Try these strategies and best practices for effective weed management in your fields.
University of Georgia’s Extension weed specialist Eric Prostko offers insights on what it takes to control weeds in peanut fields. By adhering to these guidelines, farmers can optimize their weed management practices, ensuring healthier and more productive crops.
The first goal of producers should be to start clean using a combination of tillage, cover crops and/or herbicides. Beginning the planting season with a clean field is crucial. Employing a mix of tillage techniques, cover crops and herbicides can significantly reduce the initial weed population, setting the stage for a successful growing season.
The next tip is to plant in a twin-row pattern, which Prostko says improves weed control by approximately 5% to 10%. This method creates a denser canopy that suppresses weed growth by limiting sunlight penetration.
Three Inches Shouldn’t Be The Average Height
The next steps employ the use of herbicides at various stages of the crop.
“Use multiple residual herbicides in the system,” Prostko says. “Cracking or early postemergence applications of paraquat may not always be needed in peanut fields that start off weed-free and where at-planting residual herbicides, such as Dual Magnum, Prowl, Outlook, Sonalan, Strongarm, Valor or Warrant, were moisture activated with timely rainfall or irrigation.
“Make timely postemergence applications with weeds that are less than 3 inches tall,” he says, reiterating that this doesn’t mean the average height of the weeds present.
For any escapes and to prevent seed production, Prostko recommends removal by hand.
What Do High-Yielding Growers Do?
Prostko surveys producers to find out what production practices they use to achieve top yields. In 2023, 16 growers in the Georgia Peanut Achievement Club produced an average peanut yield of 5,734 pounds per acre, which significantly surpassed the state average peanut yield of 4,080 pounds per acre for the same year.
One of the practices instrumental in managing weeds is irrigation, which was used by 100% of the growers.
“This practice ensures that crops receive adequate water, which is crucial for their growth and can also aid in weed control,” he says.
“Another common practice was the use of bottom plows, reported by 56% of the growers. Bottom plowing can help bury weed seeds deep into the soil, reducing their ability to germinate and compete with the peanut crops.”
As mentioned earlier, planting in twin rows was a common practice adopted by 75% of the high-yield growers.
“This planting technique allows for better canopy closure, which can suppress weed growth by limiting their access to sunlight,” Prostko says.
A Multi-Pronged Approach Is Key
Finally, herbicides are a key component of the weed management strategy of these top producers.
“The high-yielding growers reported using a variety of herbicides to control weeds effectively. Valor was the most commonly used herbicide, with 93% of the growers incorporating it into their regimen,” he says.
Following this was Cadre at 73% and Dual at 53%. Other herbicides included 2,4-DB (47%), Sonalan (40%), Prowl (33%), Strongarm (33%), Storm (20%), Paraquat (13%) and Zidua (13%).
“By employing these integrated weed management practices, the high-yielding Georgia peanut growers are able to maintain healthier crops and achieve higher yields,” Prostko says. “Their approach highlights the importance of combining different strategies, such as tillage, precise planting techniques and targeted herbicide use, to manage weeds effectively and ensure sustainable farming practices.” PG
