Specialists Speaking-Randy Norton

Randy Norton
ARIZONA

As of early July, the 2026 Arizona cotton crop ranges from early bloom in the higher elevations of the state to fields approaching cutout in the extreme low deserts of southwestern Arizona. The warm, late winter and early spring led to early planting and rapid crop development in southwestern Arizona, with many fields beginning to bloom before the end of April. Much of the crop in this region is now well past peak bloom and is approaching, or in some cases has already reached, cutout.

Recent field visits to southwestern Arizona have revealed high fruit retention levels (>70%) and few gaps in fruiting. Some fields will receive their final irrigation within the next two weeks. I remain optimistic about the crop in this region; however, yields will need to be exceptional to surpass the outstanding 2025 crop.

Cotton fields in central and eastern Arizona range from early bloom to near-peak bloom. Early season fruit retention has been good, with minimal insect pressure to date. However, recent reports of increasing lygus and whitefly populations will require close monitoring to protect developing fruit.

Due to poor winter precipitation in many of our watersheds, irrigation water availability has become a limiting factor for many growers across the state. Extended intervals between irrigation events have resulted in significant moisture stress in some fields, and we have observed increased flowering in the upper portion of the canopy as a result. Under these circumstances, there is little that can be done to alleviate water stress short of an active monsoon season.

Thus far, the 2026 season has closely mirrored 2025 in terms of heat stress, with very few days of “Level 2” heat stress, defined as average daily crop canopy temperatures exceeding 86 degrees Fahrenheit. This is encouraging and bodes well for the development of a strong fruit load and consistent fruit retention throughout the canopy.

For most of the state, there is still considerable time remaining in the season, and current trends and projections are promising. It will not be long before we know the true potential of the western Arizona crop, as some of the first cotton harvest is likely only four to six weeks away.