Summary
Peanuts are a major crop in Cook County generating 4.5 million dollars in Farm Gate Value. By educating peanut growers on white mold control the CEC was able to increase total peanut income by over 700,000 dollars.
Situation
Peanuts are a major crop grown in Cook County. In 2006 producers grew over 9600 acres of Peanuts with a total Farm Gate Value of 4.5 Million dollars. However, the disease Southern Stem Rot, commonly known as white mold, can severly affect peanut yields if favorable conditions are met. If left un-checked, white mold can completely destroy a field of peanuts. It is estimated that growers normally loose 10% to 25% of their yield potential due to infestation of white mold. White mold has developed some resistance to conventionally use fungicides such as Folicur and Abound.
Response
In 2006, county peanut fungicide research demonstrations proved that Arisan fungicide had much greater efficiency than other fungicides conventionally used for white mold control. In fields severely affected by white mold, disease ratings made by the CEC and Bob Kemerait, Extension Plant Pathologist, showed that Artisan plots had approximately a 20% infestation of white mold versus 60% infestation where combinations of Folicur and Abound were apllied. According to this particular test plot and observations of other fields, it was apparent to the CEC that Artisan fungicide was more effective in controlling white mold than other peanut fungicides. In 2007 the results of the fungicide trial was mailed to Cook County Peanut Producers in the form of a newsletter. Also the trial was discussed at the 2007 Cook County Production Clinic. In 2007 an applied research demonstration was conducted by the CEC and Dr. Kemerait comparing Artisan fungicide with other combinations of fungicides. This particular demonstration was taken to yield.
Impact
Approximately 95% of the growers surveyed by the CEC utilized Artisan fungicide in their peanut fungicide program. Observations indicate that there was a definite increase in whate mold infestation where Artisan was not used or not applied timely enough. According to the 2007 Applied Research Demontration there was a 15% yield increase where Artisan fungicide was applied. Although not statistically significant, this would still indicate an increase of 420 lbs. of peanuts per acre. On 9120 acres of peanuts this would be an increase of $718,200 in Farm Gate Value for Cook County Producers.
State Issue
Agricultural Profitability and Sustainability
Details
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Year:
2007
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Geographic Scope:
County
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County:
Cook
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Program Areas:
- Agriculture & Natural Resources
