By Clint Thompson
Tomato spotted wilt virus’ (TSWV) resurgence in 2022 is not an indictment on the Georgia-06G peanut. It remains the most dependable variety for growers, believes Scott Monfort, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension peanut agronomist.
“It’s still in my mind, (No.) 1, the most seedstock that we have. No. 2, it’s the most dependable one we’ve got if we treat it right. That’s what we’ve got to do, we’ve got to treat this variety the way we know we can treat it, so we get what we need out of it,” Monfort said.
Growers have raised concerns that 06G, the most widely produced variety in Georgia, has lost its tolerance to TSWV. But Monfort is adamant that other factors contributed to the virus’ impact last year.
This includes planting date. The lowest risk timeframe is peanuts planted after May 10. Growers should also strongly consider using Thimet, an insecticide that improves the resistance response to tomato spotted wilt. If producers adhere to the rest of the Peanut Rx guidelines, they will extend the life of 06G and reap its benefits.
“It’s not giving out. It does get virus, but so do the rest of the varieties except for Georgia-12Y, and 12Y can still get it if you don’t do the right stuff on it,” Monfort said.
TSWV is vectored by thrips, tiny insects that can spread the virus by feeding on infected plants. Infected thrips transmit the virus when they move to feed on healthy plants. The virus can dwarf plants and cause significant reductions in peanut yields.