Peanuts in NC are progressing relatively well given dry conditions, especially in the northern areas of the region. Rain has been sporadic and, in many cases, limited. Even in areas that experienced relatively high rainfall amounts, dry soil absorbed water quickly and did not limit field activities.

Managing escaped weeds, most especially Palmer amaranth, has been a focus by many growers across the region. Other weeds of note are common ragweed, morningglory, yellow nutsedge, and annual grasses. Contact herbicides applied with residual herbicides are used routinely across the region. Growers continue to monitor for thrips and the damage this insect causes. Systemic insecticides to suppress this pest are often included in the tank with herbicides. Even though the crop is progressing slowly, weeds have grown rapidly and peanuts have been slow to recover from thrips injury in some fields.

Even though some areas of North Carolina reasonable amounts of rain in May, rain has been limited or non-existent in June. Limited rain was also observed during the last week of May across much of the state. Peanuts have been growing without rain for the past two weeks with high temperatures.

Growers will begin applying gypsum to ensure adequate kernel and pod development. Gypsum is a water-soluble form of calcium that enters developing pegs and pods directly with soil water. The peanut plant is unable to supply adequate amounts of calcium through the root system and plant to developing kernels. Gypsum will be applied across the region to Virginia market types and in some cases runner market types over the next month depending on field conditions and logistics associated with securing material through distributor networks.

Growers in some cases will begin applying manganese to correct deficiencies in fields with relatively high soil pH. At higher pH values, manganese is in a form that is less available for root uptake. In some fields, activity of Rhizobia for nitrogen fixation can be compromised for a range of reasons. In fields with nitrogen deficiency, growers will need to make a timely application of ammonium sulfate to correct this yield-liming issue.

While some early planted peanuts may need fungicides to protect plants from leaf spot and stem rot diseases in the next two weeks, most growers will begin their bi-weekly fungicide sprays in late June and into early July.

While conditions are dry and peanuts are growing and developing slowly, yield potential across NC remains 4,200 pounds/acre. However, if conditions remain dry and temperatures continue to be relatively high during flowering and pegging, the yield prediction will decrease.