The peanut fungicide program is a topic that is on the minds of many growers that planted in late April and early May. Most peanut acres have been planted at this point, but those earlier fields are nearing the start of the fungicide spray program. A grower may ask, “How do I start my peanut fungicide program?” Following are some steps to consider from Dr. Bob Kemerait, UGA Extension Pathologist:
- Consult Peanut Rx to determine risk. Lower risk fields have better options.
- Did you use Velum in-furrow? If so, a grower can most likely start a program at 40-45 days after planting.
- Most growers will start their program 30-35 days after planting. Most any leaf spot fungicide (applied at correct rate) is appropriate at this timing. This includes chlorothalonil, but fungicides like Absolute Maxx, Approach Prima, etc. also work well early.
- Growers who start a leaf spot fungicide program at 45 days should recognize that the BEST products here (in my opinion and I have lots of opinions based upon results from our research trials with Dr. Albert Culbreth and Dr. Tim Brenneman) include Priaxor and Lucento. I see them as “more alike” at 45 days than they are different. Using fungicides like chlorothalonil alone, Aproach Prima, or Absolute Maxx as a FIRST fungicide at 45 days should be done only after careful thought. Most every grower in the state SHOULD begin a program by 45 days after planting. It gets tough to fight disease if it gets ahead of you.
- If a grower wanted to start his peanut fungicide program at 30 days with 8 oz of tebuconazole – it might work; it might not work. With our resistance in peanut leaf spot diseases to tebuconazole, why not mix some chlorothalonil in with it…. to be safe…
Below is the Peanut Rx risk index. It will help to determine risk. Peanut Rx is also available in an interactive online tool – access it at Peanut Rx (https://peanutrx.org/).
If we can be of assistance at Worth County Extension, please let us know.