Peanuts: Diggers are starting to be seen more and more. The majority of the May peanuts have been tracking along the 140-143 day range. Again every circumstance is different. Diseased peanuts may have to be dug a little sooner to maximize the crop. Late leafspot has been a terror this week. I’ve seen several fields where the plants are heavily defoliated and are being dug early. The picture below is some late leafspot with a little TSWV mixed in. Good spray program but the weather conditions won out this time. If you have 16HOs, check the peg strength. I have heard reports of peg strength declining rapidly on them. So far all the peanuts brought in for maturity checks have looked really good.
Late Leafspot with a little TSWV too
Cotton: Some cotton is being sprayed but I haven’t heard of much. It’s getting close though. I’ve looked at a few fields that are borderline on defoliation time. Boll rot is still hanging around and Areolate Mildew is creeping in. We need to keep a watch on the later planted stuff.
Weather: NOAA is giving us about a 70-80% chance of developing a La Nina weather system for the winter months. What is La Nina? She brings warmer and drier conditions across the Southeast.