Seed Options

  • Growers should ask what the Germination % is on every lot they purchase.
  • If you purchase seed, it should be 75% germination or above.
    • You could send a sample to get germination % from the Department of Agriculture if you have time before planting
  • Farmer saved seed may be in any range.
    • Please make sure to take a sample and submit to the Department of Agriculture to determine germination % before you plant.
  • You might want to treat with Rancona seed treatment to reduce issues with aspergillus flavus and niger.

Agronomic Decisions

  • For Seed of all quality —- plant at optimal conditions (soil temp over 68 degrees and good moisture). Planting marginal seed in subpar conditions will make the situation worse.
  • Do not plant seed with marginal seed quality more than 2.5 inches deep.
  • If you have multiple seed lots and/or numerous totes, use the ones with the best germination earlier in the season when soils are not quite as warm.
  • Make sure the soil has adequate moisture for germination and emergence. This is not the year to chase soil moisture.
  • Consider slowing down your planting speed.
  • Under dry conditions, make sure to irrigate before and after planting.
  • Use an in-furrow inoculant
  • Determine if an in-furrow fungicide is needed.
  • Do not add any other bio-stimulant or fertilizer product in-furrow with seed. All you need is the seed, inoculant, insecticide, and fungicide.

Seeding Rates

  • Seed at 85% germination or above: plant at normal rates
  • High 70’s to low 80’s: increase seeding rate 1-2 seed per foot
  • Seed below 75% germination the outcome may not be very good if you do everything right.
  • You have more flexibility with twin-row plantings to bump up the seeding rate. With lower germination- increasing seeding rate can be the way to compensate BUT if you stack too many seed on top of one another you can get the opposite result. Placing seeds on top of one another or touching in the furrow can increase the potential for seed rot.
  • It’s best not to go over 8 to 8.5 seeds per foot on twin rows and not over 7.5 seed per foot on single rows. It is hard to plant more than 6 seed per foot with a single row planter with a large editable bean plate. You may need to use a Virginia peanut plate.

Disease

  • The stressful conditions last year resulted in seed that is potentially weaker and is carrying a heavier pathogen load than normal.
  • Effective seed treatment will be critical to getting good stands with this seed. The bottom line is that much of our seed will be treated with Rancona this year, but they do not have enough to treat it all.
  • The use of in-furrow fungicides will be the best way to bridge the gap and help ensure good stand establishment. This will be especially important where Dynasty is used.
  • Velum Total has been effective on Aspergillus. If it is being used for nematodes, it should provide a good level of control for seedling diseases.
  • A cheaper option would be Proline if nematodes are not an issue.
  • These will both give some early season control of soilborne diseases and leaf spot as well. These could also be used with Rancona-treated seed for an additional level of protection.
  • Do not use Azoxystrobin in-furrow with Dynasty treated seed

Insects

  • Any peanuts planted before May 10th are at increased risk of thrips injury and TSWV infection.
  • Planting some of the crop after May 10th will help hedge against the risk of losses to TSWV.
  • In furrow options are:
    • Phorate (Thimet)
    • Imidacloprid (Admire Pro and others)
    • Aldicarb (Ag-Logic) in the furrow at planting.
  • Phorate (Thimet) is the only insecticide that has been proven to reduce the risk of TSWV infection in peanut.
  • If you plant early (before May 10th) know that imidacloprid in-furrow will not reduce the risk of TSWV.
  • If you choose not to use an insecticide at planting then you need to scout for thrips as soon as plants begin to emerge. Acephate (Orthene) applications should be applied before heavy thrips injury occurs.