The West Tennessee Research and Education Center (WTREC) would like to cordially invite you to the 2015 University of Tennessee Cotton Tour. This event is scheduled Continue reading
By definition, the last effective bloom date is the day in which the probability of a new flower developing into a boll and making its way into the basket declines to below 50%. Since it is unlikely (probability less than 50%) that fruiting positions which develop after this date will contribute to yield, end-of-season insecticide termination and defoliation recommendations for our area are based upon protecting/managing those positions which will be flowering Continue reading
Tyson Raper (Cotton and Small Grains Specialist) and Frank Yin (Systems Agronomist)
Sulfur (S) deficiencies have been becoming more common in cotton fields in recent years. This is in part due to a reduction in sulfur emissions from manufacturing plants and diesel fuels. Nitrogen (N) and S deficiencies are commonly confused- particularly late in the season. Although both cause chlorosis of leaf tissue, the mobile nature of N within the plant results in deficiency symptoms first appearing low in the canopy. In contrast, S is very immobile in the plant and, as a result, S deficiency symptoms first appear in new growth near the top of the plant. Continue reading
A rough start for many of TN’s cotton acres has turned into a decent summer for the majority of our acreage. This is very evident when looking at accumulated heat units noted at the West Tennessee Research and Education Center in Jackson, TN. As you can see in the below graph, we are quite a bit ahead of the last two years on accumulated heat units. Warm temperatures in mid/late June and timely rains have Continue reading
Tennessee cotton is finally ‘growing off’. Still, here on the 3rd day of July, it appears few farms will reach the coveted ‘bloom by the 4th’. Although the environment has played a dominate role in maturity up to this point, management decisions emphasizing earliness have been particularly useful in 2015. This marks the third consecutive year in which managing for earliness has a marked effect on crop maturity by early July. 
On the heels of last year’s delayed crop, Dr. Owen Gwathmey and I began discussing potential benefits of managing a cotton crop for earliness and the management practices which encourage timely maturity and harvest with colleagues both within and beyond the University of Tennessee. We have summarized these thoughts in the attached Guide to Earliness Management in Short-season Cotton Production (PB1830). Continue reading
Rains and warmer temperatures have promoted rapid growth over the past week. Now that the root zone has expanded and N uptake has increased exponentially, expect very rapid plant growth in areas which have adequate moisture as we move into flowering. For those who have not applied an early shot of a plant growth regulator (PGR), you should consider doing so very soon. Several points should be considered when attempting to regulate growth in 2015. Continue reading
To keep or replant, that is the question-
Heavy rains immediately following planting have forced many to consider this age-old question. Although this is not new territory for many, there are a few points that should be kept in mind when deciding which action (if any) should be taken.
The 63rd annual Mid-South Farm & Gin Show is scheduled for February 27- 28, 2015 at the Cook Convention Center, Memphis, TN. Those two days, more than 400 exhibitors from over 40 states will be on hand showcasing the latest technology and innovation available in agriculture. Show hours are Friday, February 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, February 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. More information is available at www.farmandginshow.com and the full press release can be found by clicking on the logo or the hyperlink above.
Two other events will be occurring in conjunction with the Farm and Gin Show that many will find to be of interest: Continue reading
