Impact of Defoliating Insect Pests on Peanut Yields and Management Options

Overall, the results of these experiments will improve management of caterpillar pests in peanut. Having accurate action thresholds is critical for minimizing the unnecessary use of foliar insecticides when pest infestation levels do not cause yield losses. The potential economic savings for growers can be significant if sprays are limited to those times only when pests cause significant yield losses. The results of the experiments in the first objective give us a better understanding of when caterpillar pests can cause yield losses in peanuts. Based on these results, we will be adding a defoliation threshold to the Insect Control Guide that sets defoliation thresholds at 30-35% prior to 65 days after emergence and 15-20% after 65 days after emergence. Additionally, understanding how different insecticides perform against defoliating pests will allow us to make recommendations that are in the best interest of growers from an economical standpoint.