According to the latest West Plains IPM Update from Texas A&M AgriLife, cotton conditions across the western South Plains remain highly variable this week.
The June 25th report by Extension Agent Kerry Siders says that fields currently range from just-emerged cotton planted around Juneteenth to eight true-leaf squaring cotton, noting that the average is 4.5 true leaves. After several weeks of difficult weather and storm losses, many producers are still dealing with uneven or struggling stands. Siders noted that calm winds, mild temperatures, and steady rain would go a long way toward helping crops stabilize in the coming week.
The report also said insect pressure remains relatively low for now. Siders noted that he found only minor activity, including some grasshoppers along field edges and small numbers of fleahoppers and Lygus in weedy margins and bar ditches, during his recent scouting efforts. Siders added that in the coming weeks, he will shift his focus to monitoring square development, retention, and the detection of square-robbing pests.
Sliders also notes that weed control remains one of the biggest challenges, with conditions varying widely from field to field. Siders said that while pigweed is resistant to glyphosate (Roundup), it is still very effective against many other weed species. Siders also added that other options, like glufosinate (Liberty), remain very effective when combined with adequate humidity.
Peanuts are generally progressing well and are in the blooming stage, though Sliders notes that maintaining the humidity needed for pollination can be difficult in hot, windy conditions. Sliders said that checking for proper nodulation remains an important step, as poor development may require additional fertilizer inputs, adding that the priorities now should be to clean up weeds, complete cultivation, and irrigate.
In addition to peanuts, the report said that corn is also holding steady where irrigation is sufficient, with corn leafhopper numbers remaining very low and no signs of red stunt disease at this time. However, Sliders advised producers to keep an eye out for mites in the current environment.
According to the report, Grain sorghum planting is ongoing, ranging from crops just being planted behind failed cotton or even some first plantings. Sliders said that while early plantings have seen minimal insect issues so far, weed control remains a top priority. Sliders stated that Clarity (dicamba) or 2,4 D should be applied after all sorghum has emerged but before the height exceeds 8 to 10 inches.
For any questions or concerns, Sliders can be reached at his office phone at (806) 8943150.