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KERRY SIDERS
Weed and insect pressure is starting to build across the Cotton Belt, but Mother Nature has been the biggest pest in some areas over the past week. Despite those challenges, our contributing cotton consultants say the overall crop is in pretty good shape. Here’s their report for late June.
As is always the case this time of season, our cotton crop is all over the board, from just planted to the small percentage of cotton acres on the other end of the spectrum which are near squaring and making good progress. However, it is the majority in between which is of most concern.
I suspect the most recently planted (both original planting and replant acres) will jump out of the ground and take off running quickly and could even outpace those acres planted two to three weeks earlier. These acres have struggled from stresses from wind, blowing sand, and hard driving rain, but mostly cool air temperatures. So, stand establishment and evaluation are still a top priority along with weed management.
Here are my priorities from mid-June through mid-July: Fertility – Where are you in terms of reaching your realistic yield goal? Adjust accordingly and get it implemented soon.
• Irrigation – Most plants are rooted down into good moisture or will be soon. Right now, we have stored moisture for a few weeks or possibly more. As we go into bloom and boll development, be sure to account for the water demand curve.
• Weed Control – I would encourage producers to utilize glufosinate (Liberty) while we have moisture and some humidity to take some selection pressure off the Xtend and Enlist technology herbicides. I would encourage residual herbicide as well.
• Plant Map – What is the plant telling you? Will it need a plant growth regulator with good moisture, heat, and fertility?
• Insect Scouting – Never let your guard down! Watch for thrips on late planted acres, wire- worms, Lygus, and fleahoppers.