Our last effective bloom date (the last day a flower is likely to mature into a harvestable boll) is right around September 15 (next week). So unless it has been blooming for 2 weeks or more, I’m not sure I’d chase it. The other question is how much more money you want to put into it. Many of us around here have been fighting whiteflies hard over the last 6-7 weeks. If we try to push this cotton to “put a top on it”, we are going to have to keep protecting against these pests and others (stinkbugs, late-season plant bugs, etc.). This will also allow them more time to continue feeding and reproducing, potentially putting us in a worse situation in 2027. I will say that our whitefly populations have started to tail off some. So unless there is a major reason to try and push this crop further than we have to, I say when it is ready, knock the leaves off. However, these situations and decisions are fluid, so give me a call with any questions that arise. It looks like we are still in a scattered shower type pattern. Little chances every day, probably coupled with some overcast conditions. The good news is that temperatures will come down a little this week. Next week we should see some mornings around 68-69. However, it looks iffy for applying defoliants. I like a few sunny days after application to ensure good uptake and activity. But rain-free periods do become a concern. Thidiazuron (Dropp/Freefall/Klean-Pik/etc.) has a rain-free period of 24 hours, but if mixed with a phosphate (tribufos – i.e. Folex/DEF), that can be cut to 12 hours. With the pattern we are currently in, it’s tough to guarantee 12 hours, much less 24. Just keep in mind that ill-timed defoliants (particularly early) can be detrimental to yield and quality.