According to the latest West Plains IPM Update from Texas A&M AgriLife, cotton development across Lamb, Hockley, and Cochran counties now ranges from early square stages to fields nearing peak bloom.
The July 23 report by Extension Agent Kerry Siders states that cotton across the region is currently between pinhead square and about five nodes above white flower (NAWF), with an ideal target of six to seven NAWF for this time of year. Reaching that range allows producers to take full advantage of the crop’s most productive bloom period and improve the chances of setting harvestable bolls.
Siders said the last effective bloom window is expected to fall between Aug. 7 and Aug. 20, depending on the location across the West Plains. He added that the long-standing saying, “we make cotton in August,” is expected to hold true again this season.
Additionally, Recent high temperatures near 100 degrees have pushed crop development, but Siders says he is hopeful for more moderate conditions that would help cotton progress at a more normal pace while improving irrigation efficiency. Siders added that rainfall would also benefit fields if received in the coming weeks.
According to the report, insect pressure remains relatively low; fleahoppers have been active in recent weeks but will become less of a concern moving into August. However, Siders said producers should continue monitoring for Lygus and other plant bugs, along with cotton aphids. Siders said that beneficial insects and spiders have also been observed in most fields and are helping provide natural control.
In the report, Siders covered several priorities producers should focus on as the crop moves further into the bloom period.
Siders said that water management remains critical, with flowering cotton approaching peak water use at approximately 0.30 inches per day. He also recommends wrapping up fertilizer applications by early August, or before fields reach five NAWF, noting that late applications can delay maturity and increase the risk of aphid infestations.
The report also encourages producers to closely scout for pests including cotton aphids, Lygus, stinkbugs, cotton bollworms and beet armyworms over the next month. Siders noted that cotton jassids have not been observed in the area at this time.
Maintaining fruit retention remains another key focus in the report, with growers aiming to carry a strong square set into flowering and protect developing bolls from damage. Siders also emphasized the importance of managing vegetative growth, with a target of reaching five NAWF around Aug. 5. Adding that hitting that benchmark helps ensure fields can “bloom out the top” by the end of the effective bloom period, which is expected to conclude around Aug. 20.
For any questions or concerns, Siders can be reached at his office at (806) 894-3150 or by email at kerry.siders@ag.tamu.edu.