Optimizing Peanut Production and Pest Management Through Applied Research and Extension Activities

Approximately 85 trials were conducted during 2017 at the Peanut Belt Research Station, the Upper Coastal Plain Research Station, the Border Belt Tobacco Research Station, and off­station locations to compare a range of production and pest management practices. Experiments included: peanut response to inoculants; evaluation of planting dates; comparison of thrips management programs; comparison of timing, rates and sequence of applications of Apogee; peanut response to Quick-Sol and Peg Power; weed management with recently registered postemergence herbicides; comparison of cropping systems; southern corn rootworm control with Prevathon versus Lorsban; leaf spot control when fungicides are applied using nozzles delivering coarse versus fine droplets; and leaf spot control when chlorothalonil and copper fungicides are mixed with fungicides that are prone to evolved resistance. Results from these trials are provided to Cooperative Extension Service agents, farmers and others in agribusiness. 

Eight objectives were proposed in the activities of this grant. A summary of results from 2017 is provided for each objective. Yield and quality data for many of these trials are still being processed at the time of writing this report. Final results will be included in various chapters of 2018 Peanut Information and will be presented during county production meetings in February 2018 and at in­service Cooperative Extension Service agent training sessions. Results will also be included in articles written for V-C Peanut News and distributed in the form of Peanut Notes.