Peanut Leafspot Control

Peanut growers should begin leaf spot control programs in well- rotated fields when peanuts reach growth stage R3. This is when about half the plants in a particular planting have at least one pod starting to develop. In most years, peanuts planted  will reach R3 50 days after planting.  For those planted May 1 that will be around June 20.

If planting was May 20, then 50 DAP would be July 10.  Don’t wait after mid-July to begin a preventive leaf spot program.  Continue on a regular spray program every 14-21 days, depending on the material. The first spray can  be delayed by 2 weeks with newer varieties but not later than July 15.  There are a number of good leafspot controls.  The key to good control is to start early.  Remember most materials are preventative although some have limited curative ability.  Rotate materials to avoid building resistance in our fields. If you have the ability, the first spray could be banded directly over the row to reduce cost.

 

Application Timing of Gypsum on Peanuts

Peanut producers generally get the best results from the application of gypsum when applied in late June or early July. There are often concerns that excessive rains might leach the gypsum from the soil.  Instead, Dr. David Jordan, NC State Peanut Extension Specialist, is  concerned  that it might be washed from the bed into the row middles and not be as available when the plants start to peg.  One way to lessen this is to wait until the plants have a considerable amount of growth before making the gypsum application.  Our crop should be growing fairly rapidly now that we have good moisture and the temperatures are back to normal.  Plants will respond to gypsum applications on into July.