All posts by Tyson Raper, Cotton & Small Grains Specialist

07 Jan 2019

2018 TN Cotton Variety Trial Results now available (PB1742)

07 Jan 2019
Author: and  Comments Off on 2018 TN Cotton Variety Trial Results now available (PB1742)
The 2018 TN Cotton Variety Trial Results Publication (PB1742) is now available online. This document contains detailed results from all harvested trails in the 2018 University of Tennessee Cotton Variety Testing Program.  This expanded publication follows the recently published summary publication, the 2019 TN Cotton Variety Guide (W285) which was released a few weeks ago.

 

The tech-trait diversity in the top performers again highlights the excellent yield potential, stability and fiber quality currently available in commercial cultivars regardless of tech platform. Trial results reported from the 2018 season include 58 varieties entered into 7 Official Variety Trials (OVTs) and 18 varieties entered into 10 County Standard Trials (CSTs).  Both OVTs and CSTs were scattered throughout TN’s cotton producing counties.  Additionally, in-season plant measurements and multi-year yield averages were reported for the OVTs.

We will be releasing results from a June planted OVT later this winter, so keep an eye out for those results on this blog.

Special thanks to all those who participated and/or contributed to the program during the 2018 growing season, and look forward to seeing many of you during our 2019 meetings.


13 Dec 2018

2019 Cotton Variety Guide

13 Dec 2018
Author:  Comments Off on 2019 Cotton Variety Guide
The 2019 Cotton Variety Guide is now available  online. This document summarizes results from the 2018 University of Tennessee Cotton Agronomy program and serves as a precursor to a full release of trial results in PB 1742 to come within the next few weeks.  Summary tables from the 2018 season were calculated from six Official Variety Trials (OVTs) and eight County Standard Trials (CSTs) scattered throughout TN’s cotton producing counties.  To access the document click the adjacent image or the hyperlinks above or below.

 

Special thanks to all those who participated and/or contributed to the program during the 2018 growing season.


30 Sep 2018

When should I resume picking?

30 Sep 2018
Author:  Comments Off on When should I resume picking?

Weather over the past few days has allowed our cotton crop to dry down substantially. Still, it is unlikely the areas which noted sprouting will be dry enough to pick until mid-week (Oct. 3). In this post, I cover the factors to consider and potential impacts should you rush into harvest before the crop has sufficiently dried.  Continue reading →


27 Sep 2018

After sprouting: Protecting existing cotton fiber quality

27 Sep 2018
Author:  Comments Off on After sprouting: Protecting existing cotton fiber quality

The past six days of rain found the vast majority of our Upper-MidSouth cotton crop defoliated and open.  Unfortunately, these conditions supported emergence of cottonseed while still within the boll- commonly referred to as sprouting.  In this blog, I briefly cover best management practices to protect the existing fiber quality.   Continue reading →


09 Sep 2018

Prevention of Plastic Contamination

09 Sep 2018
Author:  Comments Off on Prevention of Plastic Contamination

https://youtu.be/GKnNTc3Qmxw

Although US cotton currently has a reputation as one of the least contaminated sources in the world, USDA-AMS Cotton Programs reported more ‘other extraneous matter’ during 2017 than ever before- primarily due to plastic.  Beginning in 2018, a new remark for plastic contamination will be included in the classing process.  Unfortunately, the negative financial implications associated with receiving a plastic remark could potentially spread beyond a single bale.  As a result, I’ve personally heard several refer to plastic contamination as the biggest single threat to the US cotton industry.   Continue reading →


16 Aug 2018

Increased reports of boll cavitation

16 Aug 2018
Author:  Comments Off on Increased reports of boll cavitation

Authors: Tyson Raper, Avat Shekoofa, and John Snider.

Over the past few weeks, reports of thumbnail-sized boll abortion have emerged in some areas of West Tennessee.  While square and small boll abortion is very common every year, recent reports have indicated many of these aborting bolls are not shedding; instead, the small, dead bolls are remaining on the plants.  This phenomenon is often referred to as ‘boll freeze’, ‘boll dangle’, or most commonly, ‘cavitation’.

Figure 1: Severe drought stress in this plant resulted in the cavitation of small reproductive structures. Continue reading →