Environmental conditions continue to be favorable for the development of fungal diseases; we still have moisture and some afternoon storms and warm temperatures. Such will certainly favor the development of white mold and leaf spot on peanuts and continued spread of southern corn rust. All of our crops, and especially peanuts and cotton, are progressing to where they are increasingly vulnerable to disease.
A) larger leaf canopies create greater humidity and longer leaf-wetness periods within the canopies, conducive for disease.
B) Denser canopy makes getting fungicides to the “target” areas more difficult.
C) At least for peanuts, growth brings on pegs and limbs along the soil which are vulnerable to attack
Peanuts: The conditions are here for white mold so don’t be shy or timid. Leaf spot: much of our crop is at (or beyond) the “witching hour” of 30 days after planting. Now is time for leaf spot sprays. If it is very dry, one can safely extend spray intervals. But be smart. NEMATODES: For those of you who are wanting to protect your crop (the pegs and pods especially) from root-knot and lesion nematodes should apply PROPULSE (13.6 fl oz/A) or AgLogic (10 lb/A) to the crop between 45 and 65 days after planting. Remember the “magic word” to success: IRRIGATION very very soon after application. If this stuff doesn’t get into the soil then it doesn’t matter for nematodes.
Cotton: The first week of bloom may be too early to spray but it the RIGHT time to get out there and look for target spot and areolate mildew. Conditions now are favorable for both diseases. If these diseases don’t show up until late, no need for a fungicide. But if they come in early, be prepared. ALSO: IF YOU SEE SOMETHING IN YOUR COTTON THAT LOOKS LIKE A VIRUS, STUNTED, DISTORTED, RED, DROOPING, let us know so we can check for virus.