Field plots showcasing different peanut varieties. Photo by Doug Mayo.
Despite the rainy weather, the annual UF/IFAS Peanut Field Day was held on Thursday, August 11, 2016. The event took place at the North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC), where specialists from both Florida and Georgia spoke to attendees regarding research findings and production management. Roughly 150 people turned out for the event regardless of the gathering storm clouds and weather forecast. Jackie Burns, UF/IFAS Dean for Research and Sherry Larkin, Associate Dean of Resaerch came to experience the Peanut Field Day. The event was off to a good start when showers halted the field tours. Fortunately, the speakers were prepared for this situation and used PowerPoint presentations while indoors to convey their messages to the group.
Tour group (including Dean Burns) listening to Dr. Barry Tillman speak on the characteristics of different peanut varieties. Photo by Matt Lollar.
Continuing education units (CEUs) were available for Florida, Georgia, and Alabama pesticide license holders, as well as for Certified Crop Advisors. The event included six presentations from a combination of Extension specialists, county agents, UF graduate students, and sponsor exhibits.
The Peanut Field Day concentrated on different production strategies and management practices that help minimize costs for producers. Topics addressed included insect and disease management, herbicide use, crop production, irrigation impact on root development, and variety updates.
Mark Abney, UGA Peanut Entomologist, spoke to attendees about several insects such as tobacco thrips, spider mites, and lesser cornstalk borers to name a few. He offered insight on which products could be used to treat for different insects and how certain product applications may lead to other issues (pyrethroids kill caterpillars, but flare spider mite populations).
Mark Abney, UGA Peanut Entomologist, spoke to attendees about several insects that are peanut pests, such as tobacco thrips, spider mites, and lesser cornstalk borers. PhotoCredit: Doug Mayo
Ramon Leon, UF/IFAS Weed Specialist, showed pictures of and discussed chemical injury from several herbicides (Valor, Dual Magnum, etc.) and also gave examples on how to prevent damage from these products.
Dr. Ramon Leon speaking to the crowd indoors after rain caught the tours in the field. Photo by Ethan Carter.
With all the rain from the past week or so, it was only natural to get a pathologist’s perspective on these conditions, the emergence of diseases, and how best to combat them. Attendees were lucky enough to hear from two Extension pathologists: Nick Dufault from UF/IFAS, and Bob Kemerait from UGA. Dr. Dufault explained how, based on his trials replicated across Florida (Citra, Quincy, Marianna, Jay), he can show that different pathogens and diseases have been more prevalent in certain locations than others. He also discussed the necessity of rotating chemistries and using products with multiple modes of action to increase disease control and minimize the risks associated with resistance from using a similar product repeatedly.
Dr. Nick Dufault speaking to attendees on fungicides and disease management. Photo by Bob Kemerait
Even though it did rain during the tours, the field day was still quite a success. Producers from the region learned about some of the latest research on growing peanuts, and had the opportunity to discuss their own production questions directly with the specialists. We certainly appreciate all of our program sponsors; an event of this magnitude would not be possible without their support.
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