Browsing Cotton Report 1994 by Issue Date
Now showing items 1-20 of 61
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Evaluation of Trap Crops as a Component of a Community-Wide Pink Bollworm Control ProgramTrap crops were evaluated as a part of a community -wide pink bollworm (PBW) control program. We measured extraordinarily high numbers of PBW larvae in the trap crops in 1992, which indicated that the trap crops were attracting PBW moths from wide areas. However, we have no direct way of measuring any effect this would have on the main crop. Overall PBW populations were very low in 1993. While PBW numbers drastically declined in the community, this study offers no conclusive evidence as to whether trap crops are an effective component of a community-wide IPM program.
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1993 Cotton Seed Treatment EvaluationsCottonseed was treated with several fungicide treatments in an effort to protect the seed and seedling from disease. Seed germination and vigor was evaluated in three Arizona locations; Maricopa, Marana, and Safford. Stand counts were taken on two separate dates after emergence and percent emergence was calculated. Among the three locations only one, Marana, showed significant differences among treatments. The highest percent emergence being seeds treated with Nu-Flow ND at a rate of 7.5 fl oz/cwt. The untreated control placed last in the ranking at this location.
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Methanol Effect on Upland CottonThe effects of foliar applied methanol on Upland cotton were measured in a large field study in Phoenix, AZ. An untreated check was compared to weekly applications of 30% methanol, 30% methanol plus 1% Urea and 0.1 % Fe EDTA, and 1% Urea and 0.1% Fe EDTA. Plant growth and development, photosynthesis, transpiration, soil water use and lint yields were measured. There were no differences in any of the measured variables between treatments.
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Control of Sweepotato (Silverleaf) Whitefly, Bemisia Tabaci, on Cotton in Paloma, ArizonaA large scale for the control of sweetpotato (silverleaf) whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, (SPW) was carried out in Paloma and Painted Rock near Gila Bend, Arizona, on approximately 6,156 ha of cotton during the 1993 season. Within the program area 40 fields were randomly selected for comparison with 15 fields in each of 2 locations outside the program. They were identified as check east (approximately 11 k northeast of the program) and check west (approximately 3 k west of the program). Whitefly populations in both check areas were controlled according to individual grower protocol. On a weekly basis, adult counts were taken from all 4 edges and the centers of each field using the oil pan technique. Insecticides were applied aerially in the program area on the full field or edges based on population density recorded from pan samples. Insecticide combinations were rotated weekly in an attempt to reduce the potential for the development of pesticide resistance. During the 16 -week evaluation period SPW adults were significantly higher in check east and check west than the program area by 2- and 6-fold respectively; eggs were higher by 3- and 39 fold, respectively; and nymphs were also significantly higher in check east and check west by 3- and 60-fold respectively. Ginning records for 1993 indicate approximately a 20% increase in yield in the program area a 5% increase in check east and a 40% decrease in check west as compared to 1992. These results demonstrate that an area -wide approach, utilizing edge treatment where possible, based on extensive field sampling regimens represent an important integrated strategy in a successful whitefly control program.
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Numerical and Binomial Sequential Sampling Plans for Adult Bemisia Tabaci in CottonFixed-precision numerical and binomial sequential sampling plans are reported for adults of Bemisia tabaci (Strain B) on cotton. Both plans are based on whole leaf sample units from the fifth mainstem node (counted from the terminal). Numerical sampling plans allow for the efficient estimation of adult population density. Numerical sampling stop lines are presented relating the cumulative number of adults counted to the number of leaves examined for two levels of statistical precision. Binomial plans were developed to allow classification of adult population density for pest management decision -making application. These plans were devised for three action threshold levels; 5, 10 or 15 adults per leaf Binomial sampling stop lines are presented relating the cumulative number of infested leaves to the number of leaves examined as an aid for determining the need for population suppression.
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A Community-wide Approach to Whitefly ManagementAn extension supported, grower controlled, community pest management group was initiated in the Laveen and Tolleson communities of Arizona with the management of sweetpotato whitefly (SPWF) as its initial focus. The three functions of this group were awareness, communication, and cooperation. Increased awareness and communication of pest management problems and solutions were achieved through regular meetings and newsletters. Community cooperation took the form of a community-based overwintering survey and a sticky trap network. These two cooperative activities served both an educational and a research function. From the overwintering survey and the sticky trap network, growers learned about the overwintering habits and movement dynamics of whiteflies in their area, the limits of sticky traps for SPWF detection, the need for the reduction of SPWF populations before they move onto cotton. and the need for careful infield sampling of SPWF populations.
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Arizona Upland Cotton Variety Testing ProgramTen field experiments were conducted across the cotton growing areas of Arizona in 1993 for the purpose of evaluating Upland cotton varieties in terms of adaptability and performance. Five commercial cottonseed companies participated in the program. Two varieties were submitted from each company at each location. Experiments were conducted on grower -cooperator fields in each case. Locations used in the program spanned the range of conditions common to cotton producing areas of the state from about 500 ft. to 4,000 ft. elevation. Results indicated a broad range of adaptability and competitiveness on the part of each of the participating companies and their representative varieties. Each of the companies offers a compliment of varieties that can serve to match various production strategies commonly employed in the state as well as showing a strong capacity to be regionally adaptive.
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Novel Pyrethroid Combinations for Control of Sweetpotato Whitefly and Their Impact on LygusCombinations of two insecticides, often a pyrethroid with an organophosphate, have been used more successfully in sweetpotato whitefly (SPWF) control programs rather than single insecticides when SPWF populations are chronically high. Ten combinations of various insecticides were compared for their effectiveness against all SPWF stages. Applications were by ground, broadcast over -the -top of plots 12 rows x 40 ft on five application dates. Three sampling methods were used: leaf turns and sweeps for adult counts, and microscopic leaf counts for immature stages. Danitol® +Orthene® emerged as the most consistently effective combination on all SPWF stages when compared to the untreated plots. Over all dates and SPWF life stages, the combinations were ranked according to the following order of descending efficacy: Danitol + Orthene 5 Danitol + Lorsban® Karate® + Penncap -M® = Scout Xtra® + Orthene = Asana® + Curacron® = Asana + Orthene < Asana + Phaser® = Scout + Phaser = Asana + Lorsban = Asana + Vydate® < untreated check. Yields were also affected by the combinations, but attributed to SPWF and Lygus suppression. Orthene treatment combinations yielded consistently greater than other entries and was likely due to superior Lygus control and at least average SPWF control. The Asana + Vydate was ranked among the best in Lygus control but low in SPWF control, while Karate + Penncap, Danitol + Lorsban, and Asana + Curacron were ranked high in SPWF control but low in Lygus control. The remaining treatments were more or less intermediate in SPWF and Lygus control. Rankings of these combinations for Lygus control were in the following order of descending efficacy: Asana + Vydate = Scout + Orthene = Asana + Orthene = Danitol + Orthene < Scout + Phaser = Danitol + Lorsban = Karate + Penncap < Asana + Curacron < Asana + Phaser = Asana + Lorsban < untreated check.
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Defoliation of Pima and Upland Cotton at the Safford Agricultural Center, 1993Experiments were effected on both Pima and upland cotton to compare the defoliation effects of Ginstar, Starfire and sodium chlorate with an untreated check Weather conditions after treatment applications were recorded and observations taken after one week and two weeks. Grab samples were taken from the picker to determine percent trash and to run HVI analyses.
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Short Staple Variety Demonstrations, Graham County, 1993Two on farm, replicated short staple variety demonstrations were established in 1993. Twelve varieties were evaluated in one location and fifteen varieties were evaluated at the other. Delta Pine 90 was the highest yielding variety at one location with a yield of 1387 pounds of lint per acre and Stoneville LA 887 was the highest yielding variety at the other location with a yield of 1134 pounds of lint per acre.
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Nutsedge Control in Cotton Using Norflurazon (Zorial Rapid 80): A Progress ReportField experiments were conducted in 1992 and 1993 to determine the crop safety and efficacy of norflurazon applications for control of purple and yellow nutsedge in cotton. Norflurazon was applied preplant-incorporated (PPI) or in two applications, PPI and postemergence (POST) when cotton was 3 to 4" tall. As the PPI norflurazon application rate increased from 0.5 to 0.75, 1.0, and 1.25 lb a.i./A, early season nutsedge control increased from 29 to 49, 58, and 76% of control. Early season weed control declined after about 6 weeks. POST emergence applications of norflurazon prolonged the period of nutsedge control. Data collected 71 and 21 days after the PPI and POST applications, respectively, showed that the 0.5 +1.5, 0.75 +1.25, and 1.0+1.0 lb a.i./A (PPI +POST) treatments resulted in 85, 76, and 73% control of nutsedges. Nutsedge control declined throughout the season with the 0.5 +1.5, 0.75 +1.25, and 1.0+1.0 lb a. i./A split applications all resulting in about 27% control 3 months after the POST applications. PPI rates 1.5 to 2 times the labeled rate for a particular soil type caused cotton injury in several experiments in the 1993 cotton season although no injury was observed in the 1992 season.
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The Use of AZSCHED to Schedule Irrigation on Cotton, Safford Agricultural Center - 1993An irrigation scheduling trial was implemented on both long and short staple cotton on the Safford Agricultural Center in 1993. It is a continuation of studies initiated in 1991, where plots were irrigated when they reached 40 %, 50% and 60% soil water depletion level as predicted by the AZSCHED software. Results for this study are given as well as a summary of the three year study.
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Pima Cotton GeneticsA feasibility study of short season management in Pima cotton, using short season genotypes, was initiated in 1993. Four short season genotypes, a full season check, and a short season check were evaluated in replicated tests under short season and full season regimes. In this first preliminary year of data, no significant yield loss could be attributed to management regime or to earliness of genotypes. Three of the putative early maturing genotypes exceeded the full season Pima S-7 check in yield. Results were contrary to expectations. The short season test is planned for repeat in 1994. An investigation of a virescent mutant discovered in 1990 (CM-1-90) was conducted in 1991, 1992, and 1993. Crosses of the mutant to Pima S-6 to determine inheritance, and to various virescent mutants to determine allelism produced results which were anamolous to normal, nuclear inheritance. Reciprocal crosses to PS-6 and to various virescent mutants confirmed that the new mutant was cytoplasmicaly inherited.
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Irrigation Efficiencies and Lint Yields of Upland Cotton Grown at the Maricopa Agricultural Center, 1993The computer program AZSCHED, with weather data obtained from AZMET, was used to schedule irrigations for a yield trial of early season Upland Cotton (DPL 20) at the Maricopa Agricultural Center. Cotton lint yields were compared between plots from five treatments involving five irrigation efficiencies (50 %, 65 %, 75 %, 90% and 110 %). As in previous years, a potassium bromide tracer was applied to select areas in each plot to monitor the movement of water and nitrates down the soil profile. The total amount of fertilizer as nitrogen applied in two split applications and sidedressed was 100 #/a. The total amount of water applied to the plots ranged from 42.7" for 50% to 26.6" for 110% (deficit) irrigation efficiency. The plots were harvested on October 5, 1993. There was a significant difference in lint yield between the irrigation efficiency treatments. The 50% irrigation efficiency treatment produced 1190 # lint /acre while the 110% efficiency produced 883 # lint /acre.
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1993 Weather ConditionsAbnormally high January and February rainfall will certainly be the most remember meteorological feature of 1993. This rainfall led to extensive flooding along the Gila River and its tributaries, and delayed field preparation in many areas. However, once the winter rains ended, weather conditions proved very favorable for cotton production. Warm, dry spring weather helped get the cotton crop off to a good start. Moderate summer temperatures and a late monsoon provided excellent weather conditions for setting fruit. The relatively short monsoon period was followed by an extended period of mild, dry weather which provided excellent conditions for finishing the crop. The only blemish on the fall weather pattern was a period of heavy rainfall in mid - November which delayed field operations in much of central Arizona.
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Upland Cotton Variety Resposne to Row SpacingAn Upland cotton row spacing study evaluation 30 in. vs. 38 in. rows was conducted in the Gila Valley of western Maricopa County in 1993. In addition, six Upland varieties were also evaluated on both the 30 and 38 in. row configurations. There were no row spacing differences in yield among five of the six varieties. Sure Grow 1001 had significantly lower lint yields when produced on 30 In. rows. DPL 5415 had significantly higher lint yields that the other five tested varieties on 38 in. rows. There were no variety differences in the 30 in. rows.
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Action Thresholds for Whiteflies in ArizonaThree field tests were set -up for evaluation of action threshold levels for sweetpotato whitefly control with two different chemical combinations. The thresholds used to initiate treatments were ca. 1, 10, and 25 adult whiteflies per leaf designated as "early ", "moderate ", or "late ". Immatures were present during these treatment initiation points at the rate of ca. 5 nymphs and ca. 10 eggs per sq.in. in the 'early' plots, 15.3 nymphs and 39.1 eggs per sq.in. in the 'moderate' plots, and 52.1 nymphs and 299.3 eggs per sq.in. in the 'late' plots. The insecticides used included a pyrethroid combination [Danitol® (.1 lb a.i/A) + Orthene® (.5)] and a non-pyrethroid combination [endosulfan(.75) + Ovasyn® (.25)1 Applications were by ground, broadcast, over-the-top, at 20 GPA. Populations were monitored as whitefly adults (leaf turns & net sweeps) and nymphs and eggs (leaf counts). Once applications were triggered, they continued ca. weekly. The early threshold required seven applications, starting 10 July, and produced yields (4038.8 lbs seed cotton/A) which were 2 or 3 times larger than the untreated check (1589.3 lbs seed cotton/A). Lint or leaf stickiness was not apparent; however, 2 or 3 sprays were required before any significant differences in whitefly populations could be found. Whitefly numbers were lowered significantly in both insecticide regimens, with somewhat lower numbers present in the pyrethroid treated plots. The late threshold was sprayed only twice, starting 12 August, and yielded no more cotton (1719.2 lbs seed cotton/A) than the untreated check (1395.0 lbs seed cotton/A). Lint and leaf surfaces were covered in stickiness and sooty mold. Whitefly populations were excessive and led to premature cut -out and poor fruit retention. The moderate threshold (10 adults per leaf) received five applications, starting 22 July, and produced high yielding and high quality cotton (3462.2 lbs seed cotton/A). Some stickiness and sooty mold growth was observable only on the lowest leaves. This was a result of limited honeydew production prior to the threshold and well before any boll opening. Lygus populations were extremely high and caused large differences in yields which favored the pyrethroid combination slightly and the earliest threshold significantly. Given commercial farm control realities (e.g., delays in sampling or application, differences in coverage or application, variable efficacy), the ideal threshold for initiation of treatments is likely between 1 and 10 adults per leaf.
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Use of Leaf Water Potentials to Determine Timing of Initial Post-Plant IrrigationPresumably, from a physiological standpoint, early season water stress should be avoided to ensure early fruit initiation, good fruit retention, and optimum yield potential of cotton (Gossypium spp.). This study was conducted to determine the optimum timing of the initial post plant irrigation and the long term effect of postponement on subsequent plant growth patterns, fruit retention, and yield. A short - season Upland variety, (G. hirsutum L.), DPL 20, was planted on 19 April in Marana, AZ, elevation 1970 ft. , on a Pima clay loam (Typic Torrifluvent) soil. Plots (experimental units) consisted of eight 40 in. rows and extended the full length of the irrigation run (600 ft.). Experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replications. Initial post - plant irrigations, designated T1 , 72, and T3, were applied when the midday leaf water potential (ψ) of the uppermost, fully- developed leaf reached -15, -19, and -23 bars, respectively. All treatments received the same irrigation regime following the initial post plant irrigation. Basic plant measurements were taken weekly from each experimental unit. These included plant height, number of mainstem nodes, location of first fruiting branch, fruit retention, number of nodes above the uppermost white bloom, bloom count within a 166 ft² area, and percent canopy cover. Soil -water data at seven 25 cm depth increments was collected from a total of 36 access tubes located within the field study, with three tubes per plot. Lint yields (lb. lint /acre) were 1112, 1095, and 977 for T1 , 72, and T3, respectively. Yields were significantly lower when the initial post plant irrigation was applied after ψ, dropped below -19 bars, confirming the results of a previous study conducted in 1992. Throughout the growing season, height - node ratios (HNR) of T1 and 72 plants were at or above the upper threshold established for DPL 20, while T3 HNR remained close to the expected baseline. Fruit retention was low for all three treatments due to season -long insect pressure from lygus bug. The low fruit retention data reflects the effects of high HNR. Future work will include efforts to separate changes in ψ due to day-to-day climatic variations from those caused by soil -water depletion. A second objective will be to incorporate the data obtained from the neutron moisture meter probe into the study results in an effort to better describe the complete soil-plant-atmosphere continuum as affected by the various treatment regimes employed in this study.
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Boll Sampling to Predict Lint Yield in Upland and Pima CottonGiving a cotton (Gossypium spp.) producer a method to predict lint yield, would be a useful management tool. The objective of this study was to determine if relatively simple measurements could be made near cut -out which could be used to adequately estimate lint yield for Upland (G. hirsutum L.) and Pima (G. barbadense L.) cotton. Data and samples were collected from the nitrogen (N) management study at Maricopa Ag. Center from two N treatments which were imposed on both Upland (var. DPL 5415) and Pima (var. S-7) cotton. The treatments were no added N and N added on an as- needed basis. Twenty hard -green bolls from the first or second fruiting positions were collected from each plot on 19 August 1993. The number of bolls expected to reach maturity prior to crop termination were then determined from five randomly selected plants in each plot. Measurements on each boll collected included fresh weight, diameter, number of locks, number of seeds, and dry seed cotton weight. Plant population was determined from early season stand counts. Seed cotton per boll was most highly correlated to boll weight for DPL 5415 and for Pima S-7 it was most highly correlated with boll diameter. These respective parameters were then used in linear regression to predict seed cotton /boll. Lint yield calculated from the regression models (using boll weight or diameter) and yield calculated from means of the data collected agreed quit well. Predicted yields from regression analysis overestimated the actual Upland yield by about 730 lb lint /acre and under estimated Pima yields to within about 150 lb lint /acre. It appears that this procedure has the potential to estimate lint yields to within about 150 lb lint /acre. However the sampling scheme will he refined especially in regard to estimation of plants /acre and bolls /plant which should improve yield estimate accuracy.
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Potential for Pink Bollworm Control with Entomopathogenic NematodesThe susceptibility of late instar pink bollworm (PBW), Pectinophora gosspiella (Saunders), larvae to two species of Steinemema was evaluated in small scale field tests in spring and summer of 1993. In the spring PBW mortality at 15 infective juveniles /cm² for S. carpocapsae and S. riobravis was 87 and 89 %, respectively. In midsummer, mortalities with S. riobravis were significantly greater than with S. carpocapsae at the four concentrations tested. A simple method was developed for small scale field testing and efficacy monitoring for PBW and other soil associated insects.