04
Sep
2017
All posts by Tyson Raper, Cotton & Small Grains Specialist
22
Aug
2017
Heat unit accumulation during 2017
22
Aug
2017
Heat unit accumulation has been the big question over the past week. Mild temperatures settled over Tennessee during early August and there is some concern that the crop may not be maturing as quickly as noted in years past. While I agree the weather has been quite comfortable, we are currently very close to the 30 year average heat unit accumulation trend noted from 1980-2010.
28
Jun
2017
Managing cotton plant growth during 2017
28
Jun
2017
Over the past 10-14 days, our cotton crop has really taken-off. Rains and warmer temperatures have promoted rapid growth over the past week and Plant Growth Regulator (PGR) applications will begin within the week on much of our crop. Now that the root zone has expanded and N uptake has begun to increase exponentially, expect very rapid plant growth in areas which have adequate moisture. Several points should be considered when attempting to regulate growth in 2017. Continue reading
20
Jun
2017
Cotton Nitrogen Management, 2017 comments
20
Jun
2017
For much of West Tennessee, the time frame in which to apply Nitrogen (N) is quickly closing. After accumulating an impressive number of DD60s last week and catching a nice rainfall over the weekend, the crop is beginning to grow rapidly. This post intends to highlight a few key points in proper N management with recent research results while touching on some exciting in-field experiments. Continue reading
08
May
2017
Cotton Planting Forecast, 5/8-5/12
08
May
2017
- Most of you don’t need a blog article to recognize the opportunity this week presents. Although rain is in the forecast for Friday, it appears we will have a dry window until that rain comes through. Continue reading
01
May
2017
2017 Cotton Planting Forecast, 5/1-5/5
01
May
2017
Rumors of a few hundred planted cotton acres within the state have spread over the past three weeks. Assuming the rumors are true, the state is still less than .5% planted.
As I write this, I’m waiting for the third (and hopefully last) band of rain to sweep through the area to wrap up a very wet and destructive weekend storm system. Soils are again saturated through the heart of Tennessee’s cotton belt. Continue reading
28
Mar
2017
Wheat Freeze Damage Update, Management and Haylage
28
Mar
2017
Dr. Tyson Raper and Dr. Gary Bates
Reports of no freeze damage received early last week (3/20) were replaced with reports of slight to severe freeze damage by the end of the week (3/24). This article describes how to determine damage, what types of damage have been noted, and management of freeze damage wheat. Continue reading
13
Mar
2017
Freeze damage to jointing wheat
13
Mar
2017
For much of Tennessee’s wheat, the cold front which moved through Saturday (March 11th) dropped temperatures near the danger zone. Jointing typically does not occur until late March but our mild winter has allowed much of the timely planted wheat to mature faster than normal. Much of our wheat is between Feekes stages 7 and 8. In the below image, the growing point was located near the knife blade. Wheat becomes considerably less tolerant to cold temperatures after the growing point leaves the base of the plant. Continue reading