On-Farm Evaluations of Reduced Input Fungicide Programs in Peanut Fields with Low, Moderate, or High Levels of Disease Risk

Abstract

In , 2004 standard and reduced input fungicide programs were evaluated throughout the peanut production region of Georgia for control of early leaf spot (Cercospora arachidicola), late leaf spot (Cercosporidium personatum), and southern stem rot (Sclerotium rolfsii). Disease risk was determined for each field based on the cultural practices implemented and ranged from low to high. Six to eight fungicide applications were made in the standard programs, versus three to six applications in reduced programs. Leaf spot ratings were higher for the reduced programs in five of the fourteen trials with substantial defoliation occurring in one trial. Overall, southern stem rot control for the reduced programs was equal to or better than that for the standard program, which could be attributed to the differences in fungicide selection or timing. Pod yields for the reduced programs were equal to or greater than the standard programs in all but one trial. Net returns were higher for the reduced programs in half of the trials; however, the reduced program resulted in lower net returns in one trial in 2004. Our results indicate that reduced input fungicide programs can be used to adequately manage fungal diseases of peanut without compromising yield or profitability, and that the use of cultivars with moderate levels of disease resistance may enhance disease control.

Mapping Late Leaf Spot Resistance in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) Using QTL-seq Reveals Markers for Marker-Assisted Selection

“…It is estimated that LLS causes 30–70% yield penalty without spraying susceptible cultivars with fungicide ( Singh et al, 2011 ). To control the disease, multiple fungicide sprays are needed throughout the growing season which incurs the highest cost for peanut disease management ( Woodward et al, 2014 ) in addition to environmental pollution. Therefore, integrating host resistance into elite peanut cultivars would be the most effective solution to this fungal disease.…”

Major QTLs for Resistance to Early and Late Leaf Spot Diseases Are Identified on Chromosomes 3 and 5 in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea)

“…Shedding of infected leaves upon disease progression can lead to complete defoliation in susceptible genotypes and up to 70% yield loss (Singh et al, 2011). In the United States, the most common practice to control both diseases is by frequent fungicide applications; therefore, it is not surprising that fungicide sprays to control leaf spot diseases incur the highest cost in disease management (Woodward et al, 2014). Developing and planting ELS and LLS resistant peanut cultivars should reduce the cost of peanut production while simultaneously mitigating the environmental footprint through reduction in pollution from fungicides.…”

Major QTLs for resistance to early and late leaf spot diseases are identified on chromosomes 3 and 5 in peanut (Arachis hypogaea)

“…Shedding of infected leaves upon disease progression can lead to complete defoliation in susceptible genotypes and up to 70% yield loss (Singh et al, 2011). In the U.S., the most common practice to control both diseases is by frequent fungicide applications; therefore, it is not surprising that fungicide sprays to control leaf spot diseases incur the highest cost in disease management (Woodward et al, 2014). Developing and planting ELS and LLS resistant peanut cultivars should reduce the cost of peanut production while simultaneously mitigating the environmental footprint through reduction in pollution from fungicides.…”