Agronomic and Economic Comparisons of Double-Crop and Relay-Intercropping Systems of Peanut with Wheat

Abstract

The climatic conditions of the southeastern US may allow multiple cropping systems of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to be a sustainable approach toward crop production. The objectives of this project were to determine the agronomic, economic, and weed control viability of double-crop (DC) and relay-intercropping (RI) systems of peanut with wheat. Eight cropping systems including variations of DC, RI, and monocrop (MC) management as main-plots and a sub-plot effect of three peanut cultivars were assessed. Studies were conducted in Tifton, GA, in 2009 and 2011 and Plains, GA, in 2010 and 2011. Differences among yield, grade and Tomato spotted wilt virus (Tospovirus) (TSWV) incidence were significant among cropping systems and genotypes. Double-crop peanut with wheat yielded greater than the RI systems. Georgia-06G and Tifguard had improved results over Georgia Green. Sufficient weed control was attained across all treatments in 2010 and 2011 but not in the RI plots in 2009. Income above variable cost (IAVC) for the DC ($938 to $1875/ha) systems exceeded the potential of RI ($408 to $1210/ha) and most MC ($36 to $1671/ha) treatments. Growers interested in producing peanuts and wheat in the same year would be at an advantage to use a DC system.