Scott Monfort
GEORGIA
Peanut Maturity/Harvest
Peanut harvest is approaching, and I know everyone is starting to look at peanut maturity samples. I have looked at several samples of Ga-06G and TifNV-HG. They are all showing maturity in the 140-45 DAP range for the April-planted irrigated crop. Even for DG913, I am not hearing much about them being early. I do expect we will see some variations across the state. I keep telling everyone: do NOT just go on the days after planting (DAP); they need to be put on the maturity board to know for sure. I would encourage newer agents to make it a point to attend other county maturity clinics to gain extra experience. You can also text me pictures of the boards if you need help. I am happy to help.
Below are a few things to consider:
Irrigated — Most irrigated peanuts planted in April through the first part of May are running on time (140 to 148 Days) for all varieties (so far), except for GA-12Y and maybe GA-22MPR. GA-12Y and GA-22MPR are likely 150+ DAP. Disease and/or weather can change maturity. I have noticed several TifNV-HG fields with some defoliation due to leaf spot. Please keep a watch on them. You may need to have the growers reduce their spray intervals and fungicide selection. We suggested digging a few fields early due to disease. Only a few irrigated fields have had maturity and yield potential off track. The main culprit was the extreme heat this summer. Do not be surprised to see some pops, etc. in some fields.
Once we move into mid-May to June, maturity will likely be a little different because of the weather we experienced at planting and throughout the season.
Non-Irrigated — The non-irrigated crop will be more of a mixed bag across the state at all planting dates. Based on my trips throughout the state, drought conditions are visible in small spots across the state through July and August. Some areas have improved over the past few weeks, but I am afraid it might be a little too late. Some early planted peanut fields have a small-to-average crop from the early rains. This is going to make it tough to decide what to do. Please encourage your growers to assess all their non-irrigated fields to see what they have.
Below are few suggested tips/questions to consider for determining when to DIG:
– You cannot treat irrigated or non-irrigated or planting dates the same; maturity needs to be examined on a field-by-field basis and not as much on days after planting.
– Non-irrigated maturity will be heavily skewed due to the drought.
– Some acres might be abandoned due to the weather issues – this needs to be the decision of the insurance adjuster.
– Growers need to check peanut maturity as early as 120 DAP.
Non-irrigated acres with some moisture.
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Maturity may be normal but likely to have split crop. This will be a challenging decision for most.
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Typically, a profile that is split evenly, the decision is usually to base digging on the leading edge. However, if the leading edge is minimal compared to the fruit load behind the “split,” then the decision is more difficult and cannot be answered easily.
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Other things that need to be considered?
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Potential of late crop versus what is on the vines now?
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How do the vines look?
iii. How do the pods look?
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Moisture now?
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What is the short- and long-range forecast? vi. Temperature and moisture?
