Missouri Cotton Producers Should Prepare Now For The 2013 Crop

PORTAGEVILLE, MO.
   Farmers will finish most of the 2012 Missouri cotton crop harvest by October 20 and should now start preparations for the 2013 cotton crop. The following is a check list of items to consider.
   • Identify areas where yields of cotton this year were less than acceptable and then take the time to troubleshoot these areas to determine why yields were less than expected.
   • Dig cotton roots after harvest this fall in areas of the field where nematode problems are suspected and examine them for root-knot nematode (RKN) galls. University of Missouri research shows that root gall severity due to RKN is a reliable indicator of the presence of this nematode and the severity of RKN damage to cotton. Producers should complete this soon after harvest because the roots begin to rot by December. Contact me for more information about this method. If RKN is a problem, farmers should make decisions this winter about how to manage it in 2013.
   • Select the fields you intend to plant to cotton in 2013 and test a sample of the soil from each field for pH and nutrients if this has not been done since 2009.
   • Apply needed lime, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer this fall or early next spring.
   • Break hardpans by subsoiling this fall or next spring.
   • Enhance drainage of the fields this fall or next spring to reduce wet soil problems for the 2013 crop.
   • Select varieties for planting in 2013 based on University of Missouri cotton variety yield trials and the yields of varieties in your own and your neighbor’s fields. The University of Missouri cotton variety yield trial results for 2012 will be available by early-November on the web at http://aes.missouri.edu/delta/cotton/trials/index.stm
   • Select treatments to add to seed before planting next year. There are several different treatments available including those to protect the seedling from diseases, insects, and nematodes. Your selections should be based on the problems with pests anticipated next year.
   • Hire a cotton scout or consultant to weekly inspect your 2013 crop for pests.
   Following these suggested procedures will give Missouri cotton producers a better chance of producing higher yields and greater profits in 2013. For more information contact Allen Wrather at the University of Missouri Delta Center (Phone 573-379-5431; Mobile 573-379-0259; E-mail: wratherj@missouri.edu) or check the Delta Center Web Page (aes.missouri.edu/delta). Δ
   DR. ALLEN WRATHER: Professor/Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri