Late July and early August are generally prime time for foliage feeding caterpillars in Georgia peanut fields. Caterpillar pressure has been relatively light so far in 2025, but I have gotten a couple reports of fields at or near threshold over the last few days. A mix of species can and will be found in peanuts this time of year. Velvetbean caterpillar, soybean looper, beet armyworm, and rednecked peanut worm are some of the most common pests you will find in mid to late summer. Proper identification is important to selecting the most efficacious and cost effective insecticide(s) when thresholds are reached.
Scouting and using thresholds to make management decisions will prevent mistakes that cost growers money. Applying insecticides to fields that are not at threshold reduces profit. Likewise, failing to manage an infestation that reaches threshold will result in economic loss.
Lesser cornstalk borer continues to be found in some fields included our UGA Peanut Entomology trials. Continue scouting, and treat this pest if thresholds are reached. Missing an LCB infestation can result in significant losses in yield and increases the risk of aflatoxin.
Folks continue to see potato leaf hoppers in peanut. Though this insect causes characteristic “hopper burn”, its economic impact is generally minimal. Three cornered alfalfa hoppers (TCAH) are related to potato leaf hoppers, but they feed on stems and petioles rather than leaves. Very high numbers of TCAH commonly occur in late August and early September, but insecticide applications are rarely warranted. Available insecticides have limited residual activity, marginal efficacy, and some increase the risk of spider mite infestation later in the season.
Hot, dry conditions favor the development of spider mite infestations. Additionally, the application of broad spectrum insecticides like pyrethroids and acephate can flare mites. If you observe wilting and/or yellowing of plants near field borders, it is worth stopping to check for mites. Finding and treating mite infestations early is critical for successful management. Increasing spray volume when miticides are applied will improve efficacy; I would not spray mites with less than 15 gallons per acre, and I prefer 20 gallons per acre. Even with increased spray volume, two applications are often needed to get mite populations under control.
If you have questions about these topics or any other pest management issue in peanut, please contact your local UGA County Extension Agent. Also, be sure to listen to the All About the Pod podcast for weekly updates from the UGA Peanut Team.
