Specialists Speaking- Josh Lee

Josh Lee
ALABAMA

While driving across Alabama these past weeks, the cotton crop seems to be progressing well overall. There are areas in the state that seem to be getting more rain than others. It seems like when I look at the weather radar, Alabama seems to be getting more rain events compared to central and south Alabama. The north Alabama crop is shaping up to be a solid crop with good fruit retention. Best case scenario is that north Alabama catches a few timely rains to finish up flowering and we have a dry harvest season like last year. The central and south Alabama cotton crop has caught up well in response to some later planting dates and is developing quickly. I have seen a few fields and gotten some calls about potassium management in sandier fields. Foliar potassium applications will not replace granular or preseason applications. If you are considering a foliar application of a potassium product, make sure that you are not applying past cutout.

When talking with Scott Graham, the cotton insect situation has been light so far this season (I’m writing this on Aug. 10, 2026). There have been some fields sprayed for plant bugs and stinkbugs, but overall, insect pressure has been low. I think the low insect pressure has helped with fruit retention this year. Cotton jassids have been confirmed in several counties in Alabama, but population numbers are low. We are not out of the woods yet, so it remains important to continue scouting and monitoring fields. If you have questions about late-season cotton management, Alabama Cooperative Extension is here to help! Please don’t hesitate to contact your local Extension agent or specialist for more information.

Josh Lee
ALABAMA