-
Step 1
Till the soil well each year and rotate the peanut crops every three years. Tilling disturbs the growth of undesirable organisms in the soil, and rotating the crops prevents monocultures from taking over. It is recommended to plant winter crops between peanut-growing seasons if possible to change the makeup of the soil.
-
Step 2
Learn to identify the pests common to peanut crops. Watch for chewing insects, which feast on the stems and leaves of the plants. These include caterpillars, armyworms, cut worms and spotted cucumber beetles. There are piercing and sucking pests such as the cowpea aphid, tobacco thrips and spider mites. There are also pests that thrive below the ground, such as beetle larvae, rootworms and wireworms.
-
Step 3
Read about the method of pest control called "scouting." This method has been used since 1975 as an aid in making appropriate decisions about treating peanut crops. You learn to identify the pests, determine the population and try to analyze the amount of possible crop damage.
-
Step 4
Keep in mind that many peanut pests have become resistant to the pesticides used, due to either over-use of pesticides or use of certain new versions. These do not target multiple sites on the plant but concentrate on a select number of genes, allowing the quick development of pest resistance. Research the pesticides you decide to use carefully.
-
Step 5
Clean your storage bins. These are wonderful breeding grounds for peanut pests, especially types of fungi. Before storing a your peanuts all of the bins and the entire storage area (barn or shed) should be completely scrubbed and sprayed with "empty bin" sprays. The refuse should be burned. You will greatly deter the growth of molds or infestation of pests in your crop if you use proper storage methods.
