Speaking of rootworms, the general recommendation is to get the rootworm material in the field roughly by July 15. Many growers are applying this treatment around independence day. This allows the insecticide to move into the soil to be effective. Early applications also allow beneficial populations to regenerate. When considering spider mites, early applications can reduce spread of this pest throughout the field, and jumping on patches of mites is the most economical and effective way to minimize the problem.
Timely sprays are critical in preventing epidemics from developing.
It seems that often times the first and last sprays of the year are most critical. This is not to say that the middle sprays are not important, for they are. But, the first spray often prevents major epidemics of early leaf spot from developing as long as the second, third, and fourth applications are made when conditions are favorable for disease development. If we get behind on the first spray, the cumulative effect by the end of the season may adversely affect production. Web blotch and late leaf spot often raise their ugly head in September, and timely applications at the end of the season can keep these diseases from taking a toll on peanuts.