Leaf spot comparison in University of Georgia trial

2019 was not an easy year for peanut growers. While still recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Michael, you likely experienced an extremely wet spring that soaked fields at planting. You then dealt with high temperatures and drought over the summer. These harsh conditions created a hotbed for peanut diseases, and high inoculum levels could have a lasting impact on the 2020 season.

• White mold. One of the most consistently damaging soilborne diseases for peanuts, white mold is always top of mind. Researchers with the University of Georgia Extension say they can now expect to find white mold in every peanut field. This year, there was early, intense white mold disease pressure, and many peanut fields lost plants. Because the fungus can overwinter, white mold pressure will likely be high again in 2020.
• Leaf spot. Another constant in Southeastern peanut fields, leaf spot is a foliar disease that causes premature defoliation. However, Mississippi State University Extension experts say they have not seen leaf spot progression and defoliation as aggressive as it was in 2019.

With high inoculum levels from disease pressure this year, it is important for you to build out a spray program that delivers powerful, lasting preventive protection for your peanut crop. NC State Extension researchers say prevention for peanut diseases, especially for leaf spot, is critical, as it is usually too late for effective control once symptoms appear.

For white mold and leaf spot, we recommend a program that includes Elatus^® and Miravis^® fungicides for a complete package of control. Elatus provides long-lasting residual management of white mold, while Miravis delivers groundbreaking potency against early and late leaf spot to help revolutionize peanut growing. By combining these 2 complementary fungicides in a spray program, you can feel confident you will see exceptional soilborne and foliar disease control next season.

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