I consider August the beginning of the home stretch for Georgia’s peanut crop, and it is often the month when we see increased pressure from a variety of insect pests.
Some things to think about as we reach mid-August.
- Tomato spotted wilt incidence appears to be at below average levels. This is good news. Even if we begin to see more TSWV symptoms in August and September, these late season infections are rarely associated with significant yield loss.
- Beet armyworm (BAW) populations in peanut have been well above average in 2026, but not across the state’s entire production region. Lab assays in 2026 showed that BAW remains resistant to the active ingredient chlorantraniliprole.
- Many growers with a history of rootworm injury decided to use the newly registered insecticide Vertento this year. Some growers applied the product in-furrow at planting, while others opted to apply the insecticide through center pivot irrigation. We are entering the time of year when large populations of adult rootworm beetles are commonly seen in peanut and cotton fields. We are tracking rootworm populations in commercial peanut fields and assessing the impact of Vertento applications on beetle abundance and pod injury.
- Hopper burn in peanut associated with potato leafhopper (PLH) feeding has been reported from several areas of the state over the last week. Usually, I do not consider this insect much of a threat to yield, but in some cases, i.e. heavy pest pressure and young and/or slow growing plants, I think an insecticide application may be warranted. There are no validated thresholds for PLH, so talk to your local UGA County Extension agent if you have questions about management.
- Two spotted spider mites have shown up in fields recently. This pest requires careful, regular scouting. Finding infestations early, and treating them before serious injury occurs is critical to achieving good control and preventing yield loss. Drought stress and the use of broad spectrum insecticides (like pyrethroids) increase the risk of spider mite infestation.
- It is time for velvetbean caterpillars (VBC) to arrive in Georgia peanut fields. In fact, it is past time for them to arrive, but I have only just started to get reports of these foliage feeders. VBC is readily managed with the insect growth regulator Dimilin, and many growers will apply this product as a preventive measure against VBC. Fields that have not been treated should be scouted every week for VBC…this pest can arrive in large numbers and quickly defoliate peanuts. Fields that have not been treated should be scouted every week for any of the other caterpillars that can infest peanut that are not effectively managed by Dimilin.
- We have a pretty good looking peanut crop as we begin the home stretch. Growers should remain diligent in their scouting to be sure insect pests do not reduce the crop’s yield potential.
If you have any questions about insect management in peanut, please contact your local University of Georgia Extension agent.
