Abstract Text: Peanuts, Arachis hypogea, are a major crop across the southeast, valued at $1.3 billion in 2024. Peanut production is challenged by a variety of fungal, viral, and nematode pests, especially in areas with sandy-loam soils. One of the most persistent soilborne pests across south Alabama is the Peanut root knot nematode (RKN; Meloidogyne arenaria), which can cause yield losses of more than 50%. The integrated pest management strategy focuses on utilizing a combination of crop rotation, cultivar selection, and nematicides. However, recommendations will vary based on population thresholds. Thus, the goal of this study was to evaluate the impact commercially available nematicides (like aldicarb in-furrow (IF), fluopyram IF, fluopyram IF + fluopyram/prothioconazole at-pegging and oxamyl IF) on a RKN susceptible cultivar (Georgia-06G) when compared to Georgia-14N, Georgia-19HP, TIFNV-Hi/OL and TIFNV-HG (RKN resistant cultivars) on RKN populations and damage as well as yield. One research trial was established in southeast Alabama in a field with sandy loam soil and cotton-peanut rotation. When compared to Georgia-06G alone, only the RKN resistant cultivars significantly reduced RKN populations by 95%; however, the nematicides were able to reduce RKN populations by 46.9%. Despite the reductions RNK nematode populations, only TIFNV-HG had significantly higher yields, a 954 kg/ha increase, when compared to Georgia-06G. These results indicate the importance of utilizing soil tests to determine RKN populations and use thresholds when making economically sound management decisions.
