The Environmental Protection Agency has eased restrictions on dicamba herbicide use by Texas cotton farmers, according to an announcement by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller. This is a direct result of a cooperative push by the Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension services, and Texas cotton farmers. The current EPA label for dicamba is deemed too ... Read More »
Weed Control
Mid-Season Management
Rainfall has been frequent across most of the Bootheel, and as I write this, there are plenty of chances for rain in the future. Don’t be tempted to irrigate squaring cotton unless there is a substantial dry spell soon. However, starting the flowering period with adequate soil moisture is essential and should remain at adequate levels to ensure proper fruit ... Read More »
Dr. Gaylon Morgan Joins Cotton Incorporated As Research Director
Cotton Incorporated has named Dr. Gaylon Morgan research director, Agricultural & Environmental Research Division. In this role, Morgan will focus on weed and weed management research, according to a news release. A recognized expert in this area, he joins the company at a time when such expertise is most needed. Weed control and emerging diseases are the top two threats ... Read More »
UT Plans Weed Tour, June 19, In Jackson, Tennessee
The University of Tennessee has scheduled a weed tour, June 19, from 9-11:30 a.m., at the West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center in Jackson. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. A light breakfast will be served. Larry Steckel, UT Extension weed specialist, will lead the tour, along with Clay Perkins, doctoral candidate with the UT Department of Plant Sciences and Travis ... Read More »
Clemson Scientists Designing Robots To Fill Ag Labor Gaps
The agricultural workforce is shrinking and some Clemson University researchers believe robots may help provide a means to protect America’s food and fiber industries. A group of them studying the use of robots in agriculture recently met with researchers from other universities and representatives from Clearpath Robotics to learn about programs and hardware that are available to equip robots to ... Read More »
Dry Spring Causes Cotton Management Challenges
Rain in the forecast is a welcome change from the lingering dry conditions Alabama producers have battled this spring. Producers generally plant cotton between April 20 and the first week of June. Although early spring weather was conducive for planting, the end of May was hot and dry, creating significant challenges for stand establishment. Alabama Extension cotton specialist Dr. Steve ... Read More »
Dry Condition Can Affect Herbicide Efficacy, Crop Injury
• By Stanley Culpepper • Dry conditions across the region are influencing both weed control and cotton injury. Weed Control: Most weeds, especially Palmer amaranth, become more tolerant to topically applied herbicides under dry conditions. A thicker wax layer on the leaf (stem) surface, dust on the leaf surface, and leaf closure or stem rolling can reduce herbicide uptake and ... Read More »