Runner Peanuts in Florida
There are four main verities of peanuts commonly cultivated in the United States. They are the Runner, Virginia, Spanish and Valencia peanut verities. Each variety brings its own uses and benefits to a peanut producer.
Florida is well known for their statewide production of runner peanuts due to their many advantages for Florida producers. The first major advantage to growing runners is their adaptability to Florida's climate. Runner peanuts are well-adapted to the warm and humid climate of Florida. They can withstand the high temperatures and moisture levels typically found in the state. This adaptability allows them to thrive and produce a successful crop. They also provide great disease resistance, Runner peanut varieties, such as Florunner, have shown resistance to various diseases common in Florida, including tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV)and leaf spot. This resistance reduces the risk of crop loss and decreases the need for extensive pesticide applications, resulting in cost savings for farmers.
They are also money makers. Runner peanuts have a high yield potential compared to other peanut varieties. They produce a large number of lateral branches or runners, which contribute to a higher number of pods per plant. This increased productivity translates into higher yields and greater profitability for farmers .Runner peanuts, including Florunner, are in high demand both domestically and internationally. They are preferred for their size, flavor, and versatility in various culinary applications, including peanut butter production. The strong market demand for runner peanuts creates opportunities for farmers to sell their crop at competitive prices.
They also provide Crop Rotation Benefits for growers, and they are often included in crop rotation systems in Florida. Crop rotation helps break pest and disease cycles, improves soil fertility, and reduces the build-up of soilborne pathogens. By incorporating runner peanuts into their rotation, growers can improve the overall health of their agricultural ecosystems and optimize the performance of subsequent crops.
