A new factor to consider this year is jassids causing leaves to turn brown prior to defoliation of cotton. This may have potential to cause leaves to stick. “If this pest is present in fields then timely defoliation is critical to maintain optimum yield and quality. If we do not defoliate on time and the jassids kill the leaves we could be facing other issues (leaf, trash, extraneous matter, etc.). More information from Dr. Camp Hand – UGA Cotton Agronomist below:
Dr. Hand Video and explanation – https://x.com/camp_hand16/status/1965428122498859028
The big take home – I sprayed a product evaluated and recommended by Dr. Roberts, ON TIME, and these were the differences. We do not know the impacts this pest will have on defoliation and subsequent fiber quality, but we can certainly speculate as to the potential issues that could be caused.
With respect to weather, the next week looks absolutely ideal to get out there and knock the leaves off of some cotton. Highs in the 80s and lows in the 60s for the most part. Based on this, below are some rates I would be thinking about for the week.
3-way
Thidiazuron – lots of juvenile growth in the top of a lot of fields. I would be looking at 3-4 oz/acre. 4 oz for sure on Monday/Tuesday (cooler days this week)
Folex/DEF – 10 to 12 oz/acre, would probably consider 12 oz/acre on Monday or Tuesday, but 10 oz/acre is my go to rate for any situation.
Ethephon – 32 to 42 oz/acre – 42 on Monday/Tuesday, can probably back off later in the week.