Comparative study of spider mite control in nonirrigated peanuts using registered and unregistered miticides for special registrations

Seven major moth pests of peanuts were monitored using sticky wing pheromone traps across 20 locations with mixed crops (peanuts/cotton/soybean). Results indicated a high activity of fall armyworm and tobacco budworms statewide in 2018 along with soybean looper caterpillars. Due to cool wet season, most insect lifecycles were pushed late in the season. Peanut research plots for 
spider mites were established at two locations - Headland and Clanton, AL. Peanuts (GA-06G) were planted in May and spider mites were induced by four applications of synthetic pyrethroid insecticides under high heat conditions of a high tunnel. Observations on thrips and two-spotted spider mites were gathered from both locations. Results indicated that Portal 
( conventional miticide) and Aramite ( organic miticide) can reduce spider mites by over 70% with repeated applications. As a side project, thrips counts were also done with various organic and conventional insecticides under the high tunnel; it appears foliar insecticides may not be fully effective against thrips due to some tolerance to conventional products. Neem-based alternative insecticides (e.g., Molt-X) may be more effective with 3-4 applications similar to the applications of premix conventional formulations (e.g., Intrepid Edge).