Jason Sarver, Mississippi State University Extension agronomist, says the proper use of inoculants has been especially important in his state because of the increase in peanut acreage. As Sarver notes, any new ground or ground out of production for four or more years should always receive an inoculant application.
“An inoculant should be used if peanut is being planted in fields that have had standing water or total saturation for extended periods. This will be more common in parts of Mississippi than in the deep sands of the Southeast and make an inoculant application important for us.
“Given the relatively low cost and the potential detrimental effects from not using it, I consider inoculants to be inexpensive insurance.”
Sarver offers the following tips:
- Peanut and soybean inoculants are not the same. Make sure the product is specifically for peanuts and that it is a true inoculant.
- Inoculant products contain living organisms. Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. If using a liquid product, use non-chlorinated water as the carrier and make sure the tank is clean prior to use.
- Mix up only enough product for what you will use in a single day. If liquid is left in the tank, treat it as water the next day and add the inoculant product to create a new batch.
- Inoculants are a necessity for new ground or ground that has been out of peanut for 4+ years. It is inexpensive insurance on all ground, especially if that ground has been saturated for extended periods.
- Most liquid inoculant products are compatible with numerous in-furrow fungicides and other products for a specified time period. Read the product label or consult a company representative or Extension agent for compatibility questions
