Mark Abney, University of Georgia research and extension peanut entomologist, says growers have faced a number of insect issues this year but nothing too severe. Farmers have had moderate to heavy thrips pressure, as well as pressure from three-cornered alfalfa hopper and foliage feeding caterpillars.
In his research trials, Abney is studying threshold development projects with thrips and three-cornered alfalfa hopper. In the research trial studying thrips, Abney is looking at thrips feeding damage to determine if farmers need to use supplemental foliar sprays in addition to use of at-plant insecticides. Abney is also looking to develop economic thresholds for three-cornered alfalfa hopper so growers will know when and if they need to treat for that pest.