There are currently no insecticides labeled for peanuts that control southern corn rootworm. The one exception is use of granular chlorpyrifos through the end of June, if the product has a label for use in peanuts. Do not use a liquid formulation of chlorpyrifos.

Rick and Brian along with help from Ethan and I looked at multiple applications of Steward and Brigade to control the adult stage (spotted cucumber beetle) of southern corn rootworm. In multiple trials, we did not see any reduction in pod scarring caused by this insect when we applied these insecticides three times on bi-weekly intervals starting in late June. I'll provide a link to a short article on this topic once the article becomes available. Ethan Foote also had treatments of Steward (three sprays) in another group of trials and he did not see a benefit to foliar sprays.

We also observed very little pod damage across locations and years. Many of the trials were conducted in fields that would be considered moderate to high risk based on the Southern Corn Rootworm Risk Index. Only one plot out of 216 plots in the trials reached a level of 20% pod scarring. Previous research and professional assessments by peanut entomologists indicate that 20% pod scarring is the threshold that has to be reached to observe a measurable loss in peanut yield. The vast majority of fields are not at high risk for economic loss from this insect pest.

Dominic and his group is working on additional ways to protect peanuts from this pest, especially in those situations where damage can exceed 20% pod scarring. There are some fields at risk, but the number of fields is very limited.