Influence of Paraquat on Yield and Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus for Georgia-02C and Georgia-03L Peanut

摘要

Paraquat is a common herbicide used in peanut production; however, visible injury and reduced yield have been observed in some instances. Most research regarding paraquat injury on peanut has taken place on cultivars that are no longer available and were more susceptible to tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) than current cultivars. Field experiments were conducted over three growing seasons to determine the effect of paraquat on yield and TSWV incidence in two moderately TSWV-resistant cultivars (Georgia-02C and Georgia-03L). Paraquat and paraquat plus bentazon were evaluated against a non-treated control at four application timings [7, 14, 21, and 28 d after ground cracking (DAGC)]. There were no yield differences among herbicide treatments or application timings for Georgia-02C peanut, but there was a treatment interaction with Georgia-03L for yield. The majority of interaction comparisons showed no yield differences, but the non-treated control had higher yields than the herbicide treatments when significance did occur. Yields were similar for the 7 DAGC timing in all comparisons. In all instances when differences occurred for both cultivars, TSWV was higher in non-treated plots than where herbicides were applied. This data supports the use of paraquat in Georgia-02C and Georgia-03L peanut since there is minimal chance of yield reduction and may also reduce TSWV incidence; however, additional studies are required.