Peanut Fungicide Application 6-21-13Bob Kemarait, UGA Extension Plant Pathologist

Peanut disease and nematode management are always a critical component for profitability and success.  The following are some suggestions for disease and nematode management for the 2015 growing season.

It is expected that there will be a significant increase in acreage planted to peanut in 2015.  Growers are to be reminded that planting more peanuts at the expense of good crop rotation (we hope for at least two years between peanut crops) will surely lead to a reduction in yield over time.

The 2015 Peanut Rx app is available FREE for iPhones at the App storePeanut Rx and on Android phones at Google Play: UGA Peanut Rx.  Growers should download this app!

Some growers are interested in using Proline fungicide either in-furrow or as an early-season treatment for management of white mold. So, when would you consider an early proline application?   I would certainly consider an in-furrow use of Proline for fields where risk to CBR is high or where it has been a problem in the past.  An in-furrow use is an effective treatment for CBR. I would also consider use of in-furrow Proline where additional efforts to manage white mold are desired, e.g. where white mold has been a problem, where fields are planted peanut to peanut, and perhaps in years where excessively high summer temperatures are expected. NOTE:  An in-furrow use of Proline for control of white mold is NOT the BEST use of the product (banded early emergence applications are generally more consistent in protecting yield).  However, for growers who do not want to, or are unable to put out the banded application, an in-furrow application can have some efficacy.

Research trials have shown the most effective way to use Proline is as a post-emergent, banded application 3 to 5 weeks after emergence.  This treatment is most appropriate for fields at increased risk to white mold.  Factors that increase risk to white mold include:

  1. Short rotations with peanut.
  2. Fields with a history of losses to white mold
  3. Seasons that begin very much warmer than normal.  (Growers will have several weeks after planting to decide if such is the case.

VELUM Total is now labeled for use in peanut as a management tool for nematodes and thrips.  The rate for peanut will be 18 fl oz/A.  VELUM Total can be mixed with liquid innoculants and in-furrow fungicides.

Registration for ELATUS fungicide (a combination of Abound and the SDHI fungicide “solatenol”) is expected to occur in time for use this growing season, but has not occurred yet.  When it is labeled, ELATUS will be an effective fungicide for management of leaf spot and soilborne diseases.

There are a number of reports suggesting that chlorothalonil (sold under many brand names to include Bravo, Echo, Equus, Chloronil, etc,) will be in short supply in 2015.  As chlorothalonil is an important fungicide for management of leaf spot diseases of peanut, a shortage could have a significant effect on our growers.  Below are some recommendations for dealing with challenges that could occur.

  1. The first two applications of chlorothalonil (30 and 40 DAP, days after planting) can be removed IF Proline, 5.7 lf oz/A is banded at approximately 35 DAP and a Provost program is initiated at 60 DAP.  The first two chlorothalonil applications can also be omitted if Priaxor is used on the crop approximately 45 DAP.
  2. Chlorothalonil can be extended by tank mixing a reduced rate (e.g. 1.0 pt/A rather than 1.5 pt/A) with 2 fl oz/A Tilt/Bumper, 5 fl oz/A Topsin-M, or Alto, 5 fl oz/A.
  3. Tilt-Bravo or Echo-Propimax can be substituted for chlorothalonil.
  4. An application of Elast (1.5 fl oz/A) can be used to replace and application of chlorothalonil.
  5. For a SINGLE application during a season, Topsin-M, 10 fl oz/A, can replace an application chlorothalonil.
  6. Absolute (trifloxystrobin + tebucoanzole) and Stratego (trifloxystrobin + propiconazole) can be substituted for chlorothalonil.

 

Doug Mayo
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