The cross section of the reaction 55Mn(p, y)56Pe has been measured in the energy range 0�80-2�04 MeV and of the reaction 55Mn(p, n)55Pe from threshold to 2� 04 MeV. Statistical model calculations reproduce the (p, n) cross section to within a factor of 1� 4, but with the (p, y) reaction they fail by a factor ;;;:2 over a significant part of the energy range. Thermonuclear reaction rates are calculated from the data for temperatures in the range (1-5) x 109 K.