Foliar fertizilation to increase maturation in peanut

Anecdotal field evidence suggests that irrigated peanut that receive foliar fertilization may exhibit an earlier maturity profile. We hypothesized that timely foliar fertilization may increase pod set of early pods and thereby 'increase' the maturity profile of peanut. A four (foliar fertilization) x two (dig date) randomized complete block experiment was initiated at two sites 
(Jay, FL and Citra, FL) during 2016. Planting of GA-06G peanut occurred on May 27, 2016 into strip-tilled rye residue in Jay, FL and triticale residue in Citra, FL. Both sites received irrigation as needed. On July 7th the Jay site received either a foliar application of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) or boron (B), and was repeated on July 26th• In Citra, FL, foliar applications were made on July 12th and July 25th• The day after each application, foliar tissue samples were collected for nutrient concentrations. At each dig date, yield and the number of mature and immature pods were determined. Preliminary data indicate that foliar P applications significantly increased yield by 500 lbs/ac when dug early, but the mechanism of the increased yield was not likely due to increased maturation. Further analyses and research are required to verify or refute this result.