We have received some much needed rain across much of the peanut growing area in the state. The moisture should give a chance to plant a large portion of our acreage over the next two weeks. With this in mind, I wanted to make a few quick comments/reminders of things related to planting:
- For the remaining Dry areas — Do not plant if you do not have adequate moisture in the top 3 to 4 inches of the soil profile. Peanut cannot be planted in dry soil (dusting in) hoping for a rain like you can with other crops.
- Seeding Depth (John Beasley) – Do not plant seed deeper than the three-inch depth in an effort to “chase” or place seed in moisture. Seedlings struggle to emerge from deeper than the three-inch depth. Also, don’t plant seed any shallower than two-inches deep. Placing seed in the 1.5 – 2.0 inch depth will render them at risk of absorbing an insufficient amount of moisture to fully complete the germination process in the event there is a light rain event (one that soaks the soil only to the edge of the seed surface). A seed that imbibes only enough moisture to initiate the germination process but not complete the germination process is extremely susceptible to seed pathogens and rotting. This may not be an issue with the wide-spread rains received over the last few days.
- Seed Shortage and Poor Quality Seed – Record planting acreage and a poor growing season last year have caused a few problems for growing wanting select varieties. There are a few varieties (Georgia Greener, GA 08V, etc.) that were pulled and/or had short supply due to % Germ and damage kernel issues. Lower than normal germination on other varieties are causing growers to plant more seed per acre to get an adequate stand. With this in mind, make sure to look at the % germ on all lots of seed and plant enough seed to have a finished stand of at least 4 seed per foot.
- Check your accuracy of your planters, insecticide hoppers, and infurrow innoculants — The down time due to the rain would be a great chance to make sure your planters etc. are calibrated.
- Imidacloprid (Admire Pro) for thrips control in peanut — We have had several calls regarding the use of imidacloprid (Admire Pro) insecticide for management of thrips in peanut. Admire Pro is labeled for use on peanut but is not widely recommended due to previous research indicating potential increases in TSWV on susceptible and moderately resistant varieties. Please use caution.