Focus On Cotton Webcast Features Precision Ag Data
Field observations and data have always been a critical part of agriculture. However, the widespread adoption of data collection – and real-time analytics by industry leaders and local growers alike – illustrates the maturation of big data in agriculture and its increasing importance for local and regional decision making.
A new Focus on Cotton webcast titled “Capturing Value from Precision Agriculture Data: Big Data in Ag” helps cotton consultants, growers and other practitioners understand how consolidated farm-level data will be used to identify trends, drive pricing structures and help growers set best practices.
This 32-minute talk by Terry Griffin, cropping systems economist at Kansas State University, provides insights into the benefits of widespread adoption and utilization of big data.
This presentation is available at no charge, courtesy of Cotton Incorporated, through the “Focus on Cotton” webcast resource located at the Plant Management Network, http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/foco. Focus on Cotton contains more than 35 webcasts on various aspects of cotton crop management. These talks are freely accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week and cover agronomic practices, crop protection and ag engineering.
This resource also features a new and improved cotton Extension search tool, where users can conveniently search for Extension resources across all U.S. land-grant universities serving cotton producers.
Transform WG Insecticide Receives Section 18s
The Environmental Protection Agency has granted Section 18 emergency use exemptions for Dow AgroSciences’ Transform WG insecticide in nine more states to control sugarcane aphids in sorghum. In addition to Texas, Section 18s have been issued in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Missis-sippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Tennessee for 2016.
“Sugarcane aphids continue to be a problem, and sorghum growers in affected states need an effective control option like Transform to combat this devastating pest,” says Todd Pilcher, Dow AgroSciences product manager.
Dr. Robert Bowling, AgriLife Exten-sion entomology specialist at Texas A&M, says, “Sugarcane aphids multiply quickly, so we need to scout early and often. Early applications of an insecticide with a unique mode of action will help keep those populations in check.
“Not only does Transform insecticide provide control of sugarcane aphids, but its unique chemistry gives growers an effective resistance management tool as well.”
Dow AgroSciences is working diligently to support re-established EPA Section 3 registrations of products containing sulfoxaflor in all previously labeled crops.
Refer to individual state Section 18 labels for complete application guidelines and limitations.
To learn more, watch the informational video “Gaining the Upper Hand Against Sugarcane Aphids” available at www.TransformMySorghum.com.
Inscalis: A New Insecticide Active Ingredient
BASF recently submitted a registration request for a new insecticide active ingredient – Inscalis. It belongs to a novel chemical class, the pyropenes, and offers an alternative mode of action for the control of key insect pests and provides producers a new resistance management tool for their integrated pest management programs.
Inscalis controls critical piercing and sucking insect pests, such as aphids, whiteflies, psyllids, scales and leafhoppers. First-tier registration requests were submitted to the U.S. and Canadian authorities for use on a wide range of crops, such as vegetables, fruit, row crops and
ornamentals.
Inscalis has a favorable environmental profile and low acute toxicity to important beneficial arthropods, including pollinators. The new insecticide will be available in several high-performing formulations to provide new solutions for insect control.
Pending regulatory approval, first market introductions of Inscalis-based products are expected in 2019.
Arkansas Farmer-Designed Irrigation Product
Delta Plastics is marketing a new product designed and created by Arkansas farmer/inventor Billy Don Hinkle of Moro – the Splice Device.
Hinkle was looking for a quicker, easier way to connect and secure his flexible irrigation polytube. He engaged his ingenuity and devised the Splice Device. This reusable hard-plastic fitting easily and securely connects two lengths of polytube to help growers more efficiently direct their irrigation water flow. Comprised of a smooth inner ring and a larger outer ring, it is available in 10-, 12-, 15- or 18-inch diameters and features a metal rod and latch that tightens and locks the polytube in place.
“Time is money, and we are proud to offer products like the Splice Device and other high-performance accessories to support our irrigation polytube product line,” says Sean Whiteley, CEO of Little Rock, Ark.-based Delta Plastics.
Delta Plastics also offers irrigation accessories. The EZConnect T is designed to replace expensive, cumbersome PVC fittings. It is constructed of the same high-performance, recyclable polyethylene as Delta Plastics polytube. Compatible with the Splice Device, the EZConnect T comes in several sizes and quickly joins three lengths of polytube.
The EZ X Gate irrigation regulator adjusts, directs and closes polytube water flow. Hard plastic arms cross to form an “X” and secure with a bolt to conveniently adjust or close off water for accurate irrigation. The Poly Patch is a length of sturdy polyethylene that slips under polytube in the field and zips closed over the rip.
View the Splice Device video at http://www.deltaplastics.com/Polytube/Farmers/videos.