Weekly in-season Updates
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INFORMATION |
May 30, 2005 Talkin’ Cotton We’ve been busy this week finishing up on our variety demonstrations around the state. Each demonstration has 25 varieties replicated four times, so this should give us a good idea of how the varieties perform in our area. Counties where demonstrations have been established are Washita, Caddo, Tillman, Custer, Greer, Beckham, Texas, Garfield, Jackson, and Canadian. Signs should be on the plots by July 1. Please contact your local county extension educator for specifics on the locations. Last week, primary questions involved evaluating cotton stands to determine if the plants will survive. A crust-forming rain soon after planting, followed by very high temperatures and wind caused the cotton plants to use up a lot of energy just to survive. I’ve been observing a lot of plants that seem healthy, but they are not growing as fast as they should. First, we need to look at the root system, and this needs to be dug with a shovel instead of just pulled out of the ground. The area above the seeding depth should be white and clear of disease lesions, and side roots should white and growing. If dark watery areas are on the roots, they are infected by seedling disease, and probably will not develop into healthy plants. A white, clean root system indicates that the seedling will likely grow into a healthy plant. Also, it is a good idea to check on the growing point between the cotyledon leaves. This should be a green sliver that will develop into the first true leaf. If it is dry and brittle, the plant has lost it’s terminal, and at this stage it will not develop further. Most of the varieties except DP 555 and Stoneville 5599 can still be replanted in early June without much yield loss.
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