Host genetic resistance can be an important component in any integrated pest management program, contributing to the sustainability of our agroecosystem. Screening studies are needed to identify sources of pest resistance or tolerance in various crops. This topic has been a focus of our program for more than a decade in grapevine, potato, and, most recently, peanut production systems.
The southern corn rootworm, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi Barber is a major pest of Virginia and North Carolina peanuts as its larvae feed on pods under the soil surface. We are currently screening several varieties of Virginia-type peanuts grown in the Southeast for their susceptibility to rootworms. We are also evaluating whether harvest date/maturity timing can be used to mitigate the extent of damage by this pest.