ABSTRACT Six Virginia-type peanut ( Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivars and their paired backcross-derived high-oleate lines were grown during 2003 and 2004 in North Carolina to compare standard germination (SG), cool germination (CG), and electrical conductivity (EC) of seed. Oleic acid level had no influence on SG but did alter CG and EC compared to the corresponding normal oleate cultivars. Averaged across background genotypes, high-oleate lines had lower seed vigor than their paired lines with normal oleic content. The high-oleate lines of three of the six pairs had lower CG and higher EC. Planting and harvest date affected all the seed quality traits measured. Standard germination of both normal and high-oleate lines was reduced in 2004 when harvest was delayed, but was not affected in 2003. In 2003, CG of the high-oleate lines was lower than that of normal lines in three of the four production environments; EC was higher in the high-oleate lines in all planting date and harvest date combinations. In 2004, there was no difference between the CG of normal and high-oleate lines, but EC was higher in the high-oleate lines for three of the four environments. In the greenhouse, the Virginia-type cultivars NC-V 11 and Gregory, along with their paired backcross-derived high-oleate lines were compared at 22/18 C, 26/22 C and 30/26 C day/night temperature regimes. Seed oleic to linoleic acid (O/L) ratio of normal peanut grown in 30/26 C, 26/22 C, and 22/18 C, measured 1.9, 1.5, and 1.3, respectively. The O/L ratio for their high-oleate pairs decreased from 24.7 when grown in 30/26 C to 15.9 in 26/22 C and to 13.7 in 22/18 C. Temperature did not affect the fatty acid composition of axis total lipid or phospholipid fractions. The high-oleate trait was expressed in the axis lipids. The average O/L ratio of axes from normal peanut was 1.1 while that of high-oleate lines was 4.6. Likewise, axis phospholipids for normal and high-oleate lines were 1.0 and 5.9. A lower production environment temperature decreased the O/L ratio of seed oil of high-oleic peanut lines, and the high-oleate trait expressed in peanut seed storage lipids is also expressed in axis membrane lipids to a lesser degree.

ABSTRACT Numerous agrochemicals can be applied in peanut to control pests. Field and laboratory experiments were conducted in North Carolina during 2009 and 2010 to determine peanut response to paraquat and tobacco thrips ( Frankliniella fusca Hinds.) when acephate was applied in combination with chloroacetamide and contact herbicides. Experiments were also conducted during 2011 to determine peanut response to acephate applied alone or with paraquat when peanut was planted either without aldicarb or when aldicarb was applied in the seed furrow at planting. Visible peanut damage caused by tobacco thrips feeding was greater when chloroacetamide herbicides were applied without acephate compared with application with acephate regardless of paraquat treatment. Visible injury caused by paraquat was higher when chloroacetamide herbicides were included compared with paraquat alone in one of two years. Visible injury by paraquat was lower when applied with acephate compared to paraquat alone in one of two years. Acephate applied to peanut foliage and aldicarb applied in the seed furrow at planting protected peanut similarly from damage associated with tobacco thrips feeding. Acephate alone or with chloroacetamide herbicides changed solution pH from slightly acidic to highly acidic. Several combinations of pesticides formed either transient or permanent precipitates.

Soil arthropod pests are important constraints to peanut production in Ghana. Surveys of peanut fields were conducted from 2003–2005 to identify and estimate densities of key soil arthropod pests, and also to quantify their damage to peanut in the three regions (Northern, Upper East and Upper West) of northern Ghana. The main soil pests were termites ( Isoptera: Termitidae ), millipedes ( Myriapoda: Odontopygidae ), white grubs ( Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae ) and wireworms ( Coleoptera: Elateridae ). Across regions, termites and millipedes were the most abundant while wireworms were the least recorded. Significantly higher pest densities and pod damage by scarification and penetration were generally recorded in the Northern Region than in the Upper East and Upper West Regions. A checklist administered to farmers during the survey showed that no control practices were carried out for the pests though farmers generally were aware of the damaging effects of these pests on peanut. Field studies also were conducted at Nyankpala and Bagurugu in the Northern Region during 2005 and 2006 to determine the effects of insecticide (chlorpyrifos or carbofuran) applications to peanut at planting, pegging or at both planting and pegging on control of soil arthropod pests and on yield. Results showed that the insecticides used were similar in their efficacy against the pests. Generally, insecticide treatment lowered pest densities and pod damage resulting in increased yield over the untreated control. Yield losses in untreated plots ranged between 23 and 39%. Treatment at planting or pegging did not differ in the level of control compared with treatment at both planting and pegging. Yield was negatively correlated with pest densities and pod damage. These findings are discussed in the context of control of soil pests of peanut in Ghana.

Differences in the ability of cultivars to compete with weeds are not well-defined for peanut. Research was conducted in 2007 and 2008 to compare the growth and competitiveness of the virginia market type cultivars NC 10C, NC-V 11, NC 12C, Phillips, VA 98R, and breeding lines N99027L, N01013T, and N02020J under weedy and weed-free conditions. Weed-free peanut was established by applying preemergence and postemergence herbicides throughout the growing season supplemented by weekly hand removal of weeds. Clethodim was applied to weedy peanut to eliminate annual grass interference but not interference from broadleaf weeds and sedges. Weed-free peanut biomass, weedy peanut biomass, and weed biomass were not affected by genotype 10 weeks after peanut emergence. Although substantial yield loss was noted in presence of weeds, the percent yield loss did not vary by genotype when comparing weedy and weed-free yield. These data suggest that cultivar selection within virginia market type peanut will have limited utility in a comprehensive weed management strategy.

Research was conducted at eight locations across the United States peanut belt during 2008 to evaluate peanut response to postemergence applications of dicamba. Dicamba was applied at 0, 40, 70, 140, 280 and 560 g ai/ha at 30, 60, and 90 days after peanut planting (DAP). In 5 of 8 locations, peanut yield losses were greater when dicamba was applied at 30 and 60 DAP when compared to 90 DAP. Estimated yield losses for dicamba applied at 40 g ai/ha ranged between 2% to 29%. Estimated yield losses for dicamba applied at 560 g ai/ha ranged between 23% to 100%. These data may aid peanut growers in making appropriate management decisions in situations where off-target movement of dicamba has occurred or sprayer contamination is suspected.

Senescence and abscission of mature peanut pods is controlled by the ethylene cascade. Reducing senescence and abscission could involve inhibiting the ethylene cascade and allow greater harvest flexibility in peanut. Application of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), the ethylene binding inhibitor, may reduce senescence and abscission of mature peanut pods. Research was conducted from 2005 through 2008 in North Carolina to determine the effects of 1-MCP on pod yield and percentages of sound mature kernels (%SMK), sound splits (%SS), total sound mature kernels (%TSMK), other kernels (%OK), extra large kernels (%ELK), fancy pods (%FP), and pod retention. Treatments of 1-MCP were applied at 26 g ai/ha plus a crop oil concentrate at 7, 10, or 14 d prior to digging peanut at the projected optimum digging date. Peanut was dug at the projected optimum digging date or at 7 or 20 d after projected optimum digging date. The cultivars NC-V 11 (2005 and 2007), Phillips (2006 and 2007), and Perry (2008) were evaluated in separate experiments. Pod yield, %SMK, %TSMK, %SS, %OK, %ELK, and %FP were not affected by 1-MCP regardless of application timing when NC-V 11 and Phillips were evaluated. Only %SMK and %TSMK were affected by 1-MCP when applied to the cultivar Perry. Digging date affected pod yield and market grade characteristics. When digging of Phillips and Perry was delayed by 7 or 20 d past the optimum digging date, %SMK and %TSMK increased. Pod retention, determined by comparing the number and mass of pods/plant following digging, was affected by digging date and location but not 1-MCP treatment. These data suggest that 1-MCP will have little activity on peanut pod yield, market grade characteristics, or pod retention.

Peanut ( Arachis hypogaea L.) is the most popular legume cultivated for food and cash in the Guinea and Sudan savannah ecologies of northern Ghana. A three-year survey was conducted between 2003 and 2005 to: (1) document the prevalence of weed species, (2) determine current cropping systems and weed management practices, and (3) assess the response of peanut to weed management practices. Flora with more than 5% dominance included: (1) the dicotyledonous weeds, Corchorus olitorius L. Commelina benghalensis L., Commelina diffusa Burm., f, Desmodium scorpluras (Sw.) Desv., Hyptis suoveolens Poit., Mimosa invisa Mart., Mimosa pigra L., Mitracarpus villosus (Sw.) DC., Oldenlandia corymbosa L., Phyllanthus amarus Schum. & Thonn., Scoparia dulcis L., Tridax procumbens L., Triumfeta cordiflora A. Rich., and Vernonia galamensis (Cass.) Less.; (2) the monocotyledonous weeds Axonopus compresus (Sw.) P. Beauv., Cyperus esculentus L., Cyperus rotundus L., Digitaria horizontalis Willd., Eragrostis tremula Hochst. Ex Steud., Hackelochloa granularis (L.) O. Ktze., Kyllinga erecta Schumach. Var., Kyllinga squamulata Thonn. Ex Vahl., Paspalum scrobiculatum L., Rottboellia cochinchinensis (Lour.) Clayton, and Setaria pallide-fusca (Schum.) Stapf. & C.E. Hubbard; and (3) the parasitic weed Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth. Land preparation practices included the use of tractors, followed by use of livestock, and lastly hand preparation. Cropping systems consisted of cereals preceding peanut, peanut preceding peanut, and intercropping peanut with sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor L. Moench. ), millet ( Pennisetum Americanum L.), or corn ( Zea mays L.). Genetically-improved peanut cultivars expressing bunch or erect growth habits were the most common cultivars although some farmers planted local cultivars expressing a distinct runner growth habit. The majority of farmers planted peanut from early June to early July based on rainfall pattern. Eighty-eight percent of peanut fields were hand weeded once, 3 to 5 weeks after planting (WAP) or twice, 2 to 3 and 5 to 6 WAP. Weed management was generally poorly timed and insufficient to prevent significant weed interference resulting in total oven-dried weed biomass ranging from 600 to 2400 kg/ha at harvest. Peanut haulm production ranged from 500 to 5500 kg/ha with improved cultivars. Pod yield production ranged from 200 to 1680 kg/ha. Results from this survey revealed the need for accelerated research and capacity building of farmers and agricultural extension agents for improved technology transfer to the peanut industry in the region.

Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), a thrips-vectored tospovirus , is an important pathogen of peanut ( Arachis hypogaea L.). Development of tolerant cultivars has proven to be one of the most promising methods to manage the disease. Twenty-four genotypes of virginia market-type peanut were monitored in field tests for thrips damage, and TSWV incidence and severity during 2004 and 2005 in North Carolina. The cultivar Gregory had a higher density of adult thrips in foliage than any other genotype, while breeding lines N01057 and N03054E had the lowest density. No significant correlation was detected between thrips density or injury and TSWV incidence. Line N03036EJ had the greatest TSWV incidence, but did not differ from cultivars Gregory or Perry in incidence. Line N00033 had the least TSWV incidence and differed from the cultivars Gregory and Perry. The occurrence of late-season chlorosis or peanut yellowing death (PYD) was highly correlated with TSWV infection (P < 0.0001). Breeding line N02051ol had the greatest incidence of PYD, but did not differ statistically from Gregory or Perry. Lines N03023EF and N01083 had the least PYD incidence. Plants infected with TSWV not expressing foliar symptoms were found in far greater abundance than plants that were infected and symptomatic. Line N03036EJ had the greatest proportion of infected but asymptomatic plants; line N03054E had the least. Susceptible lines are more likely to become infected, rather than just more likely to show spotted wilt symptoms.

Experiments in peanut ( Arachis hypogaea L.) were conducted in northern Ghana, West Africa during 2003, 2004, and 2005 to determine interactions of cultivar, planting date, and weed management system on soil arthropod pest density, disease incidence, pod hull scarification and penetration from arthropod feeding, and pod yield. Experiments included four planting dates (28 May, 11 and 25 June, and 9 July), four cultivars (Chinese, Manipintar, JL 24, and RLRS-11), and three weed management systems (weeding four weeks, six weeks, or both four and six weeks after planting). The interaction of cultivar and planting date was significant for millipede ( Peridontopyge spp.) density, penetrated pods, and pod yield. Cultivar and planting date affected density of white grubs ( Schyzonicha spp.), termites ( Microtermes and Odontotermes spp.), and wireworms (Elateridae); incidence of early leaf spot ( Cercospora arachidicola Hori) and late leaf spot [ Cercosporidium personatum (Berk. & M.A. Curtis) Deighton]; and scarified pods independently. Millipede density was similar for all planting dates with the cultivars Chinese and JL 24 but was higher for the cultivars Manipintar and RLRS-11 when planted early. Incidence of early and late leaf spot was higher when peanut was planted 11 June compared with planting 28 May, 25 June, or 9 July. The cultivars Chinese and JL 24 were more susceptible to these diseases than Manipintar or RLRS-11. Weed management did not affect arthropod pest density. However, weeding at both four and six weeks after planting resulted in higher incidence of early leaf spot than weeding once at either four or six weeks after planting. Pod yield for the cultivars Chinese, Manipintar, and JL 24 was the highest when planted early; yield of RLRS-11 was similar across planting dates. Higher yield from early plantings was associated with rainfall patterns common for the region, and most likely affected yield more than arthropod damage or disease. Removing weeds at six weeks after planting was sufficient to maintain optimum yield.

Four field studies were conducted at three locations in North Carolina and Virginia during 1998 and 1999 to evaluate weed control, peanut response, and peanut yield following diclosulam and S -metolachlor applied preplant incorporated (PPI) and in systems with postemergence (POST) commercial herbicide standards. Diclosulam PPI at 17, 26, or 35 g ai/ha alone or in mixture with S -metalochlor controlled smooth pigweed better than S-metolachlor followed by (fb) acifluorfen plus bentazon POST. All diclosulam PPI systems controlled common lambsquarters better than S -metolachlor PPI alone or fb acifluorfen plus bentazon POST or imazapic POST. Systems with diclosulam (26 g/ha) plus S -metolachlor PPI controlled pitted and entireleaf morningglory better than S -metolachlor PPI and equivalent to S -metolachlor PPI fb acifluorfen plus bentazon POST. S -metolachlor PPI was more effective than diclosulam PPI for goosegrass control. Clethodim was required for season-long control of goosegrass. S-metolachlor plus diclosulam at 17 or 26 g/ha PPI fb acifluorfen plus bentazon POST controlled common lambsquarters, pitted and entireleaf morningglory, and smooth pigweed greater than 95%. Peanut yields were similar for all treatments except S -metolachlor PPI alone. Peanut exhibited excellent tolerance to diclosulam PPI at 17, 26, and 35 g/ha and S -metolachlor plus diclosulam PPI mixtures.

Conservation tillage is a cultural practice that reduces tomato spotted wilt of peanut ( Arachis hypogaea L.) compared with conventional tillage. Other practices that influence incidence of tomato spotted wilt, which is caused by tomato spotted wilt tospovirus, include: in-furrow insecticides for thrips ( Frankliniella fusca Hinds) control, cultivar selection, planting pattern, plant population, and planting date. Field experiments were conducted in North Carolina from 2002 through 2004 to evaluate the impact of these cultural practices on the incidence of tomato spotted wilt on virginia market-type peanut. Treatments included the virginia market-type cultivars Gregory and Perry seeded at various plant populations and with two in-furrow insecticides into conventional or reduced tilled fields. A plant condition rating associated with spotted wilt or Cylindrocladium black rot, caused by Cylindrocladium crotalarie (Loos) Bells and Sobers, was recorded within one wk prior to vine inversion. When Gregory was seeded at a higher population in strip tillage systems, or when phorate was applied in the seed furrow, the prevalence of tomato spotted wilt was generally lower. However, when Cylindrocladium black rot was present, incidence was lower and pod yield was higher for the cultivar Perry. While supportive of the current tomato spotted wilt index in North Carolina and Virginia, these data also indicate that response to specific components of the index can be inconsistent. Distinguishing between Cylindrocladium black rot and tomato spotted wilt in previous years is critical when incorporating appropriate cultural and pest management practices for control of both diseases.

A survey to document peanut farmers' weed management practices was conducted in the Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Eastern, and Volta regions of Ghana, West Africa during 2001. Peanut was planted as the only crop in 64% of fields surveyed. Land preparation method was related to land tenure system. The slash and burn system constituted 72% of farmers surveyed. In Brong Ahafo region, 80% of the farmers planted on ridges while peanut was planted flat primarily in the Volta region. Planting flat or on ridges was variable in Ashanti and Eastern regions. Cogongrass [ Imperata cylindrical (L.) Beauv.] was ranked as the worst weed by 41% of farmers. Wild poinsettia ( Euphorbia heterophylla L.) was ranked second by 38% of farmers. Difficulty in weeding, interference with peanut, rapid growth, and profuse seeding were reasons given by farmers for ranking these weeds as the two most pernicious in Ghana. Weed control was perceived as poor by 65% of farmers, fair by 24% of farmers, and good by 12% of farmers. Sixty-nine percent of farmers hired labor for weed control. Weeding was done manually by 96% of growers with only 4% of weed control being achieved by herbicides. Farmers perceived that peanut yield loss, due to untimely or inappropriate weed control, could range from 21 to 80%.

Experiments were conducted from 2002 through 2004 in North Carolina and during 2004 in Virginia to determine peanut response to harpin protein applied in the formulated product Messenger® (3.0% harpin protein and 97.0% other ingredients). Messenger® at 0.16 or 0.32 kg formulated product/ha was applied 30 or 60 days after peanut emergence. A sequential application of Messenger® at 0.16 kg/ha (30 days after emergence) followed by 0.16 kg/ha (60 days after emergence) as well as a non-treated control were also included. Messenger® did not affect visual estimates of tomato spotted wilt, peanut main stem height at harvest, peanut pod yield, or percentages of extra large kernels or total sound mature kernels compared with non-treated peanut. The experiment was conducted in environments where pod yield varied from as low as 3,380 kg/ha to as high as 5,960 kg/ha with three Virginia market type peanut cultivars. These data suggest that the harpin protein product Messenger® applied to emerged peanut will not affect pod yield or quality parameters.

Peanut ( Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important food and cash crop in Ghana, West Africa. Soil arthropods often cause kernel and pod damage that can lower yield. A survey of peanut fields was conducted with farmers in Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Eastern, and Volta regions of Ghana, West Africa during 1999 and 2001 to identify soil arthropods and quantify damage to pods and kernels from arthropods. Soil arthropod pests observed in peanut fields during both years across all regions were white grubs (Coleoptera: Scarabeidae), millipedes (Myriapoda: Diplopoda), symphilids (Myriapoda: Symphyla), termites (Isoptera: Termitidae), earwigs (Dermaptera: Forficulidae), wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae), red ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), and mealybugs (Homoptera: Pseudoccoccidae). Black ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and centipedes (Myriapoda: Chilopoda) were predatory arthropods found in these fields. Termite was the predominant arthropod in all regions. Black ants were the predominant predatory arthropod. Although percentages of unfilled pods were high in all the regions during both years, damage caused by soil arthropods was relatively low. In experiments conducted during 2003 (Kwadaso) and during 2004 (Ejura) peanut damage and yield were compared when the cultivars Konkoma and ICG FDRS-20 × F-MIX-38 were treated with carbofuran or chlorpyrifos. Low populations of soil arthropods were observed at both Kwadaso and Ejura regardless of insecticide treatment. Chlorpyrifos was more effective than carbofuran in maintaining yield. A single application of chlorpyrifos applied at planting was as effective as a single application at planting followed by a second application 60 days after planting. Yield of ICG FDRS-20 × F-MIX-38 was generally higher than the local cultivar Konkoma regardless of insecticide treatment.

A survey was conducted during 1999 and 2001 in Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Eastern, and Volta regions of Ghana, West Africa, to identify nematode pests of peanut ( Arachis hypogaea L.). Information from the survey is being used to formulate appropriate integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for peanut production in these regions. Ten genera of plant parasitic nematodes belonging to three Orders were identified. Population density and distribution of genera varied in the four peanut-growing regions. Six genera, Helicotylenchus, Meloidogyne (juveniles), Paratrichodorus, Pratylenchus, Rotylenchulus , and Xiphinema were found in all four regions. Hoplolaimus was found only in the Eastern region. Trichodorus and Tylenchorhynchus were absent from Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions but present in Eastern and Volta regions. Nematode genus Rhignema of the Order Rhigonematida was isolated from millipedes sampled from the rhizosphere of peanut. Twenty-one peanut cultivars and experimental lines were assembled from the Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) in Ghana, the Crops Research Institute (CRI) in Ghana, and North Carolina State University in the US and were compared for resistance to nematodes in the field in Ghana at Kwadaso near Kumasi during 2000 and 2001. Eight nematode genera were identified in the field with seven of the eight genera found in the rhizosphere of peanut. Cultivars differed in their ability to suppress nematode populations. Eleven cultivars demonstrating promise for nematode suppression were selected for further screening. Six weed species were predominant in the experimental field before land preparation, and three endoparasitic nematodes, Pratylenchus brachyurus, Meloidogyne arenaria , and Rotylenchulus reniformis were extracted from the root system of some of the weed species. The highest nematode population was associated with Verona cinerea. Sida acuta was not infected by nematodes.

Ninety farmers from three villages in the Ejura-Sekyedumasi district of the Ashanti Region of Ghana were surveyed during September 2003 to determine practices used to produce peanut. Surveys were conducted in a district where farmer field schools were initiated by collaboration among scientists and practitioners from Ghana and the United States. Results from the survey of growers and components of the peanut farmer schools are presented in this article. Surveys indicated that performing germination tests prior to planting and planting peanut in rows were practices adopted most by peanut farmers attending formal farmer schools. Surveys also suggest that soil fertility and lack of host-plant resistance and disease-control practices are yield limiting in the region. Results from these surveys and discussions in farmer field schools will be used to target production and pest management practices that can be improved through research and education efforts to improve peanut production and well being of farmers in the district.

An experiment at Suffolk, VA in 2001 and 2002 evaluated the response of virginia-type peanut ( Arachis hypogaea L.) to the growth regulator prohexadione calcium as affected by cultivar and planting pattern. In both years, prohexadione calcium at 140 g/ha was applied at 50% row closure and 2 wk later to the cultivars Gregory, Perry, VA 98R, and Wilson. Cultivars were seeded in single rows spaced 91 cm apart at a seeding rate of 145,000 seed/ha (145-single) or in twin rows spaced 18 cm apart on 91 cm centers at seeding rates of 145,000 seed/ha (145-twin) and 218,000 seed/ha (218-twin). Row visibility was enhanced by prohexadione calcium for all cultivars although response was greatest with Perry and least with Wilson. In twin rows, row visibility was less compared to single rows irrespective of year or variety. Prohexadione calcium enhanced row visibility for all planting patterns. Row visibility in the absence of prohexadione calcium was highest in the single row planting pattern. Response to prohexadione calcium was greatest in the twin row treatments regardless of cultivar. Pod yield was higher in the 218-twin row pattern compared to the 145-single and the 145-twin. Combined over years, planting patterns and cultivar, mean yield was lower when prohexadione calcium was applied. Additional research should be focused on explaining the inconsistent response of virginia-type peanuts to prohexadione calcium.

Experiments were conducted from 1996 through 2001 in Georgia, North Carolina, and Texas to determine peanut response to the commercial plant growth regulator Early Harvest® (a commercial mixture of cytokinin, gibberellic acid, and indole butyric acid). Early Harvest (applied in the seed furrow) or Early Harvest TST (applied as a dry seed treatment) followed by four foliar applications (four-leaf peanut, initial pegging, 14 d after initial pegging, and pod fill), was compared to non-treated peanut in five, 13, and three experiments in these respective states. Early Harvest did not affect pod yield or gross economic value of peanut regardless of location, cultivar, or edaphic and environmental conditions. These data suggest that a spray program consisting of Early Harvest most likely will not improve pod yield or gross economic value of peanut.

Field experiments were conducted in North Carolina during 2001 and 2002 to evaluate the impact of cultivar and plant population on the incidence of symptoms of tomato spotted wilt virus, which is transmitted primarily by tobacco thrips [ Frankliniellafusca (Hinds) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)]. Treatments included the Virginia market-type cultivars Gregory, NC-V 11, and Perry seeded at in-row plant populations of 7, 13, and 17 plants/m. In these experiments, there was a consistent trend for increased foliar injury from thrips as plant population decreased. Less thrips feeding injury was noted for Gregory and Perry than for NC-V 11. Incidence of visual symptoms of spotted wilt (SW) was recorded from mid-June through mid-September. A plant condition rating was recorded late in the season. Consistent with the results for thrips-induced injury, the percentage of plants infected with SW and the plant condition rating increased as plant population decreased. Gregory had the lowest SW incidence, while NC-V 11 was intermediate between Gregory and the most susceptible Perry. Establishing higher plant densities and planting Gregory rather than NC-V 11 or Perry reduced SW incidence and plant condition rating. Gregory had consistently the highest %ELK (extra large kernels) and %FP (fancy pods) across treatments and locations whereas no definitive trend in market grade characteristics were noted among treatments. In some cases, Perry had a higher incidence of SW, but still had higher pod yields than NC-V 11 with a lower incidence of SW. However, in most cases pod yield correlated with plant condition ratings, and as thrips injury increased, pod yield decreased.

Sicklepod [ Senna obtusifolia (L.) Irwin & Barneby] control and peanut pod yield with preemergence applications of dimethenamid and dimethenamid plus diclosulam alone or followed by postemergence application of imazapic were compared when peanut was seeded in single and twin row planting patterns. Sicklepod control was 9% higher when peanut was seeded in the twin row planting pattern (rows spaced 18 cm apart on 91-cm centers) compared with peanut planted in the single row planting pattern (single rows on 91-cm centers) regardless of preemergence or postemergence herbicide treatment. Sicklepod control by dimethenamid plus diclosulam exceeded control by dimethenamid alone in 1 of 2 yr. Imazapic applied postemergence consistently increased sicklepod control over dimethenamid or dimethenamid plus diclosulam alone. Pod yield generally reflected differences noted for sicklepod control when comparing planting patterns and treatments.