The best way to manage insects is to scout fields and treat only when necessary. Prevathon, Diamond, and Besiege are options to control populations and reduce damage. Sometimes a well-timed rain or irrigation event is all that is needed to manage LCB, but when rain is lacking in dryland fields insecticides may be needed. Late-planted, non-irrigated sandy fields are at increased risk of LCB. Lesser cornstalk borers (LCB) are another sporadic in hot-, dry-weather pest. However, SBL must be managed with the “newer” chemistries (Prevathon, Intrepid Edge, Besiege, etc.). Proper scouting and identification is critical, as VBC and GCW can be controlled with most labeled insecticides. Comite II and Portal are the only labelled options available for spider mite management in 2022.ĭefoliating caterpillars, including tobacco budworms (TBW), cloverworms (GCW), corn earworms (CEW), soybean loopers (SBL), and velvetbean caterpillars (VBC) may infest peanuts at various times during the season. Keep in mind that mites are likely in every field at low levels all season long just waiting on conditions to be conducive for populations to explode. Spider mites are a sporadic, hot-and-dry-weather pest that may flare following sequential applications of broad-spectrum insecticides. Understanding these pest habits can help us understand the in-season risk of infestations of these pests.

On the other hand, fields with heavier soils and irrigation tend to be at higher risk of infestations of corn rootworms. In fields with previous issues with PBB, tillage is an option to reduce populations. The good thing is PBB are only a problem in reduced-tillage fields and is worse in hot, dry conditions. Unfortunately, there are not any chemical options for control of these sporadic pests in 2022.

The loss of chlorpyrifos (Lorsban) complicates control of peanut burrower bugs (PBB) and corn rootworms. Additional information on TSWV is in the Alabama Extension publication Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus on Peanuts available at Other Pests This resource gives the risk of TSWV incidence in a field based on several factors. Research and Extension personnel from across the Southeast publish the Peanut Rx Guide each year available at. In addition to the use of high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties and at-plant insecticides to manage TSWV, producers can also utilize cultural practices such as tillage, planting date, and row spacings. Although acephate is an economical choice, Radiant is less likely to flare spider mites.

Foliar options include acephate and Radiant. In some cases, supplemental foliar thrips sprays may be needed if the plants are stunted from other factors such as herbicide injury, seed quality, nematodes, etc. In trials last season, the addition of an at-plant insecticide provided an average yield increase of 1,990 pounds over the non-treated yield. While these options have not been proven to consistently reduce TSWV, they are good options to manage thrips and help increase early season peanut growth. Other options for thrips control include aldicarb (granular) and imidacloprid (liquid). Although there are high-yielding, TSWV-resistant varieties available, at-plant insecticides are necessary to protect against thrips.Ĭurrently, phorate (Thimet) is the only option that consistently reduces the incidence of TSWV incidence. Their pest status is elevated by the fact that in addition to reducing early season vigor, they also may transmit tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). Thrips are the most consistent insect pest of peanuts in Alabama.

Besiege insecticide