Peanut Insect Update
Oddly, spider mite calls have significantly picked up over the past week, tomorrow alone we received reports of mites in peanuts across south and central Alabama. We would typically expect the rains last week to knock mites out, but they seem to be doing just fine right now. With the storms coming, however, I would wait to treat in most situations. While the storms may not kill or eliminate the mites, it should greatly reduce their activity. This will buy us sometime until we can get back in the field. Keep in mind that Portal and Comite II are the only two labeled options we have in peanuts. When to terminate applications for mites can be a tricky call. Ultimately, when to stop treating mites will come down to a field-to-field decision. How far out until digging? How big is the population? What is the immediate weather?
Soybean Insect Update
Stink bugs have started showing up in many later planted fields across the state. In Prattville, redbanded stink bug has taken over our research plots. We have not had many complaints, so hopefully they are not widespread. This is one insect pest that can destroy the crop. The upcoming rains will complicate things as seed will not dry down as quickly as normal. If heavy RBSB populations are in fields, even at desiccation, consider an application of a pyrethroid to help knock them back, preserve quality and yield.
Our stink bug threshold is 6 stink bugs (green, southern green, brown marmorated or brown) per 25 sweeps. Applications can be terminated at R6.5 (R6 +7-10 days) For RBSB, threshold is 4 per 25 sweeps.
A good thing is that overall, caterpillar pressure has been light this year. We have had reports of velvetbean caterpillars in south Alabama, but very few soybean loopers. VBC are easily managed with most labeled insecticides. For treatment decisions, our threshold is to prevent 30% defoliation through R6.5 (R6 +7-10 days).
As always, if we can ever be of any help, or if you would like to provide input on the situation in your area, please don’t hesitate to reach out (Scott Graham: 662-809-3368; Ron Smith: 334-332-9501)
