2010 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 research relates to inhouse objective 3: Develop management techniques for new and emerging crops in peanut-base rotations irrigated with surface drip. 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. By planting in twin rows, more optimum plant spacing may be achieved in peanut which can reduce early season plant-to-plant competition and increases yield potential. Planting patterns for peanut grown in New Mexico and Texas are generally grown in single rows on 1 meter beds. The erect growth habit of Valencia and Spanish market type peanuts and 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 peanuts can establish full canopy closure. Achieving early canopy closure also improves the potential for setting an early crop and having better water use efficiency. Research studies have been established comparing single row, twin row, and diamond planting patterns at equal populations with runner, Virginia, Spanish, and Valencia market type peanuts. Aerial remote sensing imagery has been used in this study to determine leaf area index and estimate ground cover by the various row patterns. Progress was monitored through phone calls and email.