Soybeans – We know soybean rust is active now in kudzu across southern Georgia. That is the “spark”. This weather is like “gasoline” to that spark, so I expect soybean rust to spread further in kudzu and eventually to soybeans. Growers will need to be prepared when their beans start to bloom.
Corn – Still no southern corn rust found in Georgia, but I will be surprised if we don’t find it soon. Much of our corn is
approaching tassel, a critical stage for protecting the crop IF rust or other diseases threaten.
Peanuts – Much of our peanut crop is approaching (or has reached) 30 days after planting. 30-45 days after planting is CRITICAL for initiating a fungicide program, especially now.
Whether you start at 30 days or wait until 45 days after planting depends on:
1. Peanut Rx Risk Index scores, especially variety and rotation factors
2. What products you will spray first (some need to be sprayed at 30, some can wait until 45)
3. Whether or not Velum was used in furrow
Given that conditions are favorable, it wouldn’t hurt to include something early-season for white mold control, though most major white mold programs begin at 60 days.
PLEASE! Do not wait beyond 45 days to begin your program; growers who wait beyond that may be playing “catch up” for the rest of the season.