Research Triangle Park, North
Carolina
May 29, 2007
The Beltwide Cotton Nematode
Committee attributed record yield reductions to nematodes in
2006, with 5.32 percent of the crop lost to these pests. With
cotton losses from nematode pressure at an all-time high,
growers should consider every management option available to
ensure the highest return on their investment.
Cotton growers can use a sidedress application of Temik®
insecticide/nematicide to guard against yield losses from
nematodes, said Herb Young,
Bayer CropScience
technical services representative.
“Growers can make a single sidedress application of Temik from
around pinhead square until early bloom,” Young said. “This not
only extends nematode control, but also controls key insect
pests such as spider mites and tarnished plant bugs. Take care
not to delay applications, which could result in mechanical
damage such as root pruning.”
University Extension specialists and crop consultants have
extensive experience studying the benefits of sidedress
applications, including Wes Briggs, an independent crop
consultant in Bainbridge, Ga.
“A Temik sidedress application of 7 lbs per acre is our standard
rate, with timing at pinhead square,” he said. “It has worked
well for us - some fields could easily lose a bale of cotton per
acre without it.”
Briggs said many of the south Georgia acres he consults have
sandy soils, which is a perfect environment for severe root-knot
nematode populations. A sidedress application of Temik can keep
those populations in check.
A 2004-05 Independent Crop Consultants survey revealed that
consultants who predominately used insecticide seed treatments
instead of an at-plant Temik application sprayed twice as many
acres for aphids. The same survey noted a ninefold increase in
spider mite sprays where at-plant Temik applications were not
made.
Young said Temik sidedress applications should be applied with a
coulter rig or similar equipment that will incorporate the
material into the soil. Growers can contact their local dealer
or Bayer CropScience sales representative for the availability
of applicator equipment. Young added that each Bayer sales rep
has two to three sidedress rigs they lend to growers.
For more information on Temik, visit
www.CottonExperts.com.
Bayer CropScience LP is the
U.S. business of Bayer CropScience, which has its global
headquarters in Monheim, Germany. Bayer CropScience, a
subsidiary of Bayer AG with annual sales of about EUR 5.7
billion (2006), is one of the world’s leading innovative crop
science companies in the areas of crop protection;
non-agricultural pest control, including consumer lawn and
garden; seeds; and plant biotechnology. The company offers an
outstanding range of products and extensive service backup for
modern, sustainable agriculture and for non-agricultural
applications. Bayer CropScience has a global workforce of about
17,900 and is represented in more than 120 countries, ensuring
proximity to dealers and consumers. |
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