New fungicide options for managing Sclerotinia blight of peanut

Late leaf spot (LLS), caused by Nothopassalora personata, and Sclerotinia blight (SB), caused by Sclerotinia minor, are significant diseases affecting peanut production in Virginia. Field trials were conducted in 2020 - 2022 at two locations per year to identify fungicide programs that manage both diseases. In 2020, pydiflumetofen applied independently, as well as in combination with a premix of azoxystrobin + benzovindiflupyr, provided effective protection against both LLS and SB. This combination demonstrated potential as a cost-effective alternative to fluazinam. Years 2021 and 2022 focused on the most effective timing of pydiflumetofen and the premix of azoxystrobin + benzovindiflupyr. Results demonstrated that the combination of pydiflumetofen and the premix of azoxystrobin + benzovindiflupyr applied 60 and 90 days after planting was most consistent in providing the greatest efficacy against both diseases while improving yield. The tank-mix/premix combination of pydiflumetofen and azoxystrobin + benzovindiflupyr offers effective and economical management of both LLS and SB compared to fungicide programs where fluazinam is added for SB management only.