Recently I was asked if a grower needs to apply more seed.  The farmer realized the planter was putting out only 2-3 seed per foot. To optimize yield we need 4-5 plants per foot of row.

My rule of thumb related to replanting peanuts (or adding more seed with a second pass) revolves around 3 plants per foot of row. If you have less than 3 plants, my suggestion is to plant 4 seed in your replant operation. If you have more than 3 plants per foot of row, the value of replanting is marginal.  Of course I am rounding up to a whole number.  The closer you are to 2 (and 1) seed per foot the greater the value of replanting.  With the low populations skips are a major issue and should play into the decision.

If you do need to plant a second time you will need to plant with inoculant and insecticide for thrips control. These inputs need to be in the furrow so that the plant absorbs the insecticide quickly and the roots get infected with nitrogen-fixing bacteria as soon as possible.

Right now I do not anticipate major issues with stands but only time will tell for this spring.