D3125: Utilizing seeding rates as a method of controlling thrips in peanuts

Thrips are a common pest of row crops throughout the southeast, including being a pest of peanuts. Thrips transmit tomato spotted wilt virus, which can cause yield loss of up to 100%. It is vital that growers have some options to combat thrips infestations. One possible tool to deter thrips from feeding on peanuts is increasing peanut seeding rates. Higher populations of peanuts could be less attractive to thrips as they may not be able to identify specific plants against the contrasting background of the soil. This test consists of thirty-foot plots of Georgia06-G peanuts. The test plots will have varying seeding rates of three, six, and nine seed per foot randomized in a block. There are two planting dates of the test to increase the likelihood of seedling peanuts encountering thrips. Thrips counts, as well as thrips injury rating will be conducted 14, 21, 28 days after planting. The test is replicated at the Wire Grass Research and Extension Center in Headland Alabama; as well as the E.V Smith Research Center - Plant Breeding Unit in Tallassee Alabama.