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

Results from experiments conducted during 2018 will inform recommendations on production and pest management practices for peanut in North Carolina. These include a greater understanding of digging peanut, when plant growth regulators are cost effective, whether or not fungicides can be applied with nozzles that are less prone to particle drift, and the scope of herbicide resistance in North Carolina. Additional results can help farmers make more informed decisions on the ramifications of variety selection with respect to pest reaction and yield, including market types other than Virginia market types. Educational sessions for county extension, field days where information is presented to growers and the agricultural industry in general, and updates through the extension peanut portal will help growers make important management decisions in 2019. Pod maturity clinics increased precision of digging for many growers, resulting in significant economic benefit.