Peanut Maturity Clinics

When should I dig?  That is always a relevant question in September.  The answer also dictates if another spray application is needed.  2024 has been a very varied year.  Based on the heat units collected so far it looks like this crop will be “on time”  (if you can figure that out).  As of today (August 29) we have  accumulated 2506 heat units from May 1.  We need  2650 - 2700 heat units to reach maturity beginning from the time ofemergence, assuming there are no outside stresses to the crop such as heat and drought.  The table below estimates approximate maturity based on varied assumptions of heat unit accumulation from today forward.

 

With this in mind, we have scheduled Pod Blasting Clinics as outlined below:

 

September  9  Powell and Stokes  8:00 a.m.

September 12  Colerain Peanut and Supply  8:30 a.m.

September 16  Powell and Stokes  8:00 a.m.

September 23   Nutrien Ag, Trap  8:30 a.m.

The results from the pod blasting are only as good as the sample.  Select plants from representative areas of the field.  Choose about 1 foot of row (3-4 plants) from 2-3 places in the field.  Pull all the pods that will go into the picker.  We need about 200 pods per sample.  If you have more than that, mix and cut the sample in half. If you need to gather the samples the day prior to the clinic, pull the pods from the plants and place them in water in a zip lock bag to keep them fresh.

 

What is the price for digging too early?

Based on research by Dr. David Jordan, for every day peanuts are dug too early you lose 45 lbs. per acre.  Assuming a $500 contract, that equates to $11 per acre per day.   Multiple factors are involved in making the digging decision, including weather forecasts, vine conditions, labor, and other crops in the field.  Look at each field separately and make the best decision possible.  Call us at 252 794-5317 if we can help.

See the pictures below from our variety test. These were planted on April 24. Based on this sample, they still need  14-21 days to be close to maturity.

NC 20

Emery

 

Bailey II