I have had a few calls regarding growth regulators (Kudos or Apogee). In many early-planted peanut fields, we’re seeing row closure much earlier than expected—some even within 55 days, particularly on sandy soils with good moisture. This has led growers to ask whether they should go ahead and apply or wait until the typical 65 days after planting. Follow the plant’s actual growth, not the calendar. In some fields, which are expected to reach 65 days, vegetative development has lagged despite ample rainfall. This reinforces that timing decisions should be based on observed vine growth, not just days after planting. If you planted peanuts in late April to early May, the first application should ideally have been initiated by now (75–80 days). Delayed application may reduce the regulator’s effectiveness. These are not blanket recommendations. Your fields, conditions, and timing all play a role in whether growth regulators are truly beneficial. Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions.
For Runner Peanuts:
- Rate Range: 3.5–5.4 oz/acre, applied twice
- Trigger: When 90% of vines are lapped (≥50% lateral vines touching in row middles)
- Second Application: 14–21 days after the first
- Avoid: 7.25 oz/acre applied twice—this rate is excessive for runner types
- Total seasonal application should not exceed 11–11.5 oz/acre, as higher rates may cause plant stress and reduce yields.
For Irrigated Fields:
- Use a growth regulator only if you have a history of aggressive vine growth or are growing vigorous varieties like GA-12Y or TIFNV-HG.
- Avoid spraying during hot, dry spells (90°F+ with no expected rain). High temps and regulator use together may overstress plants.
- Apply irrigation 1–2 days prior to spraying.
For Non-Irrigated Fields:
- Generally not recommended unless conditions are excessively wet
- Consider 1 application at 7.25 oz/acre (between 60–75 days)
- Avoid two applications unless rains continue steadily; dry, hot conditions after a second spray can severely impact yields.
Application:
- Always add a nitrogen source. Apply 1 lb of spray grade ammonium sulfate per acre or one pint of UAN (28%, 30% or 32% nitrogen solution) per acre.
- Add 1 quart/acre of Crop Oil Concentrate. May not need, depending on tank mix partners. For example, do not add crop oil when mixing the growth regulator and nitrogen source with a fungicide. Remember, the more products you add, the higher the risk of foliage burn.
- Apply in a minimum of 20 GPA of water.
- NOT recommended in fields that are under stress due to lack of moisture, disease pressure, or other stress conditions.
- Rain fastness is 6–8 hours.