JOHN BEASLEY
University of Georgia
Extension Peanut Agronomist
The five cultivars that will account for almost 100 percent of the planted acreage in the Southeast in 2011 all have considerably more resistance to tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) than Georgia Green. Because of that significantly better level of resistance to TSWV, producers are provided with the flexibility of planting earlier, especially in April, with reduced risk of damage from spotted wilt. The key to planting in April is making sure the average four-inch soil temperature is at least 65 degrees or higher for several consecutive days. Peanut seed are very sensitive to cool soil temperatures. Also, make sure that a cold front, which would quickly drop the soil temperature, is not forecast the few days prior to and immediately after planting. Peanut seed exposed to cool soil temperatures are much slower in germination. This reduced germination and slowed plant emergence can lead to seedling disease and reduced stands.
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TODD BAUGHMAN
Texas A&M University
Extension Agronomist
We want peanuts to come up quickly in a uniform stand. However, often peanuts are planted into cooler-than-preferred soils. This makes proper seed placement and spacing critical to good stand establishment. Slowing the tractor down will help with seed placement and uniformity. Faster speeds cause the planter to bounce and varies seed spacing and depth. Other issues include inoculation and starter fertilizer. Rhizobium is a living organism and must be handled and applied as such. A deeper seeding depth helps to ensure success, as shallow planting often leads to the Rhizobium drying out and low or no nodulation. Finally, improper placement or rates of starter fertilizers on sandy soils can lead to poor stand establishment and lower yields. Make sure equipment is properly calibrated and fertilizer is placed correctly and applied uniformly.
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DAVID JORDAN
North Carolina State University
Extension Agronomist
Changes in regulations for the use of metam sodium for CBR have many V-C producers uneasy about the future. While Temik is scheduled for phased removal from the market, litigation has forced growers to consider options to these standard products more quickly than anticipated. Alternatives to metam sodium are longer rotations, Proline in-furrow and Provost in the leaf spot/stem rot program and resistant varieties. Fungicides are not as effective as fumigation, but may become the standard, depending upon the “adjustment” to regulations by growers. From an ease-of-application standpoint, managing CBR with in-furrow fungicides, Provost in later sprays and variety selection are all “easier” and less time consuming than fumigation. Growers will have to adopt new approaches in managing CBR. These tools are less consistent under heavy CBR pressure. Good agronomics will be necessary to ensure CBR control in the absence of fumigation.
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KRIS BALKCOM
Auburn University
Agri-Program Associate
A La Nina weather pattern is forecasted for this spring, which will mean warmer, drier conditions than normal. Because of this, I encourage producers in a conservation tillage program to consider killing the cover crop at this time. Moisture could be a critical factor for some producers. Killing the cover now would hopefully allow time for adequate rainfall to replenish the subsoil moisture, which the cover crop will have removed during its heaviest growth stage.
Also, several producers have asked my thoughts about planting in late April. I am not against it as long as soil conditions and the forecast are favorable. Follow the risk index in planting TSWV resistant cultivars and keep the seeding rate at six seed per foot of row because of the increased risk of seedling disease from cooler, wetter soil conditions.