So far in 2024, we have seen an extremely wet May, a drier than drier-than-normal June, and a July of scattered rain events that are more typical of our average rainfall. Drought conditions persist in many areas of the peanut belt, but overall, peanuts have turned the corner in many areas. The 2024 crop varies in planting dates, with a larger-than-usual portion of the peanut crop planted later in the window. This makes estimating exact irrigation requirements on a broad basis difficult. Most growers planted in mid-April to mid-May will reach peak water use during August, and then the daily water use will slowly decline. Do not get behind on irrigation, as the weather can just as quickly become hot and dry over August. If you fall behind with hot and dry weather, catching up with irrigation is difficult. Debby brought us some needed rain, but it dried out quicker than I thought; I wonder if these root systems were hurt from the wet start.
There are several reasons as to why white mold is frequently reported now. The growth of the peanut crop typically results in a dense cover of leaves, which extends the period of moisture within the canopy and also traps humidity, both of which favor the growth of the white mold fungus Sclerotium rolfsii. This same leaf canopy creates an environment favorable for white mold and blocks fungicides from reaching the plant’s crown, where white mold develops. Scattered rain events and the threat of tropical storms provide moisture to further fuel the disease, and hot temperatures during the days and nights of summer are critical for a white mold explosion. Be mindful that diseases like tomato spotted wilt and Diplodia collar rot can cause similar symptoms. A few ways to maximize white mold control is to be timely with applications, typically 14 days. If white mold pressure is higher, that window can be tightened up. Also, increase your spray volume or apply it at night.
Days after planting may not perfectly correspond with maturity this year. The early planted crop went through several weeks of wet weather in May and hot, dry weather in June, which slowed down initial blooming. This could extend the maturity by a week or so. Replanted fields and some dry land fields will likely have to be evaluated differently as they will have some older and younger plants due to age differences in the plants or split crops. I have the feeling peanuts will need to be pushed longer this year.
Hit of White Mold
