ARTICLES
Authors: S. D. Stewart , K. L. Boweri , T. P. Mack , J. H. Edwards
Three row spacings and two planting dates for peanuts, Arachis hypogaea L., were examined in 1993 and 1994 to determine the influence of the canopy environment on lesser cornstalk borer, Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), other arthropods, and alflatoxigenic fungi. Climatically, 1993 and 1994 were disparate years. Decreasing row spacing increased relative leaf area and light interception by the canopy but, compared to difference between planting dates or years, had a relatively small impact on soil temperatures and relative humidity within the canopy. Late planting produced smaller plants, retarded canopy development, and reduced yield in both years, but especially in 1993 when it was hot and dry. The wide row spacing did not yield as well as twin and normal row spacings in either year. Lesser cornstalk borer damage and aflatoxin concentration were higher in the late planting than in the early planting of 1993, but were unaffected by row spacing. Fewer predatory arthropods were caught as row spacing decreased in both beat and pitfall samples, but planting date had variable effects. Prevailing climatic conditions and planting date appeared to be more important in influencing the canopy environment and pest densities than was row spacing.
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Keywords: aflatoxin, Arachis hypogaea, Aspergillus, Elasmopalpus lignosellus, plant management
How to Cite: Stewart, S. , Boweri, K. , Mack, T. & Edwards, J. (1997) “Impact of Row Spacing and Planting Date on the Canopy Environment, Abundance of Lesser Cornstalk Borer and Other Arthropods, and Incidence of Aflatoxigenic Fungi in Peanuts”, Peanut Science. 24(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.3146/i0095-3679-24-1-12