2008 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Determine if bunch type peanuts perform better in diamond and twin row patterns compared to the single row conventional practice. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) The majority of Valencia peanuts in New Mexico and West Texas are planted in a single row on 36 to 40 inch beds. The diamond planter places 4 rows per bed in an equidistant pattern. The potential benefits of a diamond planting pattern in bunch type peanuts are early canopy closure and crop maturation. Agronomic and physiological factors will be measured. Economic outcome of each study will be addressed to complete reports and publications. 3.Progress Report This project is related to the overall objective of this in-house project: Develop sustainable management strategies for irrigated peanut systems. Twin row planting patterns for peanut with the runner growth habit has been adopted in the southeast because of higher yield potential and improved avoidance of tomato spotted wilt virus. Achieving optimum plant spacing in peanut reduces early season plant-to-plant competition and increases yield potential. Planting patterns for Valencia peanut grown in New Mexico and Texas are generally grown in single rows on 1 meter beds. The erect growth habit of Valencia peanut and these wide single rows do not allow full plant canopy closure, reducing yield potential among other desirable factors. Arranging the planting pattern in a diamond planting pattern gives equal spacing between seedlings so that erect growing peanut can establish full canopy closure. Research studies have been established comparing single row, twin row, and several populations in a diamond planting pattern. MONITORING: Progress was monitored by regular emails and phone calls.