Researchers are urging farmers to utilize Peanut Rx as a tool to help guide their management decisions going into the 2026 planting season. Peanut Rx is designed to assist growers in modifying their production practices to effectively reduce risks to diseases in the field.
Having been developed in 1996, Peanut Rx was originally intended to combat increasing grower concern for tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). Today, Peanut Rx can be referenced for guidance concerning TSWV, leaf spot and white mold.
The 2026 Peanut Rx has been updated by researchers at the University of Georgia, University of Florida, Auburn University, Mississippi State University, Clemson University and North Carolina State University.
There have been a few updates to the 2026 Peanut Rx from the 2025 version. All changes that have been made can be found in the variety section of Peanut Rx with new varieties being added and adjustments made.
As in previous versions of the Disease Index, growers will note that attention to variety selection, planting date, plant population, good crop rotation, tillage and other factors, has a tremendous impact on the potential for diseases in a field.
“I encourage growers to stay on a timely, proven program because once the furrow is closed, the die is cast for management of spotted wilt,” says Bob Kemerait, University of Georgia Extension plant pathologist. “Growers should continue to use Peanut Rx to develop strategies to reduce risk from spotted wilt, white mold and leaf spot in their peanut crop.”
In 2025, losses to tomato spotted wilt across the peanut production region of the Southeastern United States were estimated to be 2 percent, down from an estimated 3 percent in 2024, 5 percent in 2023 and 7 percent in 2022. While the severity of tomato spotted wilt varies across the peanut production region of the Southeastern U.S., this disease has significant impact on the majority of acres in the region planted to peanuts.
“If a grower totals their points and are at high risk for tomato spotted wilt virus then they should consider altering their planting date or using less susceptible varieties to help reduce their risk,” says Scott Graham, Auburn University Extension entomologist.
To learn how Peanut Rx can help reduce disease risk during the 2026 growing season, visit the website at PeanutRx.org.
By Joy Crosby