Description

Abstract: Conservation tillage is a cultural practice that reduces tomato spotted wilt of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) compared with conventional tillage. Other practices that influence incidence of tomato spotted wilt, which is caused by tomato spotted wilt tospovirus, include: in-furrow insecticides for thrips (Frankliniella fusca Hinds) control, cultivar selection, planting pattern, plant population, and planting date. Field experiments were conducted in North Carolina from 2002 through 2004 to evaluate the impact of these cultural practices on the incidence of tomato spotted wilt on virginia market-type peanut. Treatments included the virginia market-type cultivars Gregory and Perry seeded at various plant populations and with two in-furrow insecticides into conventional or reduced tilled fields. A plant condition rating associated with spotted wilt or Cylindrocladium black rot, caused by Cylindrocladium crotalarie (Loos) Bells and Sobers, was recorded within one wk prior to vine inversion. When Gregory was seeded at a higher population in strip tillage systems, or when phorate was applied in the seed furrow, the prevalence of tomato spotted wilt was Generally lower. However, when Cylindrocladium black rot was present, incidence was lower and pod yield was higher for the cultivar Perry. While supportive of 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. 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.