The objectives in peanut production in Mississippi are to obtain maximum yields, hold production costs as low as possible, and produce profits. However, many variables affect peanut production, such as climate, soil type and potential, cultural practices, varietal selection, harvesting, and pests. Peanuts are damaged by weeds, plant diseases, and insects. The damage varies by year, location of field, and season.
Insects alone can cause foliage and pod damage.
Where plant diseases, such as tomato spotted wilt, are transmitted by thrips and a high percentage of plants in a field are infected with the virus, yield losses become significant. You can manage insects by monitoring fields, using economic thresholds, selecting recommended insecticide rates, and properly timing applications. Scouting To determine the identity and level of infestation of pests, monitor a field at least once each week for damage and insects. This is called scouting. Inspect each field for soil insects when preparing soil before planting.