Question:

We have a grower in VA that planted a 140 acre field on April 28 and 29.  Since planting, the peanuts have been through cold weather and 5-7 inches total of pounding rains and are slow to emerge.  Some areas of the field (where the soil is lighter) the peanuts are up ok.  In the heavier areas of the field the peanuts are stagnant at cracking or no more than a sprout, but I see no sign of rotting.  The field is patchy enough that he thinks he needs to replant the entire field.  I am trying to convince him to wait until Monday before making a decision and see what the warm weather will do for it.  He is convinced that the peanuts will struggle all season since they have not gotten a good start.  What are your thoughts/experience with a situation like this?  If the majority of the plants from the initial planting come up, will he experience yield loss in the fall that would justify the cost to replant?

As always, thank you for your input.

Jordan:

I’ve seen peanuts need 21 days to emerge.  If the kernels and seedlings below ground seem healthy I would not panic today.

Jordan:

Keep me posted.  I know this can be stressful. If the grower can get 4 plants per foot that is good. It would take less than 3 per foot to justify dropping in and adding more seed.