Cotton ranges from 7 to 14 true leaves with square set/retention averaging a good +85%. I am just now starting to see first bloom in the more advanced fields. Generally, it will be after July 20 before we see cotton beginning to bloom, if not later in a good majority. Just considering our last effective bloom date (the date in which we can say with a high percent chance that a bloom will result in a harvestable boll) ranges from August 10-15, from Morton to Ropesville. So, if you do not begin to bloom until August 1, this gives you about 12 days of good bloom period, or time for about 4 first position bolls to be formed. In that scenario yield is limited. Versus a field which begins to bloom on July 15 has about a 28day effective bloom period, which can result in ~9 first position bolls. This is not counting 2nd or possible 3rd positions in either case.
Cotton insect pests remain quiet. In the IPM Scouting Program I have noted only a hand full of adult fleahoppers. To-date none of these infestations have reached a threshold to justify treatment. Products listed for fleahoppers include: Vydate, Orthene 97, Acephate 90 Prill, Intruder Max/Strafer Max, Carbine, Centric, Alias, or Bidrin. https:// extensionentomology.tamu.edu/ files/2018/03/ENTO075.pdf Beneficials insects and spider numbers are surprisingly good in some fields, though limited food source is available.
Peanuts have been blooming strong with pegging following strongly as well. Pods are beginning to swell and form. Irrigation is critical at this point in peanuts. It is critical not only for the plant to grow but also it creates an environment which is conducive for peg penetration of soil. If soil surface is too hot and dry pegs will not develop properly, and hence no pod. No insect pests have been noted in peanuts. I have not seen much in the way of pathogens either. The dry environment will help reduce the incidence of foliar diseases. Weeds continue to be challenging. There are excellent herbicides labeled for peanuts. Just remember though that the options become fewer and more costly as the season progresses.
Sorghum remains mostly insect free. A few cornleaf aphids have been found with accompanying beneficials. Very little if no whorl feeding has been noted in early planted milo. Weeds have been challenging here as well.
Weeds continue to be the most dominant pest currently. A longvaried list of weed species noted throughout the area, with Palmer amaranth still at the top. If you need help identifying a weed and coming up with a control plan, give me a call. Remember, these weeds serve as host to many of our crop pests.
On another cotton issue that I am seeing and am concerned about as we move into another very hot period is this heavy wheat stubble which served a great purpose back a few weeks ago as protection from the various elements, mostly wind. Now however, it can be a determent to the cotton in that intact stubble can wick moisture from the soil. I would encourage you to somehow break or sever that stem/ straw from the roots. Using a sweep or knife to undercut this will help, or I have even seen stalk chopper units moved into the row middle and used to lay that stubble down breaking that continuum of straw and roots, limiting the wicking effect. Call if questions. ***** West Plains IPM Update is a publication of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service IPM Program in Hockley, Cochran, and Lamb Counties. Editor: Kerry Siders, Extension Agent-IPM Contact information: 1212 Houston St., Suite 2, Levelland, TX 79336 806) 894-3150 (office), 638-5635 (mobile) ksiders@tamu.edu (E-mail)