Losses to tomato spotted wilt virus were an estimated 0.5 percent across the Southeastern U.S. this past year, the lowest level recorded since 1990. This achievement is likely the result of growers combining the use of Peanut Rx and tomato spotted wilt virus-resistant peanut varieties.

Even with these low levels, specialists and researchers from the University of Georgia, Auburn University and the University of Florida continue to reassess Peanut Rx each year and make any changes they feel are necessary based on data and field observations from the previous production season.

In 2005, the Spotted Wilt Index and the Peanut Fungal Disease Risk Index were combined to form the Peanut Disease Risk Index for peanut producers in the Southeastern United States. The Peanut Disease Risk Index, developed by researchers and Extension specialists in Florida, Georgia and Alabama, is now officially known as Peanut Rx.

Most changes in the index this year are in the “Peanut Variety” section of the index. As new varieties continue to become available to growers, researchers are getting a better look at how they perform in the field, and they’re adjusting the index points accordingly.

The following index points have been adjusted for the 2010 version of Peanut Rx:

• For resistance/tolerance to CBR, Georgia Greener has been added to the index for some resistance to CBR. Tifguard has been removed from the index for CBR resistance.

• AT-215: Increasing points (30) for leaf spot and white mold.

• Georgia-06G: Increasing risk points from 20 to 25 for leaf spot and white mold.

• Florida Fancy: Risk points for leaf spot and white mold: 20.

• Georgia Green: Unchanged, 20 leaf spot and 25 white mold risk points.

• Georgia Greener: Drop white mold risk points from 25 to 20.

For a complete copy of the revised 2010 Peanut Rx, go to http://www.aces.edu/timelyinfo/PlantPathology/2010/January/pp690.pdf.

e-mail: [email protected]