Managing Late Fields with Limited Prospects
We occasionally encounter fields with limited potential late in the summer. Fruit set is sparse, meaning harvestable bolls are few, while squares and blooms are present, there are only a few developing bolls. Stated differently, at a point late in August there’s not a crop worth picking, but the plant still has potential. Obviously, the farther north in the state, the less likely one might consider that as “potential.”
While the crop may not warrant significant additional inputs, if there’s enough plant to give some hope, you might consider limited, targeted efforts, particularly for stink bug control. In the case of such a field, do not neglect stink bugs. Late cotton with green bolls will likely attract stink bugs, and if there is any prospect of harvesting a crop, monitor these fields closely and treat stink bugs aggressively. Don’t give up the crop to stink bugs.
If we have a warm fall, such fields could produce a surprising yield. Current prices and the alternatives encourage at least the consideration of a late, “hail Mary” crop.
Contact Steve Brown for more information
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