Impact of Insect Pests on Peanut Yields and Management Options

Numerous insect pests are commonly found at varying densities throughout the season in Mississippi peanuts. Early season insect pests include thrips and a complex of soil inhabiting species. In general, these are the most damaging insect pests of soybeans. Thrips are important because they transmit tomato spotted wilt virus. The soil-insect com­plex includes wireworms, white grubs, and lesser cornstalk borers. They are important because initial feeding on the root system can reduce seed­ling growth and vigor. More importantly, those insects remain in the soil throughout the season and eventually damage developing pods.