Peanuts: We were finally able to spray peanuts this week. Some were fortunate and able to keep a tight spray window however some were not. The weather continues to be favorable for the development of diseases so get it as soon as you can. Peanut Rx is an excellent tool to use to create a fungicide program for your peanut fields. Some have asked about sulfur for added leafspot control. Dr. Culbreath has tested several sulfur products and has found they work very well tanked mixed at 5lbs/A with fungicides like Azoxystrobin (Abound), Pyraclostrobin (Headline), and Tebuconazole. They have also worked well with Umbra and Excalia. These are the products that have shown through testing to work the best:
- Microthiol 80W
- Drexel Sulfur 80W
- Drexel Suffa 6f
- TechnoS 90W
- Accoidal 80WG
Cotton: The weather is screaming target spot so be on the lookout. Most everyone is in bloom right now so if you need to foliar feed keep in mind that it is most effective up until the 4th week of bloom. 5th to 7th week is iffy and once you pass the 8th week it’s too late to do any good. Aphid fungus has appeared in heavily infested fields. This should help crash aphid populations. This is the time of year when corn earworms will be moving out of cornfields and into our cotton fields. The 2 gene Bt varieties are at more risk for earworm escapes than our 3 gene Bt varieties so be on the lookout for escapes. Generally, they are found in blooms, bloom tags, and the first few nodes below the uppermost white bloom. If worms reach or exceed a 1/4″, they will likely survive the Bt and need to be controlled. We know we have a lot of plant bugs but with bolls developing we need to be on the lookout for stinkbugs now. So far reported stinkbug pressure is low.
Hay: Bermudagrass Stem Maggot has been rearing his ugly head. The best time to spray a pyrethroid is 7-10 days after harvest with at least 15gal/A. It’s also best to spray before the dew dries and drop your boom low as possible. Don’t forget that slowing your ground speed can increase bale density and increasing your cutting height improves regrowth. If you would like to participate in the Southeastern Hay Growers Contest at the Expo, we are taking applications and samples now. Just come by the office. Entries are due by September 1st.