Peanuts: Several have had stand problems. Unfortunately, there is no clear answer. It’s the old diplomatic answer of, it depends. We all hate that answer but it fits because each field has been different. Here is some of what we’ve been seeing.
- The cooler weather has slowed germination
- Germination was poor to begin with
- Combination of the two above
- Pathogens that seed treatment didn’t protect against
- Vigor
- Planting depth
- Anxiousness
Cotton: The cotton that I have looked has been good except for some thrip damage. I have heard so a few replant situations Here are a few tips to help minimize herbicide injury.
- Plant high vigor seed especially in harsh conditions including excessively hot soils.
- Plant into moist soil (irrigate prior to planting if needed and possible).
- Apply preemergence two active ingredients effective on Palmer within 24 hr of planting; use labeled rates that will not harm cotton.
- Lightly irrigate after herbicide application but at least 40 hours prior to emergence (avoid irrigation while cotton is emerging if possible).
- Irrigate to develop the perfect cotton stand, then limit irrigation events during the first 2 weeks after planting as long as cotton is not stressed.
- “Dusting in” cotton is a nightmare for herbicide injury. Thus, one may want to plant cotton into fields free of weeds, and then as soon as cotton emerges apply a postemergence mixture controlling emerging weeds while providing residual control. This “dusting in” program will create resistance quickly so minimize this approach as much as feasible.