By Curtis D. Fountain
Growth Regulation:
Duplin Co. cotton growth varies due to planting date and thrips management. In general, recent heat and moisture have cotton stretching.
Some cotton will be blooming next week. Remember the general rule of 21 days from square to bloom. NCSU 2014 Cotton Information Suggestions for Growth Regulator Use Pages 50-56 is based on a desired plant height of 20-24 inches at early bloom.
For most growers, I suggest the Modified Early Bloom Strategy on Pages 55-56. With this strategy, the 1st plant evaluation is made 10-14 days after 1st square. Better growing cotton fields were at this point this week. For this evaluation, plant height, height-to-node ratio, and internode length are items considered.
If you miss this evaluation and early bloom appears, use the Early Bloom – if Mepiquat has NOT been applied table on Page 56. For this evaluation, plant height and internode length are items considered.
Table rates are for 0.35 lb/gal mepiquat chloride products. Under each table, you will note do not apply if soil moisture is poor. If cotton is wilted by 12:00 noon, soil moisture is poor.
Remember timely mepiquat applications (if needed) 10-14 days after 1st square and early bloom provide more bang for the buck than later catch-up applications. Also remember mepiquat does not shrink BIG COTTON.
Nitrogen & Boron:
Sidedress nitrogen should be applied approximately 14 days after 1st square. This timing lessens the risk of early season leaching and ensures nitrogen is available for the high-demand bloom/boll development period.
For soils with moderate/high leaching potential, boron application is recommended near the early bloom growth stage. This application promotes adequate boron during the critical bloom/boll development period. 1/2 pound/acre of actual boron should be applied. This boron application can be made with the soil-applied sidedress nitrogen or as a foliar spray.
Plant Bugs:
Early season (from squaring to 2nd week of bloom) plant bug scouting begins with plant square retention. 1/8 – 3-16 inch squares are monitored. If square retention for the small square sites is 80% or more, plant bugs are not present at damaging levels.
If square retention is less than 80%, a sweep net should be used to confirm the presence/population of plant bugs.
Source:ncsu.edu