. Abney says conditions were perfect for rootworm development in peanut for much of the 2018 growing season in many Georgia counties.

“There were rootworm infestations and pod damage in my research plots last year in fields near Tifton where I had never observed these pests in the past,” Abney says. In Plains, where rootworms are more common, infestations were severe.

Rootworm larvae feed directly on pods. They can penetrate the wall of young pods and will feed on the developing seed.

Abney says when this happens, the pods generally rot and will not make it into the combine at harvest.

“Feeding on older pods can result in direct injury to seed and/or provide an entry point for pathogens.” These more mature pods will make it into the combine where it can result in grade deductions.

Southern corn rootworm larvae cannot survive in dry soil and live entirely below ground. To scout, dig adjacent to peanut rows or remove plants to examine pods for damage and check the soil for larvae.

Management Options The only insecticide that has shown consistent efficacy against burrower bug and rootworm is granular chlorpyrifos.

Abney says recent research at UGA indicates that chlorpyrifos can reduce rootworm damage when applied to existing infestations, but the study is not complete.

“Because burrower bug and rootworm infestations are sporad-

PE ANUTGROWER .COM

BRYCE SUTHERLAND, UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA, BUGWOOD.ORG

Burrower Bug • • •

Feeds on kernels within pods Damage varies significantly from year to year Deep tillage, granular chlorpyrifos can reduce injury

STEVE L. BROWN, UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA, BUGWOOD.ORG

Lesser Cornstalk Borer • • •

Thrives in hot, dry sandy soils Difficult target for insecticides Insecticide options: granular — chlorpyrifos; foliar — Prevathon, Diamond

Southern Corn Rootworm • • •

Can be a serious pest Larvae survive in moist soil and feed on roots and pods Typically found in heavy soils (clay) or high organic matter

Wireworm • • •

Immature stage of click beetle Some species have multi-year life cycles, others multiple generations per year.

Susceptibility to insecticides varies

T WIT TER : @ PE ANUTGROWER

ic, growers who have never had a problem should not change their practices, and those who experienced damage for the first time in 2018 may not see problems in 2019,” Abney says.

“Scouting remains the most important tool a grower can use to assess the potential for and extent of insect problems in the field.”

For lesser cornstalk borer (LCB), Abney says he does not expect it to be a problem in fields after the canopy closes if there is adequate rainfall or irrigation. “We should be looking for LCB especially in fields where vines have not lapped the row middles and any fields where drought stress becomes evident regardless of canopy closure.”

When scouting for LCB, look for wilted stems and silk tubes, remove plants and check tap root, pods, and stems for feeding injury and larvae. Moths are a good sign of LCB infestation. Plants in a “skip” or at the ends of rows with bare soil around them will usually be attacked first.

New Insecticides Needed Research into the development of thresholds for insect pests continues, but Abney is certain that one of the currently recommended products, chlorpyrifos, will likely be lost soon.

“We are going to lose chlorpyrifos,” he says. “The prospect of new active ingredients for soil pests does not look good, and there are no new chemistries for insect pests in 2019.”

Abney’s take-home message for soil insect management is that it will be a challenge with limited options. Scouting will help you avoid mistakes. Use economic thresholds, and peanut fields do not always have to be insect free. Finally, he says to choose the correct insecticide for the job. PG

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MAY 2 019 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

17

Planting Intentions

A

ccording to USDA’s National Agriculture Statistics Service, U.S. peanut growers intend to plant 1.45 million acres in 2019, up 2 percent from 2018’s harvest numbers. In 2018, peanut growers planted 1.5 million acres, which was the lowest planted area since 2014, but weather-related events, including two hurricanes in the peanut belt, took its toll on the crop.

For 2019, planting area in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma and Texas are expected to increase, while Arkansas, Mississippi, New Mexico and North Carolina are expected to decrease moderately. South Carolina’s producers report a more significant decrease in acres to about half of what was planted in 2017.

In Georgia, according to the NASS report, producers are expected to plant an area that is up 1 percent from 2018.

Corn Up, Soybeans Down Corn planted area for all purposes in 2019 is estimated at 92.8 million acres, up 4 percent or 3.66 million acres from last year. Compared with last year, planted acreage is expected to be up or unchanged in 34 of the 48 estimating states.

Soybean planted area for 2019 is estimated at 84.6 million acres, down 5 percent from last year. Compared with last year, planted acreage is down or unchanged in 26 of the 29 estimating states.

Record Low In Wheat All wheat planted area for 2019 is estimated at 45.8million acres, down 4 percent from 2018. This represents the lowest all wheat planted area on record since records began in 1919. The 2019 winter wheat planted area, at 31.5 million acres, is down 3 percent from last year but up 1 percent from the previous estimate.

Of this total, about 22.4 million acres are Hard Red Winter, 5.55 million acres are Soft Red Winter, and 3.55 million acres are White Winter. Area planted to 18 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • MAY 2 019

Peanuts: Area Planted by State and U. S. (Estimated – March 29, 2019) Area Planted (1,000 acres) State

2017

2018

2019

Percent

Alabama

195.0

165.0

170.0

103%

Arkansas

30.0

26.0

25.0

96%

Florida

195.0

155.0

170.0

110%

Georgia

835.0

665.0

670.0

101%

Mississippi

44.0

25.0

20.0

80%

New Mexico

7.6

5.5

5.0

91%

119.0

102.0

100.0

98%

22.0

16.0

20.0

125%

South Carolina

122.0

87.0

65.0

75%

Texas

275.0

155.0

180.0

116%

27.0

24.0

24.0

100%

1,871.6

1,425.5

1,449.0

102%

North Carolina Oklahoma

Virginia U.S. Total

other spring wheat for 2019 is estimated at12.8 million acres, down 3 percent from 2018. Of this total, about 12.4 million acres are Hard Red Spring wheat. Durum planted area for 2019 is estimated at 1.42 million acres, down 31 percent from the previous year.

Cotton Up Slightly All cotton planted area for 2019 is estimated at 13.8 million acres, 2 percent below last year. Upland area is estimated at 13.5 million acres, down 2 per-

cent from 2018. American Pima area is estimated at 255,000 acres, up 2 percent from 2018. Compared with last year, seven states are expecting an increase in planted area, with the largest increase in Arkansas. Upland cotton planted area in Kansas, at 170,000 acres, will be a record high if realized. Compared with 2018, eight states are expected to plant fewer Upland cotton acres in 2019, including California. If realized, Upland cotton planted area will be a record low in California. PG PE ANUTGROWER .COM

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To Replant Or Not As we move into late May in the Virginia-Carolina region, there are a number of things that need to be done. As one checks off the list, field (and the previous rotation), tillage system, variety selection, preplant burndown or preplant incorporated herbicides, preemergence herbicides, inoculant and in-furrow systemDAVID JORDAN North Carolina State ic insecticide treatments are University in place. Timely application Extension Agronomist of postemergence herbicides, and an insecticide to suppress thrips if present, is next on the list. Hopefully everyone has 5 plants per foot of row, and peanuts are growing well in a pest-free environment, at least for now.

It is likely that most folks will apply herbicides three times after peanuts emerge, and one of those applications generally involves paraquat, Basagran and residual herbicides. The critical period of weed interference is generally 3 to 6 weeks after planting for many of our crops, including peanuts.

Keeping peanuts weed-free during May and into June helps establish optimum yield potential, at least with respect to the impact of weeds.

As we plan for the next steps, outside of weed control (and thrips clean up) we often find ourselves in late May and June with a bit of down time during the first 30 to 45 days after planting. This is a good time to think ahead and develop plans related to gypsum and southern corn rootworm. The next column in this magazine will come out well into June, and in my view if gypsum is already out, that it is on the early side. As climate change gets debated in some circles, I have observed, and the weather data back this up to a degree, more intense rainfall events in June during the past couple of years compared to a decade or so ago. The concern about these rainfall events, with respect to gypsum, is that the product can get washed from the tops of rows when peanuts are small.

When we get a big rain right after gypsum is put out what should we do – has enough been lost to need to reapply? One way to minimize risk is to let the peanuts get bigger and cover more of the fruiting zone. Peanut plants serve as a cushion and decrease some of the impact of intense and heavy rains on soil movement, especially on the edges of beds where some pegs will eventually form. Peanuts do not need gypsum until well into July when pegs are growing into definable pods.

How about planting dates and replanting? In 2018, we had a substantial amount of peanuts planted in North Carolina in early to mid-June, around 20 percent, and in many cases 20 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • MAY 2 019

they did well. We were fortunate in that we had adequate water in many of those areas through the latter part of the summer, and on average we had four to five more heat units than the 10-year average during August, September and a part of October to really push the crop forward. I wouldn’t bet on that coming together again, so trying hard to plant in May, preferably mid-May, continues to be the best approach.

With respect to replanting – I wouldn’t encourage someone to destroy what is out there if you have a poor stand. If you have 3 or less plants per foot of row, a replant is warranted. Plant 5 seed per foot if you only have 1 plant, 4 seed per foot if you have 2 plants, and 3 seed per foot if you have 3 plants. If you have more than 3 plants per foot, I would not plant more seed. This can be a difficult decision.

Next Step In Weed Management Weed management is a season-long process. We had a good start, and now we need to be ready for the next step!

Dinitroaniline herbicides are the foundation to successful weed management. These herbicides, when used at the full rate and uniformly incorporated in the upper two inches of soil, will provide early season PETER DOTRAY Texas A&M AgriLife control of annual grasses and Extension Weed Specialist small-seeded broadleaf weeds.

Valor is another herbicide that is commonly used at-plant. If any early emerging weeds like Russian thistle or kochia were present at planting, Gramoxone can be used to control these weeds and ensure a clean start.

The dinitroaniline herbicides and Valor have a finite length of soil residual activity, and growers need to be prepared with follow up early season postemergence options.

There are some fast-acting contact herbicides, such as Cobra and Ultra Blazer, that are effective on most annual broadleaf weeds less than 4 inches tall. These herbicides need an adjuvant to improve herbicide uptake and activity. Some peanut leaf burn is likely following the use of these herbicides.

Cadre and Pursuit, classified as ALS-inhibiting herbicides, are effective when applied postemergence and have a broader spectrum of weed control, including some activity on very small grassy weeds along with yellow and purple nutsedge. Rotation restrictions must be considered when selecting Cadre or Pursuit. Dual Magnum (metolachlor), Warrant and Outlook are labeled for use postemergence, but must be applied before weeds emerge because they have activity on germinating seedlings and not emerged weeds. Butyrac (2,4DB) will control or suppress many annual and perennial PE ANUTGROWER .COM

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broadleaf weeds. When weed size has exceeded what contact or ALS-inhibiting herbicides will control, then Butyrac can be added to improve control.

There are several grass herbicides that can be applied postemergence, including clethodim (Select, generics), sethoxydim (Poast, Poast Plus) and fluazifop (Fusilade DX).

These herbicides are effective on most annual and perennial grasses and are sometimes used in conjunction with broadleaf herbicides. Antagonism may occur with some tank mixtures, so check the product labels that warn against certain tank mixes. Be careful to follow days-to-harvest restrictions when applying herbicides mid-season.

Plant Into A Clean Field Planting season is in full swing. Hopefully, Mother Nature will continue to bring showers and allow us to get the peanut crop planted on time this year. Growers also need to do everything they can to ensure this crop gets off to a good start. We have talked a lot over the last few months about SCOTT MONFORT the importance of planting high University of Georgia quality seed in setting the stage Extension Agronomist for producing a high-yielding and quality crop. The problem is, that is only part of the puzzle. Growers also need to make important decisions on moisture, weeds, diseases and nematodes at planting that can significantly affect the crop.

Moisture is a necessity in getting an adequate stand in peanut. Please do not plant peanut in a moisture-deprived soil even if you have irrigation. If moisture is depleting quickly in non-irrigated fields, you need to decide, “Do I chase the moisture and plant 3 to 3.5 inches deep or do I wait for a rain?” Please be aware that seed vigor might be an issue this year, which could impact emergence at deeper depths. Also in irrigated fields, it is not recommended to plant in hot and dry soil and then irrigate. This could shock the peanut seed causing stand loss or sporadic emergence. Growers are always recommended to irrigate fields before you plant and then again after you plant to activate herbicides.

Managing weeds are also key to getting the crop started on the right foot. Peanut planting needs to begin with a clean field. If not, you will be battling weeds all year. Try to apply your pre-emergence herbicides as quickly as possible behind the planter. This would allow for timely irrigation and/or rain to activate the herbicide(s) preventing the initial flush of weeds along with minimizing Valor injury on the crop as it is emerging. Often the injury we get from Valor is 22 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • MAY 2 019

less than the weed issues you would face without it.

Along with early season weed control, growers are also faced with making at-plant management decisions for diseases, nematodes, insects and fertility that can affect how well the crop gets established and flourishes through the year. The best advice I could offer is for you to know your situation and manage it accordingly. Below are a few things to consider:  Do I have fields with fertility issues? Have I adequately addressed them?  Know the percentage germination of each lot of seed and adjust seeding rate accordingly.  Planting early — Use Thimet to reduce the risk of TSWV  Make sure all applicators are calibrated  Use an inoculant — a good insurance policy after the excessive rains this winter  Never apply fertilizer products at any rate in-furrow with peanut seed Contact your Extension agent with any questions.

Peanut Water Requirements With planting season underway, I wanted to stress the importance of two things. First is the use of residual herbicides.

The only way for us to stay in the fight with Palmer amaranth is to continue to apply residual herbicides at the appropriate times. There are still some producers that try and put these KRIS BALKCOM residuals out with the big sprayAuburn University er after planting. I know that Extension Specialist you can cover a lot of ground in a hurry, but timing is everything. Sometimes these showers keep us from being timely like we need to be. It is better to mount the sprayer to the planter so that both are done together and in a timely fashion.

Another issue I see is people overwatering too early in the season. So, I want to remind everyone to be mindful of what kind of water demand is required for their peanuts. Peanuts require approximately 0.05 inches per day, which is very little water for the first 30 days of the growing season. The water demand increases to about 0.2 inches per day when the peanuts begin pegging around 45-50 days of age. The critical watering period is at 65-90 days of age, which is during peak flowering with a water demand of 0.30 inches per day. After this stage of development, the water demand starts to decrease gradually for the final two weeks to maturity, only requiring around 0.70-1.0 inch/week. Knowing the water demand will help in supplying irrigation water. PG PE ANUTGROWER .COM

Southern Peanut Growers Conference july 18-20, 2019 Edgewater beach & Golf resort • panama city beach, florida Room reservations at Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort can be made online or by calling 1-855-512-3843 and asking for the Southern Peanut Growers Conference rate.

For detailed conference and registration information, visit www.southernpeanutfarmers.org.

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