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Relationship of Pod Damage by Southern Corn Rootworm and Soil Drainage to Peanut Yield

Authors: , , ,

Abstract

No published studies have quantified the relationship between damage to peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) pods by the southern corn rootworm, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi Barber, and yield. Peanut yields have generally been found to be inconsistently related to control measures (insecticide treatments) used for southern corn rootworm. This discrepancy may be caused by the variable survival of eggs and larvae in soils with different moisture retention capacities. This study determined the relationship of pod damage and the influence of soil drainage to peanut yield. Eleven on-farm tests for management of southern corn rootworm, conducted between 1989 to 1991 and involving 48 different control measures, were compiled for analysis. All experimental fields were classified into three drainage classes: moderately well drained, somewhat poorly drained and poorly drained. Yield declined with an increase in percentage pod damage (P < 0.05). Percentage of mature pods damaged increased with increased area poorly drained. Stepwise regression models indicated that the inherent drainage properties of a field and proportion of pod damage observed, by themselves, can explain 45% of the variance observed in yield regardless of insecticide treatment.

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Keywords: peanut, yield, pod damage, soil drainage

How to Cite: Ang, B. , Herbert, D. , Mack, T. & Hodges, R. (1994) “Relationship of Pod Damage by Southern Corn Rootworm and Soil Drainage to Peanut Yield”, Peanut Science. 21(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.3146/i0095-3679-21-1-16

Author Notes