Peanut root-knot nematodes are frequently under-managed either because the symptoms are not recognized or because growers are reluctant to take the steps needed to ensure adequate control. The following are steps producers can take to reduce root-knot nematode damage in peanut fields.
- Rotate with a crop such as cotton, which is not a host for peanut root-knot nematode. This is a very effective management tool.
- Growers planting peanuts in fields with damaging levels of peanut root-knot nematodes must consider planting the variety Tifguard. Tifguard is nearly immune to the peanut root-knot nematode, does not need to be treated with a nematicide. It performs exceptionally well as compared to other varieties that are treated with nematicides.
- Growers who plant Tifguard can expect excellent control of nematodes. The concern expressed over weak peg strength in Tifguard remains unproven, and growers should give significant importance to the near-immunity of this variety to peanut root-knot nematodes.
- Fumigation with Telone II at 4.5 to 6 gallons per acre is our most aggressive treatment to manage peanut root-knot nematodes and provides our best opportunity to manage nematodes affecting peanut if the grower does not plant Tifguard.
- If available, Temik 15G applied both at planting and at pegging stages is a critical tool. Growers need to carefully familiarize themselves with new use requirements such as maximum use amounts, pre-harvest application intervals, distance from well-heads and water sources and requirement for irrigation or rainfall within 24 hours after a pegging-time application.
- Research continues to evaluate the use of Vydate C-LV for management of nematodes on peanut.
- NemOut, a biological nematicide, will no longer be available to peanut growers.
- Enclosure (iprodione) and GOS Neem 7-Way are being sold for the management of plant parasitic nematodes on peanut.
Source: 2014 University of Georgia Peanut Update.