I’m re-running this post as we start planting cotton in Tennessee. If you believe the thrips forecast models developed by NCSU, and my experience is that it works well, then thrips populations are behind schedule.  Thus, if we can get some cotton planted in the next 7-14 days, there is a good chance the cotton can outrun thrips before populations peak. Of course, weather is still a significant factor in how badly thrips impact seedlings.

Thrips Infestation Predictor for Cotton – http://climate.ncsu.edu/CottonTIP

Our options for thrips control in Tennessee are mostly unchanged, but there are some key points Continue reading →

It came as kind of surprise to me to find out that AgLogic 15G (aldicarb), a replacement for Temik, is labeled in Tennessee. My understanding is that the label will expire June 30th. Thus, those wanting to apply this product in-furrow for control of thrips and nematodes in cotton can do so in 2018. However, Continue reading →

Most everyone is aware that bollworms are not as susceptible as they once were to several Bt toxins present in cotton.  Specifically, resistance monitoring across the Mid-South and spearheaded by Dr. David Kerns at Texas A&M University indicates that the bollworm has developed some level of resistance to the Cry1 and Cry2 toxins present in WideStrike, TwinLink, and Bollgard 2 cotton varieties. So the obvious question is what to do about it. Continue reading →