Peanut Weed Tips for July - Prostko

A few things to consider as we head into July:

1) Cobra or Ultra Blazer applications should be avoided if possible when the peanut plants are in the R5 (beginning seed) to R6 (full seed) stage of growth (Figure 1).   Results from a 9 location study conducted in 2005-2006 indicated that Cobra applied at this time could cause a significant peanut yield loss (~5%).  

Figure 1. Peanut Stages of Growth.

2) Nearly all 2,4-DB labels limit the official number of applications that can be made in peanut to 2.  Results from trials conducted in 1997 indicated that peanut plants (Florunner and GK-7) were tolerant of multiple applications (1, 2, or 3) of 2,4-DB.  Research is currently underway in 2015 to confirm these older results using GA-06G.  Check out Figure 2 for a list of how much and when 2,4-DB can be applied according to current labels.

Figure 2.  Summary of 2,4-DB labels for use in peanuts.

3) On more than 1 occasion this year, growers have accidently applied 2,4-D amine rather than 2,4-DB to peanut plants.  Fortunately, we have a good idea what could happen to peanut yields when this occurs (not that bad depending upon rate and peanut stage of growth).  Check out the following UGA Extension publication:

http://extension.uga.edu/publications/files/pdf/C%201036_1.PDF

"Not a rocket scientist for sure but I am thinking that is a great idea to read and check the label (or at least look at it) of any pesticide jug before dumping it into a spray tank.  As my father once told me, fast and ready sets the pace but slow and steady wins the race!"

4) I will be on vacation from July 4-11.  If you need to contact me, please send me an e-mail or text.  I will respond to e-mails and texts from 9 am-10 am during my vacation.  

5) From July 13-17, I will be attending the annual APRES Meeting in Charleston and will respond to any phone calls, texts, or e-mails as usual.

6) Now that my busy spray season is almost over, I would like to remind any county extension agent (seasoned or un-seasoned) that I would be more than happy to spend a day in your county just walking and talking.  All you need to do is call.