Amarillo, texas
December 6, 2005Now that
Roundup Ready Flex technology cotton has been approved by the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a
Texas Cooperative
Extension cotton specialist expects new varieties to begin
entering the marketplace.
Dr. Randy Boman, speaking at the Farm and Ranch Management
Symposium during the Amarillo Farm and Ranch Show, said as many
as 55 new entries of cotton were tested at multiple locations by
Dr. John Gannaway, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station cotton
breeder. A large seed supply for many of the varieties is
anticipated for launch in 2006.
With these new varieties and technology, producers need to be
vigilant in seed selection, studying performance through
demonstration plots and university data, before diving in, Boman
said.
Look at the yield potential of a variety, but also consider
adaptability, fiber quality (staple, micronaire, strength and
uniformity), boll type (storm resistance) and disease and
nematode tolerance, Boman advised.
High fiber quality alone can mean an extra $100 per acre for a
producer from a field with a two-bale yield, he said.
"Don't bet the farm on one variety," Boman warned. "Plant two or
more varieties to spread the risk."
Newer producers also need to be aware of herbicide concerns when
it comes to treating weeds in these new varieties of cotton, as
well as traditional cotton, he said.
The new technology-based cottons such as Roundup Ready and
Liberty Link refer to the type of herbicide which can be used to
treat weeds. Roundup Ready cotton can be treated with the
herbicides containing glyphosate, which are sold under a number
of trade names. Liberty Link cottons can be treated with
herbicides containing glufosinate, such as Ignite.
The two don't mix, Boman said. Small droplets of Roundup can
physically blow onto Liberty Link and conventional fields, the
same as Ignite treatments can physically drip to Roundup Ready
and conventional fields, and can cause damage, he said.
Tank contamination also can sneak up on a producer, he said.
Roundup and Ignite will pull any 2,4-D remnants from a tank and
hoses, and the producer will set his own cotton back.
"Keep flawless records as to where your Roundup Ready, Liberty
Link and conventional varieties are located, and make sure you
apply the correct over-the-top herbicide to your field" Boman
said. "Do not use a sprayer that has been contaminated with
2,4-D or other cotton-damaging herbicides for over-the-top
treatments."
More cotton information is available through county Extension
agents or on the Lubbock Center Web site:
http://lubbock.tamu.edu,
he said. Also, each Extension agent and gin manager has a copy
of the Western Region Cotton Resource CD-ROM, which contains
more information.
Monti Vandiver, Extension integrated pest management agent in
Bailey and Parmer counties, discussed another type of treatment
with producers - insect management.
Most important, Vandiver said, is to start the season with an
integrated pest management plan.
Understand that foliar insecticides have to be applied in a
timely manner, without skimping, because good coverage is
essential to insect management, he said.
For producers using Bt cultivars, keep an eye on what is
happening in the field, Vandiver advised. Do not plant the field
and then walk away and not worry about the worms.
And finally, he said, don't worry about protecting late bolls
which have little chance to mature, because it is not
economical.
by Kay Ledbetter |