Description

Abstract: Conservation tillage is a cultural practice that can be used to minimize tomato spotted wilt of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Other practices that influence incidence of tomato spotted wilt include: in-furrow insecticides to control thrips (Frankliniella fusca), cultivar selection, planting date, planting pattern, and plant population. Tomato spotted wilt was Generally lower when the peanut cultivar Gregory was seeded at higher plant populations in strip tillage systems, or when phorate was applied in the seed furrow. However, when Cylindrocladium black rot [caused by Cylindrocladium crotalarie (Loos) Bells and Sobers] was present, disease incidence was higher and peanut pod yield lower when the cultivar Gregory was planted rather than the cultivar Perry. While supporting the current tomato spotted wilt index in North Carolina and Virginia, these data also indicate that response to specific components of the index can be inconsistent, and that distinguishing between Cylindrocladium black rot and tomato spotted wilt in previous years is critical when incorporating appropriate cultural and pest management practices for control of both diseases.