All posts by Tyson Raper, Cotton & Small Grains Specialist

18 Dec 2015

2016 TN Cotton Variety Guide

18 Dec 2015
Author:  Comments Off on 2016 TN Cotton Variety Guide

The 2016 TN Cotton Variety Guide is now available cover_w285online. This document summarizes results from the 2015 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.  Summaries from the 2015 season were calculated from four Official Variety Trials (OVTs), four large, replicated on-farm trials and nine County Standard Trials (CSTs) scattered throughout TN’s cotton producing counties.   Continue reading →


12 Oct 2015

Defoliation Strip Trial Ratings/Summary

12 Oct 2015
Author:  Comments Off on Defoliation Strip Trial Ratings/Summary

155A few weeks ago two defoliation strip trials were established in West TN.  One of these was placed in Crockett County and another was placed in  Gibson County.  Additional information on these trials can be found by reading the 22 Sept and 24 Sept posts.  After application, I returned to rate the treatments Continue reading →


28 Sep 2015

Keep soil compaction in mind while harvesting

28 Sep 2015
Author:  Comments Off on Keep soil compaction in mind while harvesting

IMG_1878

September has been warmer and drier than normal but rain is in the forecast over the next few days.  The first report of picking in TN came in late last week and we should be in full-picking-mode after this rain moves through.  Still, there is more to getting back into the field than just waiting for the bolls to dry and ground to ‘hold up’.  With the adoption of the new module-building pickers, the weight of our equipment has increased to record levels.  Continue reading →


24 Sep 2015

2015 Crockett County Defoliation Trial

24 Sep 2015
Author:  Comments Off on 2015 Crockett County Defoliation Trial

Crockett_Defol_screenshotThe first shot of the Crockett County Defoliation Trial was applied today (9/24) on Mr. Tommy Butner’s farm.  This plot is flagged on all four corners with large red bicycle flags. The northwest corner is located near coordinates:  35.810726°, -89.245217°.  Treatments include one and two shot approaches.  The plot is located just east of 7529 Tennessee 88, Friendship, TN 38034 (just west of Maury City, TN). Continue reading →


22 Sep 2015

2015 Defoliation Strip Trial in Gibson County

22 Sep 2015
Author:  Comments Off on 2015 Defoliation Strip Trial in Gibson County

IMG_1835Mr. Philip Shelby (Gibson County AG Extension Agent) and I put a defoliation strip trial out on Mr. Jason Luckey’s farm last Thursday (9/17).  This plot is flagged on all four corners with large red bicycle flags. The southwest corner is located near coordinates: 35.797906°, -88.835526°.  Navigating to 36 Esquire Peek Rd in Humboldt, TN 38343 and looking north will put you roughly 100 yards south of the plot.  Treatments target a one-shot approach to defoliation with Continue reading →


14 Sep 2015

2015 Mid-South Cotton Defoliation Guide now available

14 Sep 2015
Author:  Comments Off on 2015 Mid-South Cotton Defoliation Guide now available

 

Tennessee’s 2015 cotton c2015_defol_guiderop has taken advantage of the hot summer and many of our acres will receive the first shot of defoliant in the next two weeks.  Fortunately, this puts the average acre 10-14 days ahead of last year.  With a favorable 10 day forecast on this the 14th day of Sept., the first part of our defoliation window looks very good!   Keep in mind that warmer temperatures generally reduce rates and increase the predictability of the application.  Also, we will likely need less ethephon (especially in the earlier planted acres) compared to last year.  Given the crop is mature and ready to defoliate, making these applications in warmer conditions can result in higher quality at a lower price. Win-win. Continue reading →