Once the vaccine is complete and animal tests are concluded, the vaccine can then be tested on humans. Dr. Burks initially felt this would take from three to five years. The peanut industry funding is aimed at shortening this time frame. In mid-August, The American Peanut Foundation is hosting an industry wide meeting to examine current and future research and education needs regarding peanut food allergies to get information which will serve as a guide for future efforts. Although insects are not the major pest group in peanuts or the major expense, when it comes to management, costly mistakes can be made by both under reacting and over reacting.
Thrips are the first insect problem encountered each year.
For example, in 1998 field trials, control of thrips using in-furrow insecticides at planting followed by a foliar band in 3 weeks yielded 574 pounds more peanuts per acre compared with untreated controls. On the other hand, additional treatments beyond this did not result in additional increases in yield and decreased net returns. Another example can be found in the decision to control soil insect pests. Years of data show that soil applied insecticides pay by reducing the amount of pod damage by soil insects like southern corn rootworm. Rootworms are most common in fields, or areas of fields, where soils are 'heavier' and poorly drained.