Researchers are currently developing predictive weed management models to aid producers in maintaining or improving economic profitability of peanut production while minimizing herbicide inputs and reducing environmental impact. HERB (Version 2.1.P), a computer decision model, has recently been developed for peanut and is now awaiting validation of weed control decisions before being released to the public. Field validation trials in 1994 and 1995 indicate that the current competitive index parameters in the HERB model are invalid, and statistically estimated competitive indices were generated. Estimating new parameters improved R 2 values from 0.37 to 0.61. New competitive index parameters allow the HERB model to more accurately predict the level of yield loss at a given weed density.
