Ext PA and Irrigation Blog<\/strong> (Dr. Wes Porter, UGA Precision Ag and Irrigation Specialist)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Thank you to our new Extension Precision Ag Specialist, Dr. Lauren Lazaro, for her contribution to the Extension Precision Ag and Irrigation Blog post, with her first (of hopefully many) blog. This weeks blog is focused on sprayer maintenance to get you ready for the spring and spray season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sprayer Maintenance Tips for the Spring | Extension Precision Ag and Irrigation<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Now has been a busy time with everyone planting and I know a lot of you have been helping with insecticide hopper calibrations. So we updated last year\u2019s blog to include more information and updated information on products. Thank you to Savannah Tanner for her help getting it updated and ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The post can be found here: Calibrating Counter, Thimet, and AgLogic Insecticide Hoppers | Extension Precision Ag and Irrigation<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In-furrow Use of Vertento Approved for Rootworm Management in Georgia Peanut<\/strong> (Dr. Mark Abney, UGA Peanut Entomologist)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Georgia Department of Agriculture recently approved a Special Local Need (24c) label for the insecticide Vertento (Isocycloseram) for rootworm management in peanut in Georgia. The 24c label allows Vertento to be applied in-furrow at planting. University of Georgia trials over multiple years at the Southwest Research and Education Center in Plains, GA showed that in-furrow, at-plant applications of the active ingredient in Vertento consistently reduced pod injury caused by rootworm larvae.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vertento can also be applied through center pivot irrigation systems for rootworm management in peanut. This use pattern has been very effective at reducing rootworm injury in our research trials. Growers who choose chemigation rather than, or in addition to, an at-plant application need to ensure irrigation systems are set up appropriately. Information regarding the design, function, and management of irrigation systems for chemigation can be found at the following link: Chemigation in Georgia<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is still a lot to learn about managing rootworm with Vertento, but getting the active ingredient into the soil where the pest lives is important. We have not tested every possible use pattern nor have we conducted trials in multiple environments, but I have enough data to be confident in Vertento\u2019s efficacy against rootworm when used in-furrow at-plant and when properly applied in irrigation water. Some growers have asked about making a foliar application and immediately turning on the pivot to try and wash the insecticide to the soil. One of the characteristics of the active ingredient in Vertento is that it stays where you put it. It does not readily leach out of the soil, and it does not readily wash off the plant. I strongly recommend that growers stick with the use patterns that have been tested and shown to be effective; those use patterns are in-furrow at-plant and chemigation. As with all pesticides, users should read and follow label instructions (Click to view 24c label)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have questions regarding the use of Vertento in peanut for rootworm please contact your local UGA county Extension agent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2026 Row Crop Disease Update <\/strong> (Dr. Bob Kemerait, UGA Plant Pathologist)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n How conditions at planting and early in the season affect diseases, nematodes, and management.<\/em> (April 2)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Drought conditions obviously can and likely will have tremendous affect on our 2026 row crops; without sufficient rain. Irrigation can only do so much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For this morning, a few thoughts on how conditions at planting and early in the season affect diseases, nematodes, and management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. You know growers should avoid \u201ccold and wet\u201d. I don\u2019t think we need to worry about that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. The best situation would be where soils are warm enough and moist enough to support rapid, uniform germination and vigorous, uniform emergence. Rapid. Uniform. Vigorous. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Soils that are hot and dry are problematic as well. Hot and dry soils predispose a peanut crop to outbreaks of Aspergillus crown rot. In dry soils, granular products like AgLogic 15GG and Counter 20G may not be activated, at least initially, to protect against nematodes. These same conditions may make lesser corn stalk borers more severe in a peanut crop, but I need to stay in my pathology lane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Very warm conditions early in the peanut season may also flare early-season white mold which loves the early heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bottom line- be aware that hot and dry can 1) affect performance of granular nematicides, 2) increase risk to tomato spotted wilt if peanut emergence is patchy and sporadic across a field, 3) increase risk to Aspergulllus crown rot and LCSBs., 4) could increase risk to early season white mold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Solutions to all of these could include a) use of irrigation, b) adjusting planting date, c) careful choice of what you put in-furrow, and d) 3-5 weeks after emergence considering application of Proline in a narrow band over the peanuts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Early season disease tips in corn<\/em> (April 6)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pic 1 (and the link below) are from the \u201cIndiana Prairie Farmer\u201d version of the online FarmProgress magazine. For some reason or other. I get it through my email. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/applingcrop\/files\/2026\/04\/image.jpg\")
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