It is time to start planning for peanut planting. There are some decisions that we have to make before the furrow closes. Many of you are asking me about in-furrow insecticide options. Below I will discuss differences of Velum Total and Thimet.
Velum Total contains two AIs, imidacloprid and fluopyram. Here are two facts on imidacloprid: it is a good systemic insecticide on thrips and it is very easy to mix with other in-furrow treatments like a liquid inoculant. Fluopyram is a fungicide that has good activity on nematodes. When a seed treatment fungicide is used in combination with Velum Total, there is no need for an additional chemistry like Abound for seedling disease. When looking at nematode control, Velum Total has performed as well as Aglogic 15G (aldicarb) in many trials across the state.
Thimet provides good thrips control as well as reduction of tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). Thimet is the only insecticide that reduces TSWV. If you are highly concerned with TSWV due to variety choices or an early planting date, then Thimet is your only option for TSWV.
Lastly, I do not think there is a right or wrong option. It depends on your individual situation.