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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Dawson, Georgia » National Peanut Research Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #137856
Title: HARVPRO - A DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR HARVESTING (DIGGING) PEANUTS

Author
item MOSS, ROBERT - RETIRED UGA
item MCGILL, FRANK - RETIRED UGA
item Davidson, James
item WILLIAMS, E - UGA
item BALDWIN, JOHN - UGA
item BRENNEMAN, T - UGA

Submitted to: American Peanut Research and Education Society Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/1/2001
Publication Date: 3/1/2002
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Determining when to "dig" is a complex decision which mandates the use of "cutting edge" technology that will translate into the highest yield potential and quality to increase net profits for growers. These assessments should be based on a "gain/loss" analysis using a Guidance List. Losing a few older pods may be justified if a much larger percentage of younger pods are almost mature. Conversely, the pod profile may indicate a large enough quantity of mature pods to justify digging. A "gain/loss" relationship should be the dominant criteria when all other factors relating to when to dig are evaluated. HarvPro has a different strategy and flow chart for dry land and irrigated peanuts. Soil groups, crop rotation, environmental conditions and field observations are critical factors in HarvPro. These must be assessed for each field. Three time periods and the hull-scrape technique are used in projecting the optimum estimated digging date. The time periods are: 1) more than 21 days, 2) 10 to 21 days and less than 10 days. The nine factors are: 1) stem strength, 2) leafspot diseases, 3) rhizoctonia, 4) white mold, 5) tomato spotted wilt virus, 6) other pest and weed problems, 7) plant health, 8) pod health, and 9) weather. The Hull Scrape Method combined with these other pertinent observations in a "gain/loss" relationship and the grower's judgment is the best way to determine when to dig. HarvPro contains a knowledge base, help files, flow charts, and a user's guide to assist the grower in making the correct decision.