{"id":1596,"date":"2026-08-13T12:50:46","date_gmt":"2026-08-13T16:50:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/benhillcoag\/?p=1596"},"modified":"2026-08-13T12:50:47","modified_gmt":"2026-08-13T16:50:47","slug":"agriculture-update-august-13-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/benhillcoag\/2026\/08\/agriculture-update-august-13-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Agriculture Update, August 13, 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Hunt Sanders<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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7-day forecast from national weather station.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It seems that many of our insect and fungal pests have woken up over the past week. Several fields are being treated for spider mites and whiteflies, while areolate mildew is beginning to show up in cotton. We are also starting to see some corn ear rots developing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We still have a long way to go before cotton defoliation and peanut inversion, and there is plenty of growing season left. A lot can happen between now and harvest that could ultimately have a significant impact on overall yield. Continued scouting and timely management will be important as we move through the remainder of the season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cotton Update:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Areolate mildew on cotton<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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microscopic image of the conidia (spores) of the Ramulariopsis pathogen. (Areolate mildew)<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Areolate mildew on the top side of the leaf.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Chemical residue or water stain on cotton. NOT areolate mildew.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Best fungicide timing is 3rd week of bloom or later AND when found when scouting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If cotton is 3rd week of bloom and not scouted, consider to spray or not based upon favorable conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cotton Insects<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Immature whiteflies on cotton<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As of right now, many fields are being treated for whiteflies and spider mites. If you are already making an application for spider mites, I would recommend adding a whitefly insecticide to the tank mix if they are present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are finding 2\u20133 whitefly nymphs per leaf with significant adult populations present, and you are already making an insecticide application for spider mites, it would be a good opportunity to address the whitefly population as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If disease is also a concern in the field, consider adding the appropriate fungicide to the application. Combining treatments when justified can help address multiple pest and disease concerns while reducing the need for additional trips across the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peanut Diseases<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Late leaf spot in peanut. Photo by Cale Cloud in Grady Co.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Early leaf spot in peanut. Photo by Cale Cloud in Grady Co.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Chemical burn on peanut.<\/strong> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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White mold in peanut<\/strong>: Photo by Bob Kemerait: I attribute as much to deployment of good fungicide programs as anything else. Many peanut farmers have 8 weeks or more before digging. That\u2019s plenty of time for white mold to run wild causing mischief if not contained. \u00a0White mold is like a cigarette butt smoldering quietly in the cushions of a couch. It can ignite at any time.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Corn Update:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to favorable environmental conditions, there have been numerous reports of increased fungal ear rot development across the state. Many of these fungal pathogens can gain entry through insect feeding damage, as insects create wounds or openings in the ear that provide an entry point for infection. Fields with significant insect activity should be monitored closely for both insect damage and the development of ear rots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Fusarium Ear Rot<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Aspergillus Ear Rot<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Giberella Ear Rot<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Insect damage on corn<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Is there anything better for cleaning up morning-glories?<\/strong> Aim with crop oil has been very effective for controlling morning-glories and providing a good cleanup of escapes. Adding Roundup to the tank mix can also be beneficial, particularly in fields with a heavy grass population, as it can help broaden the spectrum of weed control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As always, make sure all products are labeled for the crop and are applied according to the label. Remember to not apply within 3 days of harvest, and do not graze stover until 14 days after application. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Crop duster spraying aim and roundup on corn<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Cotton defoliation survey for Camp Hand.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2026 GA Custom Rate Survey<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 2026 Georgia Custom Rate Survey is live and available via link listed below.  Survey link: 2026 GA Custom Rate Survey<\/a> The 2024 Extension publication can be accessed at the following link: 2024 Georgia Custom Rate Survey Summary<\/a>. Thanks for your consideration and support of this important project that produces beneficial commodity input information for Georgia producers and Extension clientele.<\/p>\n\n\n\n