Among the items on a long list of things that will need attention after this week’s storm has passed is scouting peanut fields for insect pests. We are already experiencing higher than “normal” caterpillar pressure this year, and we are now entering the portion of the season when velvetbean caterpillar and soybean looper typically show up and often exceed thresholds. No one has to tell me that growers are tired of spending money to manage what seems like a never-ending caterpillar infestation. Giving up now is not the answer. If and when caterpillars reach threshold, they need to be managed or yield will be lost. The fact that we sprayed an insecticide 14 days ago does not matter if there are “worms” eating your peanuts today.
Accurately assessing pest pressure with unbiased scouting is the only way to know if an insecticide application is needed. Likewise, correctly identifying the species of caterpillar(s) is critical for making the most cost effective and efficacious treatment decision.
Those walking peanut fields in the coming weeks will also be seeing increasing numbers of three cornered alfalfa hopper (TCAH). Research suggests that this insect causes only minor injury to peanut. This, coupled with difficulty killing them, rapid re-infestation, and the risk associated with flaring secondary pests when pyrethroid insecticides are used, is the reason treating TCAH is generally not recommended. We will also be finding rednecked peanut worm and potato leaf hopper. There are no valid thresholds for either of these insects, and though they can probably have an impact on yield, it takes a lot of them to to matter.
If you have questions about insect management in peanut, please contact your local UGA Extension Agent.
