Peanut Digging Decisions with Tropical Storm Karen Threatening

by | Oct 4, 2013 | Field Crops, Peanut, Weather

Seminole County GA peanuts being dug this week. Source: Rome Ethredge

Seminole County GA peanuts being dug this week. Source: Rome Ethredge

Rome Ethredge, Seminole County GA County Extension Coordinator

Seminole Crop News

Should peanut fields that have reached optimal maturity be dug or left in the ground, with Tropical Storm Karen threatening this weekend?

According to Dr. John Beasley, UGA Extension Peanut Specialist, there are two scenarios to consider.

  1. “If a field has minimal disease pressure (defoliation from leaf spots or white mold) and if the soil is dry enough that digging before the rain would result in significant digging losses (especially in heavier, finer textured soils), then it is OK to leave the peanuts in the field until the wet weather passes.
  2. Second, if a field has a higher level of defoliation (approaching or exceeding 50%), higher levels of white mold, or a sandier textured soil with adequate moisture for digging with minimal digging losses, then those fields should be dug ahead of the upcoming rain event. However, wait as long as possible and dig just ahead of the rain. This would be in the next day or two.

Keep in mind that if a field has been dug for a few days and the moisture content in the pods has dropped into that 12-18% range and then re-hydrated by the rain event, there is a higher risk of Aspergillus flavus mold developing, which could develop into aflatoxin. If you have vines and pods dry enough to combine, do so ahead of the rain event. If you have fields that need to be dug ahead of the rain event, do so as close to the actual rain as possible. Rain on freshly dug vines and pods will not hurt the yield or quality potential.”

This is not a video player, but a photo linked to Channel 4 Dothan's website with the video payer. website with the video

This is not a video player, but a photo linked to Channel 4 Dothan’s website where you can actually view the video.

 

Doug Mayo
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