Enhancing spray coverage in peanut canopies using prohexadione calcium

Excessive vine growth in peanut ( Arachis hypogaea L.) can limit fungicide spray penetration, reducing protection against foliar diseases. Prohexadione calcium suppresses vine growth and may improve spray distribution, but its effects on fungicide coverage in peanut remain unclear. A 2‐year field study (2024–2025) was conducted at the West Florida Research and Education Center, Jay, FL, to evaluate prohexadione calcium applied at 75% and 100% of the labeled rate on plant height, specific leaf area (SLA), and spray coverage. Prohexadione calcium significantly reduced plant height and SLA, indicating a more compact canopy with thicker leaves. SLA declined from 14.6 to 12.2 cm 2 g − 1 at the 100% rate. Mid‐canopy spray coverage increased at the 100% application rate, whereas lower canopy coverage was unaffected. These results demonstrate that prohexadione calcium can improve spray coverage in the peanut mid‐canopy. Future research should investigate whether these changes lead to reduced disease severity and yield benefits.