2005 Cotton Research Report Research Report No. 28 March 2006 Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station Richard Guthrie, Director Auburn University Auburn, Alabama Printed in cooperation with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) This publication is a joint contribution of Auburn University, the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Alabama A&M University, and the USDA Agricultural Research Service. Research contained herein was partially funded through the Alabama Cotton Commission and private industry grants. All donations, including the Alabama Cotton Commission grants and private industry funding, are appreciated. Acknowledgments Publication, display, or distribution of data contained herein should not be made without prior written approval. Mention of a trademark or product does not constitute a guarantee of the product by Auburn University and does not imply its approval to the exclusion of other products. confidentiAl RepoRt Information contained herein is available to all persons regardless of race, color, sex, or national origin. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work in agriculture and home economics, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, and other related acts in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) offers educational programs, materials, and equal opportunity employment to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex. age, veteran status, or disability. CONTENTS page Editors, Contributors ...........................................................................................................................................................................5 Cherokee County Cotton Variety Trial................................................................................................................................................7 Evaluation of Cold-Tolerant and Conventional Cotton Varieties and Planting Dates at the Tennessee Valley Research and Extension Center ...........................................................................................................7 . Evaluation of Cold-Tolerant and Conventional Cotton Varieties and Planting Dates at the Gulf Coast Research and Extension Center ......................................................................................................................9 . Evaluation of Cold-Tolerant and Conventional Cotton Varieties and Planting Dates at the Prattville Agricultural Research Unit ..............................................................................................................................10 Evaluation of Cold-Tolerant and Conventional Cotton Varieties and Planting Dates at the Wiregrass Research and Extension Center ......................................................................................................................11 Commercial Cotton Varieties Screened for Fusarium Wilt Resistance, 2005 ..................................................................................12 Evaluation of Early Season Flex Cotton Varieties for Response to Boll Rot Disease in Alabama, 2005 ........................................13 Evaluation of Early Season Cotton Varieties for Response to Boll Rot Disease in Alabama, 2005.................................................14 Evaluation of Full Season Flex Cotton Varieties for Response to Boll Rot Disease in Alabama, 2005 ..........................................15 . Evaluation of Full Season Cotton Varieties for Response to Boll Rot Disease in Alabama, 2005 ...................................................16 Enhancing Cotton Variety Selections ...............................................................................................................................................17 . VARiety tRiAls Evaluation of Stance, a New Growth Regulator for Cotton .............................................................................................................20 Evaluation of Precision Strip Tillage for Alabama Farmers ............................................................................................................20 Sub-surface Drip Irrigation Placement and Irrigation Water Requirements, Tennessee Valley Research and Extension Center ...................................................................................................................21 Sprinkler Irrigation Water Requirement and Irrigation Scheduling, Tennessee Valley Research and Extension Center ...................................................................................................................22 Evaluation of Variable-Rate Seeding for Cotton ..............................................................................................................................23 Crop Rotation to Manage Reniform Nematodes in Cotton .............................................................................................................24 Cotton Systems Research: Evaluating Herbicide Technologies, Tillage Systems, and Row Spacings ...........................................26 The Old Rotation, 2005 ...................................................................................................................................................................27 . 2005 Yields on the Cullars Rotation (circa 1911) ............................................................................................................................28 cRop pRoduction HeRbicides Comparison of Roundup Ready, Liberty-Link, and Conventional Weed Management Systems in Cotton 2005 ............................29 Tarnished Plant Bug Control in Cotton ............................................................................................................................................31 . Spider Mite Control In Cotton ..........................................................................................................................................................32 Production and Characterization of Bt resistance in Cotton Bollworm, Helicoverpa zea ...............................................................32 . Developing Treatment Thresholds for Stink Bugs in Cotton ...........................................................................................................33 . insecticides Evaluation of Experimental Seed Treatments for Management of the Reniform Nematode in North Alabama, 2005 ...................34 . Evaluation of Experimental Seed Treatments for Management of the Reniform Nematode in South Alabama, 2005 ...................35 . Evaluation of Avicta, Vydate CLV, and Temik 15G Combinations for Reniform Nematode Management in Cotton in South Alabama, 2005 ............................................................................................................................................................36 Evaluation of Avicta Formulations as Compared to Temik 15G for Reniform Nematode Management in Cotton in North Alabama, 2005 ............................................................................................................................................................37 Evaluation of Avicta Formulations for Seedling Disease and Reniform Nematode Management in Cotton in North Alabama, 2005 ............................................................................................................................................................38 nemAtAcides contents, continued Evaluation of the Avicta Seed Treatment and Temik 15G for Reniform Nematode Management in North Alabama, 2005 ............................................................................................................................................................40 Comparison of Avicta and Temik 15G for Reniform Nematode Management in Cotton in South Alabama, 2005 ........................41 2005 On-Farm Reniform Nematode Trials in Northern and Central Alabama ................................................................................42 . Effect of Gaucho Grande Cotton Seed Treatment on Reniform Nematode Control ........................................................................44 Band Applications of Temik 15G Versus Recommended Temik Applications on Reniform Nematode on Cotton Production in Reniform-Infested Fields ...................................................................................................................45 Evaluation of Quadris 2.08 SC for Management of Cotton Boll Rot Disease in South Alabama, 2005 ..........................................46 Evaluation of Topsin M for Management of Cotton Boll Rot Disease in South Alabama, 2005 .....................................................47 Evaluation of Selected Seed Treatment Fungicides for Cotton Seedling Disease Management in Central Alabama, 2005 ............48 Evaluation of Myconate® for Cotton Seedling Disease Management in the Tennessee Valley Region of Alabama, 2005 ............49 Evaluation of Selected Seed Treatment Fungicides for Cotton Seedling Disease Management in the Tennessee Valley Region of Alabama, 2005 ...................................................................................................................50 fungicides Breeding Cotton for Yield and Quality in Alabama .........................................................................................................................52 . Contributors Index ............................................................................................................................................................................53 cotton bReeding editoRs K.S. Lawrence Associate Professor Entomology and Plant Pathology Auburn University C.D. Monks Professor and Extension Specialist Agronomy and Soils Auburn University D.P. Delaney Extension Specialist IV Agronomy and Soils Auburn University contRibutoRs J. R. Akridge Superintendent Brewton Agricultural Research Unit Brewton, Alabama F. J. Arriaga Affiliate Assistant Professor Agronomy and Soils, Auburn University USDA-National Soil Dynamics Lab. K. S. Balkcom Affiliate Assistant Professor Agronomy and Soils, Auburn University USDA-National Soil Dynamics Lab. R. Beauchamp County Extension Coordinator Elmore County Alabama Cooperative Extension System W. C. Birdsong Regional Agronomist Southeast Alabama Alabama Cooperative Extension System C. Brodbeck Engineer II Biosystems Engineering, Auburn University C. H. Burmester Extension Agronomist Tennessee Valley Research and Extension Center, Belle Mina, Alabama R. Colquitt County Extension Coordinator Shelby County Alabama Cooperative Extension System L. M. Curtis Professor and Extension Spec., Emeritus Biosystems Engineering, Auburn University D. P. Delaney Extension Specialist IV Agronomy and Soils, Auburn University D. Derrick Regional Extension Agent Cherokee County Alabama Cooperative Extension System C. Dillard Agricultural Program Associate Agronomy and Soils, Auburn University M. P. Dougherty Assistant Professor Biosystems Engineering, Auburn University B. Durbin Superintendent Field Crops Unit, E.V. Smith Research Center Shorter, Alabama B. L. Freeman Extension Entomologist Entomology and Plant Pathology Auburn University J. P. Fulton Assistant Professor Biosystems Engineering, Auburn University B. Gamble Associate Superintendent Wiregrass Research and Extension Center Headland, Alabama W. S. Gazaway Professor and Extension Spec., Emeritus Entomology and Plant Pathology Auburn University K. Glass Agricultural Program Associate Agronomy and Soils, Auburn University R. W. Goodman Associate Professor Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology Auburn University W. G. Griffith Regional Extension Agent Fayette County Alabama Cooperative Extension System M. H. Hall Regional Extension Agent Madison County Alabama Cooperative Extension System D. H. Harkins Agricultural Program Assistant Tennessee Valley Research and Extension Center, Belle Mina, Alabama L. Kuykendall Regional Extension Agent Autauga County Alabama Cooperative Extension System G. W. Lawrence Entomology and Plant Pathology Mississippi State University K. S. Lawrence Associate Professor Entomology and Plant Pathology Auburn University P. L. Mask Assistant Director, Ag, For, Nat. Res. Alabama Cooperative Extension System R. McDaniel Superintendent Gulf Coast Research and Extension Center Fairhope, Alabama C. C. Mitchell Professor and Extension Agronomist Agronomy and Soils, Auburn University W. J. Moar Professor Entomology and Plant Pathology Auburn University C. D. Monks Professor and Extension Specialist Agronomy and Soils, Auburn University D. P. Moore Superintendent Prattville Agricultural Research Unit Prattville, Alabama B. E. Norris Superintendent Tennessee Valley Research and Extension Center, Belle Mina, Alabama S. H. Norwood Regional Agent, Prattville, Alabama Alabama Cooperative Extension System M. G. Patterson Professor Agronomy and Soils, Auburn University contRibutoRs, continued M. D. Pegues Associate Superintendent Gulf Coast Research and Extension Center Fairhope, Alabama R. L. Petcher Regional Extension Agent Washington County Alabama Cooperative Extension System J. H. Potter Regional Extension Agent Lawrence County Alabama Cooperative Extension System A. J. Price Affiliate Assistant Professor Agronomy and Soils, Auburn University USDA-National Soil Dynamics Lab. J. N. Shaw Associate Professor Agronomy and Soils, Auburn University R. H. Smith Professor and Extension Spec., Emeritus Entomology and Plant Pathology Auburn University J. G. Todd County Extension Coordinator Mobile County Alabama Cooperative Extension System D. B. Weaver Professor Agronomy and Soils, Auburn University L. W. Wells Superintendent Wiregrass Research and Extension Center Headland, Alabama R. P. Yates Regional Extension Agent Marengo County Alabama Cooperative Extension System VARIETY TRIALS cHeRokee county cotton VARiety tRiAl C. H. Burmester and D. Derrick Each season a cotton variety trial is conducted in Cherokee County to supplement yield results from the Alabama variety trials. This large cotton-growing area has unique soil types and farmers need these results to evaluate new cotton varieties for northeast Alabama. In 2005, the test was conducted on the farm of Randall and Nick McMichen on a Holston fine sandy loam soil. Cotton was planted no-till into a winter wheat cover crop on April 29. Cotton varieties were planted in a two-replication strip trial to reduce possible soil variability. Eight rows were harvested for yield from each variety and weighed using a boll buggy. The variety DP 444BG/RR was used as a check variety across the field. A total of ten cotton varieties were planted in 2005. All varieties contained the Roundup Ready gene and received a glyposate herbicide application at the four-leaf stage. At harvest, Yield and QualitY of Cotton Varieties in the Cherokee CountY trial, 2005 cotton samples were taken for Seed cotton Lint 1 2 quality analysis. These samVariety yield Lint yield Mic. Length Strength Uniformity ples were ginned on a table lb/ac pct lb/ac units in g/tex pct top gin for lint percentage and DP445BG/RR 3363 0.4586 1542 4.20 1.12 27.8 83.9 DP 444BG/RR 3396 0.4517 1534 3.90 1.12 29.4 83.3 lint quality was determined ST 5242BG 3245 0.4259 1382 4.10 1.11 28.2 83.8 by HVI analysis. PHY 480WR 3149 0.4318 1360 4.40 1.14 30.1 83.8 Excellent growing condiDP 454BG/RR 2974 0.4545 1352 3.90 1.14 29.4 84.0 tions in 2005 resulted in very FM 960BR 3074 0.4376 1345 3.80 1.15 33.8 83.6 high yields. Overall insect DP 455BG/RR 2967 0.4477 1328 3.80 1.12 29.8 83.2 ST 5599BR 2993 0.4227 1265 4.20 1.14 31.8 82.9 pressure was also very light, FM 960B2R 2905 0.4244 1233 4.30 1.12 30.0 84.0 especially for plant bugs. 3 1 Lint percent determined on a small gin without cleaners. This percentage is usually higher than normal turnout, but consistent between varieties. 2 Mic. = micronaire. 3 — = data missing. PHY 470WR 2549 0.4313 1099 — — — — eVAluAtion of cold-toleRAnt And conVentionAl cotton VARieties And plAnting dAtes At tHe tennessee VAlley ReseARcH And extension centeR D. P. Delaney, C. D. Monks, C. H. Burmester, B. E. Norris, and K. Glass Seed for cotton cultivars currently grown in Alabama require warm soils in order to germinate and develop properly. Soil temperatures must remain above 60oF for several days, which normally occurs after early April in much of the state. Cold fronts, rain, and heavy mulches used with conservation tillage can delay this even further. Producers planting early run the risk of poor stands, delayed germination and seedling disease, as well as stunting from chilling injury. If producers were able to plant earlier, soil moisture might be more favorable, and cotton would potentially have a longer growing season, would have peak flowering during the longest summer days, and might set bolls before soil moisture supplies were depleted by hot weather. For northern areas, this might enable harvest before cold, wet fall weather. Recently released cold-tolerant cotton varieties are claimed to germinate and grow well at temperatures well below the optimum for currently grown varieties. Two varieties each of cold-tolerant and conventional cotton cultivars were planted at each of three planting dates. One variety of each type was an early maturing variety and the other a full season. Four replications of four, 40-inch rows in 25 foot long plots of each variety were planted on April 5, April 15, and April 27, using conventional tillage. Fertility and pesticide applications were according to Alabama Cooperative Extension System recommendations. Cold (two 35oF nights) temperatures in late April slowed growth for emerging cotton. Harvest conditions were generally excellent. Plots were defoliated, 100 boll-samples were hand-picked, and then plots harvested with a spindle picker on October 4. Seed cotton samples were ginned on a mini-gin for lint quality and turnout, and lint analyzed for quality by HVI at the USDAAMS lab at Pelham, Alabama. Yield and turnout results are presented in Table 1. Lint yields ranged from 741 to 942 pounds per acre. Lint turnout ranged from 38 to 43 percent. Both planting dates and cultivars had significant effects on stands, with a lower number of plants for the first planting date 8 AlAbAmA AgriculturAl ExpErimEnt StAtion and CT 110 HQ—a cold-tolerant cultivar—and FM 958 resulting in significantly better stands than the other two cultivars. Stands for FM 958 were also significantly better than the other three varieties at the two later planting dates. Better stands and growing conditions for the last planting date resulted in better yields, although there was no significant difference in yields between cultivars planted on the same date. Factorial analysis indicated that there was no significant effect of planting date on lint turnout or quality measurements. There were significant differences between cultivars for most lint quality aspects (Table 2). Planting date 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 table 1. lint Yields and Planting dates of Coldtolerant Varieties, tVreC, 2005 Cultivar CT 110 HQ CT 212 HQ FM 958 DP 491 CT 110 HQ CT 212 HQ FM 958 DP 491 CT 110 HQ CT 212 HQ FM 958 DP 491 Stand plants/50 ft 94 62 102 72 116 116 144 102 111 104 141 104 18 Lint yield lb/ac 787 794 741 750 789 876 756 777 813 928 844 942 136 Turnout pct 38 39 41 42 40 39 41 42 37 40 41 43 2 Planting date 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 table 2. lint QualitY and Planting dates of Coldtolerant Varieties, tVreC, 2005 Cultivar CT 110 HQ CT 212 HQ FM 958 DP 491 CT 110 HQ CT 212 HQ FM 958 DP 491 CT 110 HQ CT 212 HQ FM 958 DP 491 Mic.1 Length Strength Uniformity units in g/tex pct 3.7 1.16 29.4 83.0 4.2 1.09 30.1 82.2 3.9 1.14 30.6 82.6 4.1 1.14 29.9 81.8 3.8 3.8 3.7 3.9 3.9 4.6 3.9 4.2 0.3 1.13 1.11 1.13 1.17 1.14 1.08 1.12 1.17 0.05 28.6 29.3 30.9 31.0 29.5 29.0 29.1 32.9 1.9 82.7 83.2 82.6 83.1 83.2 81.5 83.0 83.1 1.4 LSD (P=0.10) LSD (P=0.10) 1 Mic. = micronaire. 2005 cotton rESEArch rEport 9 eVAluAtion of cold-toleRAnt And conVentionAl cotton VARieties And plAnting dAtes At tHe gulf coAst ReseARcH And extension centeR D. P. Delaney, C. D. Monks, M. D. Pegues, R. McDaniel, and K. Glass Seed for cotton cultivars currently grown in Alabama requires warm soils in order to germinate and develop properly. Soil temperatures must remain above 60oF for several days, which normally occurs after early April in much of the state. Producers planting early run the risk of poor stands and seedling disease, as well as stunting from chilling injury. If producers were able to plant earlier, soil moisture might be more favorable, and cotton would potentially have a longer growing season, would have peak flowering during the longest summer days, and might set bolls before soil moisture was depleted by hot weather. In south Alabama, this might allow harvest before the peak of the hurricane season. Recently released cold-tolerant cotton varieties are claimed to germinate and grow well at temperatures well below the optimum for currently grown varieties. Two varieties each of cold-tolerant and conventional cotton cultivars were planted at each of three planting dates. One variety of each type was an early maturing variety and the other a full season. Four replications of four, 40-inch rows in 25 foot long plots of each variety were planted on April 14, April 28, and May 12, using conventional tillage. Initial land preparation and planting was delayed by persistently saturated soils. More than 5.6 inches of rain in eight hours on April 30 affected the first and second planting dates. Several tropical storms, particularly Hurricane Katrina, also adversely affected the trial through excessive rainfall, lodging, and wind damage to open bolls. Fertility and pesticide applications were according to Alabama Cooperative Extension System recommendations. Seed cotton samples were ginned on a mini-gin for lint quality and turnout, and lint analyzed for quality by HVI at the USDA-AMS lab at Pelham, Alabama. In contrast to previous years, final plant stands were highest for all varieties for the first planting date, which had more favorable weather immediately after planting. Stands also improved from the tenth day after planting (DAP) to the 21 DAP for all planting dates, but was most dramatic for the first planting. CT 110 HQ, a cold-tolerant cultivar, and FM 958 had a higher stand count at 10 and 21 DAP than CT 212 HQ and DP 491 for the first planting dates, but results were less consistent for the second and third dates. Yield and turnout results are presented in Table 1. Lint yields were highest for the second planting date, followed by the first and third dates (many open bolls from the first date were lost during Hurricane Katrina), ranging from 555 to 1062 pounds per acre. There was no significant main effect of variety on yield, but there was a significant interaction between planting dates and varieties. Most lint quality factors were affected primarily by the cultivar, with little effect due to planting date or interactions between planting dates and cultivars (Table 2). Planting date 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 table 1. stand, lint Yield, and Planting dates of Cold-tolerant Varieties, gCreC, 2005 Cultivar CT 110 HQ CT 212 HQ FM 958 DP 491 CT 110 HQ CT 212 HQ FM 958 DP 491 CT 110 HQ CT 212 HQ FM 958 DP 491 10 DAP1 21 DAP —plants/60 ft— 35 124 16 105 43 135 10 105 65 47 69 56 55 31 52 27 14 88 71 109 96 71 63 77 53 16 Lint yield Turnout lb/ac pct 749 40 957 40 760 36 864 41 1062 586 807 987 758 908 954 555 135 41 37 41 41 38 41 42 37 1 Planting date 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 table 2. lint QualitY and Planting dates of Coldtolerant Varieties, gCreC, 2005 Cultivar CT 110 HQ CT 212 HQ FM 958 DP 491 CT 110 HQ CT 212 HQ FM 958 DP 491 CT 110 HQ CT 212 HQ FM 958 DP 491 Mic.1 Length Strength Uniformity units in g/tex pct 4.1 1.15 31.8 83 3.5 1.18 31.6 84 3.5 1.16 33.6 82 4.6 1.14 31.1 83 4.0 3.4 4.6 4.4 4.0 3.9 3.9 3.7 0.4 1.14 1.11 1.17 1.19 1.12 1.22 1.21 1.17 0.03 31.3 31.3 32.9 33.9 33.1 33.1 32.4 33.2 1.7 83 82 84 84 82 84 84 82 1 LSD (P=0.10) 1 Mic. = micronaire. LSD (P=0.10) 1 DAP = days after planting. 10 AlAbAmA AgriculturAl ExpErimEnt StAtion eVAluAtion of cold-toleRAnt And conVentionAl cotton VARieties And plAnting dAtes At tHe pRAttVille AgRicultuRAl ReseARcH unit D. P. Delaney, C. D. Monks, C. H. Burmester, D. P. Moore, and K. Glass Seed for cotton cultivars currently grown in Alabama require warm soils in order to germinate and develop properly. Soil temperatures must remain above 60oF for several days, which normally occurs after early April in much of the state. Cold fronts, rain, and heavy mulches used with conservation tillage can delay this even further. Producers planting early run the risk of poor stands, delayed germination and seedling disease, as well as stunting from chilling injury. If producers were able to plant earlier, soil moisture might be more favorable, and cotton would potentially have a longer growing season, would have peak flowering during the longest summer days, and might set bolls before soil moisture supplies were depleted by hot weather. For northern areas, this might enable harvest before cold, wet fall weather. Recently released cold-tolerant cotton varieties are claimed to germinate and grow well at temperatures well below the optimum for currently grown varieties. Two varieties each of cold-tolerant and conventional cotton cultivars were planted at each of three planting dates. One variety of each type was an early maturing variety and the other a full season. Four replications of four, 36-inch rows in 28 foot long plots of each variety were planted on March 30, April 19, and May 3, using conventional tillage. Fertility and pesticide applications were according to Alabama Cooperative Extension System recommendations. Rainfall was plentiful through most of the early season, with cold and wet soils in late April causing damage to germinating cotton. Several three-week periods with little precipitation were experienced from mid-June through early July, mid-July to mid-August, and again in mid-September. Plots were defoliated, and then harvested with a spindle picker on October 18. One-pound grab samples were ginned on a mini-gin for lint quality and turnout, and lint analyzed for quality by HVI at the USDA-AMS lab at Pelham, Alabama. Results from stand counts, yield, and lint measurements are presented in Table 1. Harvested lint yields ranged from 1108 to 1657 pounds per acre. Lint turnout ranged from 38 to 42 percent Stands were very low for the first planting date, with only one significant difference between varieties at 7 or 21 days after planting (DAP). Stands increased with each planting date, but the only other significant difference between varieties was found for the second planting date at the 7-day count. In both cases, FM 958 had a significantly better stand than some other varieties. Planting date had a significant effect on yield, with yield increasing with the later planting dates. Variety choice had an effect on yield. Most lint quality measurements were significantly different for varieties, while micronaire was also significantly lower for the third planting (Table 2). Planting date 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 table 1. stand, lint Yield, and Planting dates of Cold-tolerant Varieties, Paru, 2005 Cultivar CT 110 HQ CT 212 HQ FM 958 DP 491 CT 110 HQ CT 212 HQ FM 958 DP 491 CT 110 HQ CT 212 HQ FM 958 DP 491 7 DAP 21 DAP —plants/20 ft— 0.0 37.5 0.1 34.2 0.0 42.5 0.1 36.5 1 Lint yield Turnout lb/ac pct 1317 40.0 1399 39.0 1317 41.0 1108 42.0 1521 1481 1404 1392 1450 1441 1513 1657 213 40.0 41.0 41.0 38.0 39.0 39.0 40.0 42.0 2.4 Planting date 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 table 2. lint QualitY and Planting dates of Coldtolerant Varieties, Paru, 2005 Cultivar CT 110 HQ CT 212 HQ FM 958 DP 491 CT 110 HQ CT 212 HQ FM 958 DP 491 CT 110 HQ CT 212 HQ FM 958 DP 491 Mic.1 Length Strength Uniformity units in g/tex pct 4.1 1.17 31.1 82.9 4.1 1.13 29.7 82.5 4.6 1.16 31.9 83.4 4.2 1.20 30.9 83.0 4.2 4.4 4.4 4.1 3.9 3.7 4.1 4.0 0.3 1.16 1.15 1.16 1.21 1.17 1.14 1.17 1.22 0.02 29.7 31.4 30.7 32.5 30.9 30.9 32.2 32.1 1.3 83.4 83.7 83.6 83.4 83.6 83.2 83.7 83.9 0.7 51.0 55.5 64.0 40.0 76.0 74.3 73.8 77.8 6.3 66.5 67.0 66.0 62.3 72.5 75.0 72.0 76.5 7.8 LSD (P=0.10) 1 DAP = days after planting. LSD (P=0.10) 1 Mic. = micronaire. 2005 cotton rESEArch rEport 11 eVAluAtion of cold-toleRAnt And conVentionAl cotton VARieties And plAnting dAtes At tHe wiRegRAss ReseARcH And extension centeR D. P. Delaney, C. D. Monks, B. Gamble, L. W. Wells, and K. Glass Seed for cotton cultivars currently grown in Alabama require warm soils in order to germinate and develop properly. Soil temperatures must remain above 60oF for several days, which normally occurs after early April in much of the state. Producers planting early run the risk of poor stands and seedling disease, as well as stunting from chilling injury. If producers were able to plant earlier, soil moisture might be more favorable, and cotton would potentially have a longer growing season, would have peak flowering during the longest summer days, and might set bolls before soil moisture was depleted by hot weather. In southeast Alabama, this might allow some cotton harvest before peanut harvest begins. Recently released cold-tolerant cotton varieties are claimed to germinate and grow well at temperatures well below the optimum for currently grown varieties and may allow earlier planting and harvest. Two varieties each of cold-tolerant and conventional cotton cultivars, as well as two stacked gene varieties, were planted at each of three planting dates. One variety of each type was designated by the respective seed company as an early maturing vareity and the other as a mid- to full season. Four replications of four, 36-inch rows in 20 foot long plots of each variety were planted on April 15, April 29, and May 16, using conventional tillage. Fertility and pesticide applications were according to Alabama Cooperative Extension System recommendations. Rainfall was plentiful through most of the early season. Planting was delayed and germinating cotton damaged, particularly for the first two planting dates, due to often saturated soil conditions. Plots were defoliated, and then harvested with a spindle picker on October 14. One-pound grab samples were ginned on a mini-gin for lint quality and turnout, and lint analyzed for quality by HVI at the USDA-AMS lab at Pelham, Alabama. Due to wet field conditions in early spring, there was considerable variability in stand and yield measurements. The 7 day after planting (DAP) count decreased from the first to the last planting date, but the 21 DAP count increased with the last planting. (Table 1), There were some statistical differences in plant stands between varieties at the same planting date. Yields were statistically higher for the last planting date than the first two dates, likely due to less saturated soil after planting. Lint quality was primarily affected by the cultivar, with no interactions between planting date and the cultivar. Micronaire was statistically higher for the first two plantings, compared to the last planting (Table 2). Planting date 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 table 1. stand, lint Yield, and Planting dates of Cold-tolerant Varieties, WgreC, 2005 Cultivar 7DAP1 21 DAP —plants/40 ft— CT 110 HQ 77 79 CT 212 HQ 82 84 FM 958 83 92 DP 449 BG/RR 93 81 DP 444BG/RR 88 83 DP 491 83 76 CT 110 HQ CT 212 HQ FM 958 DP 449 BG/RR DP 444BG/RR DP 491 CT 110 HQ CT 212 HQ FM 958 DP 449 BG/RR DP 444BG/RR DP 491 84 77 72 81 71 65 71 68 78 71 83 66 13 88 81 81 96 85 74 100 102 116 102 119 99 15 Lint yield Turnout lb/ac pct 886 42.3 873 42.5 610 42.3 944 41.5 763 42.3 819 47.0 910 1094 905 928 1081 1037 770 934 1080 1004 970 956 274 41.8 42.0 42.3 39.8 42.5 43.8 41.5 42.5 41.5 41.8 42.8 44.5 1.9 Planting date 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 table 2. lint QualitY and Planting dates of Coldtolerant Varieties, WgreC, 2005 Cultivar CT 110 HQ CT 212 HQ FM 958 DP 449 BG/RR DP 444BG/RR DP 491 CT 110 HQ CT 212 HQ FM 958 DP 449 BG/RR DP 444BG/RR DP 491 CT 110 HQ CT 212 HQ FM 958 DP 449 BG/RR DP 444BG/RR DP 491 Mic.1 Length Strength Uniformity units in g/tex pct 4.63 1.10 29.1 82.7 5.07 1.03 28.9 81.9 4.75 1.12 31.4 83.0 4.65 1.06 31.1 83.2 4.55 1.06 29.5 82.1 4.85 1.15 31.4 83.0 4.66 5.03 4.80 4.82 4.45 4.75 4.75 4.68 4.63 4.48 4.33 4.45 0.23 1.10 1.06 1.12 1.08 1.08 1.15 1.09 1.05 1.13 1.05 1.07 1.15 0.03 28.8 29.6 32.3 31.2 29.5 31.7 28.8 29.8 32.0 29.7 30.2 31.2 1.4 82.8 83.0 83.8 83.2 83.5 83.0 82.7 81.6 83.6 82.6 83.0 83.2 1.0 LSD (P=0.10) 1 Mic. = micronaire. LSD (P=0.10) 1 DAP = days after planting. 12 AlAbAmA AgriculturAl ExpErimEnt StAtion commeRciAl cotton VARieties scReened foR fusARium wilt ResistAnce, 2005 W. S. Gazaway and K. Glass Fusarium wilt has been successfully controlled through the use of resistant varieties for the past 50 years. Some newer genetically engineered cotton varieties, which have been rushed to market, do not have good Fusarium wilt resistance. As a result, wilt has become a serious problem in wilt-infested fields where these varieties have been grown. The objective of this ongoing study is to rate commercial varieties currently being used in Alabama according to their susceptibility or resistance to Fusarium wilt. This information is now published in the Alabama Cotton IPM recommendations and in the Cotton Variety Report annually. Fifteen of the most commonly grown cotton varieties were screened for wilt. Rowden, an extremely susceptible cotton variety, was used as the Fusarium wilt susceptible control. Plots were 20 feet long and 3.3 feet wide with 5-foot alleys. The test contained five replicates. Plants were first evaluated for wilt soon after they reach the first true leaf stage on June 24, 2005. Thereafter, plots were evaluated for wilt on a weekly basis throughout the growing season until just before harvest. Plants showing wilt symptoms were counted, removed and recorded on July 21, August 3, and August 25, 2005. A final count was made on September 15. The relative susceptibility of commercial cotton varieties in the test is shown in the table. Most of the commercial varieties exhibited some resistance to Fusarium wilt when compared to the extremely susceptible Rowden variety. Delta Pine 491 and 444BG/RR appeared to be the most resistant over a three year period. Several FiberMax varieties also showed fairly good re- sistance to Fusarium wilt. Fusarium wilt resistance exhibited by these entries indicate that the National Fusarium Wilt screening program is effective. Fewer and fewer susceptible Fusarium wilt cotton varieties are coming into the market. Cotton variety Rowden Stoneville 4892BR Phytogen 410RR FiberMax 989BR FiberMax 960BR Delta Pine 555BG/RR Stoneville 5599BR Delta Pine 491 Delta Pine 444BG/RR FiberMax 958LL Delta Pine 449BG/RR Stoneville 5303R Delta Pine 488BG/RR Delta Pine 451BG/RR Delta Pine 458BG/RR FiberMax 1218BG/RR SureGrow 215BG/RR Deltapine 5690RR FiberMax 991RR Stoneville 4686R FiberMax 991BR 1 CommerCial Cotton Varieties’ resPonse to fusarium Wilt — = cotton variety not tested that year. — —Percent Fusarium wilt—— 2003 2004 2005 61 79 68 8 10 9 3 8 10 3 15 1 3 10 3 0 7 5 1 2 6 2 3 4 3 3 2 — 1 59 18 — 5 7 — 5 3 — 3 5 0 1 — 3 — — 3 — — 3 — — 2 — — 1 — — — — 3 — — 1 2005 cotton rESEArch rEport 13 eVAluAtion of eARly seAson flex Roundup ReAdy cotton VARieties foR Response to boll Rot diseAse in AlAbAmA, 2005 K. S. Lawrence, K. Glass, G. W. Lawrence, and M. D. Pegues A cotton variety trial was planted on May 5 at the Auburn University, Gulf Coast Research and Extension Center, Fairhope, Alabama. The soil type was a Malbis fine sandy loam. Plots consisted of two rows, 25 feet long, with a between-row spacing of 38 inches. Plots were arranged in a randomized complete-block design with four replications. A 10-foot alley separated blocks. Cotton boll rot was evaluated by recording the number of healthy bolls and diseased bolls from a 0.001 acre section within each plot. All plots were maintained throughout the season with standard herbicide, insecticide, and fertility production practices as recommended by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Plots were harvested on September 19. Data were statistically analyzed using PROC GLM, and means were compared with Fisher’s protected least significant difference test (P < 0.10). Weather conditions were favorable for high incidence of boll rot because this area endured rains from two tropical storms, Arleen and Cindy, as well as three hurricanes, Dennis, Katrina, and Rita. The disease index for boll rot ranged from a high of 27.2 percent for DynaGro 2520 B2 RF to a low rating of 5.4 percent for PHY 485 WRF. Fifteen cultivars had less cotton boll rot (P<0.10) as compared to DynaGro 2520 B2 RF and DP 108 RF which displayed the greatest disease indexes. Seed cotton yields varied between the high and lowest yielding varieties by 322 pounds per acre. No correlations were observed between seed cotton yield and boll rot disease incidence. Variety STX 4554B2RF CG 4020 B2RF xBCG - 4630 - BBII/Flex CG 3020 B2RF Vigoro CX 621 xBCG - 1004 - BBII/Flex DP 117 B2RF xBCG - 9124 - BBII/Flex DynaGro 2520 B2 RF CG 3520 B2RF PHY 415 RF PHY 485 WRF Fiber Max FM 960BR Vigoro CX 601 PHY 425 RF PHY 475 WRF STX 4664RF xBCG - 4153 - BBII/Flex xBCG - 3255 - BBII/Flex xBCG - 4575 - BBII/Flex Deltapine DP 444BG/RR DP 110 RF DP 108 RF DP 113 B2RF xBCG - 8391 - BBII/Flex DynaGro 2100 B2 RF LSD (0.10) 1 disease index, seed Cotton Yield, and PerCent lint, earlY season Cotton flex Varieties Disease index1 Sept. 16 21.3 ab 20.8 abc 12.9 b-g 11.7 b-g 6.7 fg 18.6 a-d 9.4 efg 15.9 b-f 27.2 a 18.8 a-d 10.5 d-g 5.4 g 13.0 b-g 16.0 b-f 10.0 efg 14.1 b-g 11.2 c-g 9.5 efg 8.6 fg 7.1 fg 11.0 c-g 10.7 d-g 26.9 a 20.8 abc 16.5 b-f 20.0 a-d 9.9 Seed cotton lb/ac 1167 1163 1137 1113 1049 1032 1013 1005 994 988 975 975 973 968 969 964 959 944 941 928 922 896 895 894 865 845 83.8 Lint pct 0.41 0.40 0.40 0.41 0.40 0.39 0.41 0.40 0.39 0.38 0.40 0.40 0.39 0.38 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.39 0.38 0.38 0.41 0.39 0.40 0.40 0.37 0.37 Disease index = (number of diseased bolls / total number of healthy bolls) ×100. Means within columns followed by different letters are significantly different according to Fisher’s LSD (P < 0.10). 14 AlAbAmA AgriculturAl ExpErimEnt StAtion eVAluAtion of eARly seAson cotton VARieties foR Response to boll Rot diseAse in AlAbAmA, 2005 K. S. Lawrence, K. Glass, G. W. Lawrence, and M. D. Pegues A cotton variety trial was planted on May 5 at the Auburn University, Gulf Coast Research Research and Extension Center, Fairhope, Alabama. The soil type was a Malbis fine sandy loam. Plots consisted of two rows, 25 feet long, with a betweenrow spacing of 38 inches. Plots were arranged in a randomized complete-block design with four replications. A 10-foot alley separated blocks. Cotton boll rot was evaluated by recording the number of healthy bolls and diseased bolls from a 0.001 acre section within each plot. All plots were maintained throughout the season with standard herbicide, insecticide, and fertility production practices as recommended by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Plots were harvested on September 30. Data were statistically analyzed using PROC GLM, and means were compared with Fisher’s protected least significant difference test (P < 0.10). Weather conditions were favorable for high incidence of boll rot as this area endured rains from two tropical storms, Arleen and Cindy, as well as three hurricanes, Dennis, Katrina, and Rita. The disease index for boll rot ranged from a high of 37.6 percent for Deltapine DP 445BG/RR to a low rating of 22.4 percent for PhytoGen PHY 370WR. Seed cotton yields varied 361 pounds per acre between all the varieties. No correlations were observed between seed cotton yield and boll rot disease incidence. Variety Disease index1 Sept. 16 PhytoGen PHY 310R 33.0 a-d Stoneville ST 5242BR 34.8 a-d Fiber Max FM 960RR 34.1 a-d Stoneville STX0416B2R 30.1 a-e Fiber Max FM 966LL 36.8 abc PhytoGen PHY 370WR 22.4 e PhytoGen PHY 440W 26.2 de Deltapine DPLX03X179R 27.3 b-e PhytoGen PHY 410RR 32.6 a-e Deltapine DP 555 BG/RR 31.1 a-e Deltapine DP393 28.6 a-e PhytoGen PH Y 470WR 26.7 cde Stoneville ST4575BR 27.3 b-e Deltapine DP 432 RR 29.3 a-e Deltapine DP 434 RR 27.6 a-e Fiber Max FM958LL 30.6 a-e Deltapine DP 445BG/RR 37.6 a PhytoGen PHY 480WR 25.6 de Deltapine DP454BG/RR 28.4 a-e Deltapine DPLX04Y170BR 34.4 a-d Fiber Max FM 960B2R 32.9 a-d Fiber Max FM 960BR 35.1 a-d Stoneville ST 4686R 37.4 ab Deltapine DP 424 BGII/RR 33.4 a-d Deltapine DP 444BG/RR 26.7 cde Deltapine DP 455BG/RR 33.5 a-d LSD (0.10) 10.2 1 disease index, seed Cotton Yield, and PerCent lint, earlY season Cotton Varieties Seed cotton lb/ac 1105 1016 1012 1010 1001 997 985 955 939 937 925 919 910 907 888 885 878 822 813 801 795 778 775 774 766 744 175 Lint pct 0.42 0.38 0.37 0.37 0.37 0.39 0.38 0.41 0.37 0.40 0.39 0.37 0.39 0.37 0.39 0.37 0.39 0.36 0.41 0.41 0.38 0.37 0.39 0.37 0.39 0.40 Disease index = (number of diseased bolls / total number of healthy bolls) ×100. Means within columns followed by different letters are significantly different according to Fisher’s LSD (P < 0.10). 2005 cotton rESEArch rEport 15 eVAluAtion of full seAson flex Roundup ReAdy cotton VARieties foR Response to boll Rot diseAse in AlAbAmA, 2005 K. S. Lawrence, K. Glass, G. W. Lawrence, and M. D. Pegues A cotton variety trial was planted on May 5 at the Auburn University, Gulf Coast Research Research and Extension Center, Fairhope, Alabama. The soil type was a Malbis fine sandy loam. Plots consisted of two rows, 25 feet long, with a betweenrow spacing of 38 inches. Plots were arranged in a randomized complete-block design with four replications. A 10-foot alley separated blocks. Cotton boll rot was evaluated by recording the number of healthy bolls and diseased bolls from a 0.001 acre section within each plot. All plots were maintained throughout the season with standard herbicide, insecticide, and fertility production practices as recommended by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Plots were harvested on September 19. Data were statistically analyzed using PROC GLM, and means were compared with Fisher’s protected least significant difference test (P < 0.10). Weather conditions were favorable for high incidence of boll rot as this area endured rains from two tropical storms, Arleen and Cindy, as well as three hurricanes, Dennis, Katrina, and Rita. The disease index for boll rot ranged from a high of 16.83 percent for STX 6611B2RF to a low rating of 5.34 percent for Deltapine DP 555 BG/RR. Deltapine DP 555 BG/RR and DP 147 RF had less cotton boll rot (P < 0.10) as compared to STX 6611B2RF, Stoneville ST 5599BR, and Deltapine DP 164 B2RF. Seed cotton yields varied only 84 pounds per acre between all varieties. No correlations were observed between seed cotton yield and boll rot disease incidence. Variety Stoneville ST 4357B2RF Deltapine DP 555BG/RR Deltapine DP 164B2RF Deltapine DP 167RF Deltapine DP 143B2RF Deltapine DP 156B2RF Deltapine DP 147RF Deltapine DP 152RF Stoneville ST 5599BR Stoneville STX 0414B2RF Stoneville ST 5007B2RF Stoneville STX 5885B2RF Stoneville STX 6611B2RF Stoneville ST 6622B2RF LSD (0.10) 1 disease index, seed Cotton Yield, and PerCent lint, full season Cotton flex Varieties Disease index1 Sept. 16 8.43 5.34 15.19 14.46 10.89 11.57 5.65 10.19 16.02 12.48 7.65 11.71 16.83 5.72 9.66 Seed cotton lb/ac 1039 1018 987 832 883 973 921 813 983 987 928 908 920 955 67.5 Lint pct 0.40 0.43 0.40 0.40 0.39 0.41 0.39 0.38 0.41 0.38 0.39 0.37 0.39 0.41 Disease index = (number of diseased bolls / total number of healthy bolls) ×100. 16 AlAbAmA AgriculturAl ExpErimEnt StAtion eVAluAtion of full seAson cotton VARieties foR Response to boll Rot diseAse in AlAbAmA, 2005 K. S. Lawrence, K. Glass, G. W. Lawrence, and M. D. Pegues A cotton variety trial was planted May 5 at the Auburn University, Gulf Coast Research Research and Extension Center, Fairhope, Alabama. The soil type was a Malbis fine sandy loam. Plots consisted of two rows, 25 feet long, with a between-row spacing of 38 inches. Plots were arranged in a randomized complete-block design with four replications. A 10-foot alley separated blocks. Cotton boll rot was evaluated by recording the number of healthy bolls and diseased bolls from a 0.001 acre section within each plot. All plots were maintained throughout the season with standard herbicide, insecticide, and fertility production practices as recommended by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Plots were harvested on September 30. Data were statistically analyzed using PROC GLM, and means were compared with Fisher’s protected least significant difference test (P < 0.10). Weather conditions were favorable for high incidence of boll rot as this area endured rains from two tropical storms, Arleen and Cindy, as well as three hurricanes, Dennis, Katrina, and Rita. The disease index for boll rot ranged from a high of 18.7 percent for Fiber Max FM 989 BR to a low rating of 6.1 percent for PhytoGen PHY 510RR. Seed cotton yields varied 419 pounds per acre between all varieties. No correlations were observed between seed cotton yield and boll rot disease incidence. Variety Disease index1 Sept. 16 Deltapine DP 454BG/RR 11.5 Deltapine DP 455BG/RR 11.7 Deltapine DP 543BGII/RR 7.5 Deltapine DPLX04Y170BR 7.3 Fiber Max FM 989BR 18.7 Fiber Max FM 989RR 9.0 Deltapine DP 449BG/RR 10.3 PhytoGen PHY 510RR 6.1 Stoneville ST 6636BR 11.8 Deltapine DPLX03X179R 6.8 Deltapine DP 555BG/RR 11.4 Deltapine DPLX05X648DR 13.4 Deltapine DP 445BG/RR 12.5 Stoneville ST 5303R 11.9 Fiber Max FM 960BR 8.5 Fiber Max FM 991BR 7.8 Deltapine DP 493 10.9 Deltapine DP 491 10.3 Deltapine DP 488BG/RR 15.9 Fiber Max FM 989B2R 15.6 Fiber Max FM 991B2R 10.9 Stoneville ST 5599BR 9.4 Stoneville ST 6848R 18.0 Deltapine DP 494RR 8.1 Fiber Max 991R 14.4 LSD (0.10) 7.5 1 disease index, seed Cotton Yield, and PerCent lint, full season Cotton Varieties Seed cotton lb/ac 1141 1024 989 969 949 929 928 912 912 910 909 883 876 872 868 866 855 840 839 835 821 804 801 748 722 132.3 Lint pct 0.42 0.41 0.38 0.40 0.38 0.38 0.39 0.39 0.37 0.41 0.40 0.41 0.41 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.43 0.39 0.38 0.36 0.37 0.39 0.37 0.39 0.38 Disease index = (number of diseased bolls / total number of healthy bolls) ×100. 2005 cotton rESEArch rEport 17 enHAncing cotton VARiety selection C. D. Monks, C. H. Burmester, W. C. Birdsong, D. P. Delaney, R. W. Goodman, D. Derrick, R. Petcher, L. Kuykendall, R. P. Yates, W. Griffith, R. Colquitt, J. Todd, and R. Beauchamp Since the introduction of genetically engineered cotton in data recorded, damage from Hurricane Katrina made that yield 1996, the selection of varieties available to producers has grown information suspect and should not be used for valid comparitremendously. While there are a few conventional, non-trans- sons (Table 2). Yields and fiber quality data are posted on-line at genic selections on the market, most companies have a large www.alabamacotton.com. selection of genetically engineered varieties to offer. Universi- Results of the on-farm trials are presented in Tables 3 ties provide testing of those varieties in small-plot research con- through 8. ducted across the Cotton Belt on agricultural experiment stations. While this information is useful to producers, there is a need to evaluate varieties in an on-farm systems approach to table 1. CountY loCations of trial sites and ContaCt information complement university and company trials. The Alabama CotCounty Regional agent Contact information ton Commission and Cotton Incorporated continue to fund onBarbour William Birdsong1 birdswc@auburn.edu farm research in the area of variety evaluation in an effort to Cherokee David Derrick dderrick@aces.edu provide timely information to our producers. Results from each Elmore Leonard Kuykendall lkuykend@aces.edu successful location can be viewed at www.alabamacotton.com. Mobile Richard Petcher rpetcher@aces.edu Rudy Yates ryates@aces.edu The primary objective of this study was to increase the Marengo Warren Griffith griffwg@auburn.edu knowledge about new cotton varieties by conducting systems Shelby and Tuscaloosa trials where the appropriate technology was used on a produc- 1 Regional agronomist in southeast Alabama; all others listed are Retion scale in farmer’s field (i.e., where Roundup Ultra is applied gional agronomy agents. to Roundup Ready varieties). Trial sites were selected to table 2. CountY, ProduCer, and Plot information locate cotton variety trials in Planting Rows/ Harvest unique soil areas that differ County Producer date Reps. ft plot date from those soils found in the Barbour Walt Corcoran May 6 2 Variable Nov. 11 University cotton variety tri- Cherokee Nick McMichen April 29 1 4/ 1400 Oct. 12 als. Data collected included Elmore Sanford Peeples April 26 41 4/ 1500 Oct. 4 Johnny Dorland May 9 1 8/ —2 Oct. 12 yield, turnout, and quality Mobile Roy Etheridge May 16 1 4/ —2 —2 measurements for each va- Marengo 1 Shelby Philip Barber May 2 2 4/ 1400 Oct. 15 riety. Systems trials were lo- Tuscaloosa Nov. 9 Forrest Wiggins May 12 6/ 1500 2 1 cated in northeast, central, 1 These replications were bulked at harvest. For example, the four strips in Elmore were bulked into two repliand south Alabama counties cations and the two strips in Shelby and Tuscaloosa Counties were bulked into one replication. 2 Mobile and Marengo counties were not harvested due to flood damage early in the season. (Table 1). While seven locations were initiated this season, five table 3. elmore CountY on-farm Cotton trial, 20051 resulted in useable informa- Variety Lint yield Turnout2 Mic.3 Staple Strength Uniformity tion. Due to heavy flooding lb/ac pct units in (32nds) g/tex pct early in the growing season, DP 434RR 920 41 4.05 37.5 29.1 83.6 the Marengo County location DP 445BG/RR 918 42 4.60 37.5 31.2 83.8 859 41 4.55 37.0 31.0 84.0 was not harvested for data. ST 4575BR 791 43 4.15 37.0 31.6 83.8 While the Mobile County DP 455BG/RR ST 4686RR 786 36 4.55 37.0 31.7 84.8 location was harvested and ST 6636BR 782 38 4.75 38.0 32.2 85.0 DP 454BG/RR 777 42 4.10 36.5 30.7 FM 991RR 773 38 4.90 37.0 31.5 FM 991BR 772 40 4.85 38.0 33.0 FM 960BR 756 39 4.55 36.5 32.4 DP 488BG/RR 732 41 4.55 38.0 31.0 DP 449BG/RR 726 39 4.50 37.0 32.9 DP 494RR 724 41 4.45 37.5 32.7 FM 960RR 724 39 3.95 37.0 30.0 DP 555BG/RR 723 41 4.85 36.5 30.4 PHY 470WR 714 40 4.15 36.5 31.1 PHY 510RR 710 39 4.60 36.5 32.6 PHY 410RR 706 39 4.50 37.0 29.6 ST 6848RR 690 38 4.85 37.0 32.4 ST 5599BR 688 39 4.60 37.0 30.6 1 Plots were planted in two separate strips of four rows, approximately 1,330 to 1,700 feet per strip. 83.6 84.1 84.6 83.1 83.7 84.6 84.5 83.6 83.4 84.6 83.9 85.1 84.6 82.9 2 Lint turnout was determined on a small gin without cleaners. This percentage is usually higher than normal turnout but is consistent for comparison between varieties. 3 Mic. = micronaire. 18 AlAbAmA AgriculturAl ExpErimEnt StAtion 1 Hurricane Katrina hit Grand Bay on August 29 and adversely affected this crop. The exact extent of the damage is unknown; however yields were affected. Therefore exercise caution when evaluating the following results. These data are for INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and are not intended for publication. 2 Each variety was planted in one strip eight rows wide. 3 Lint turnout was determined on a small gin without cleaners. This percentage is usually higher than normal turnout but is consistent for comparison between varieties. 4 Defoliated on September 28 and harvested on October 12, 2005. 5 Temik (4 pounds per acre) was applied to all plots. 6 Seeds were treated with Cruiser. No Temik was applied in furrow on this plot. Variety DP 449BGRR 5 FM 991BR FM 960BR FM 991B2R DP 488BG/RR ST 5242BR ST 6636BR FM 960B2R ST 6848BR ST 5599BR DP 555BG/RR PHY 510R DP 555BG/RR 6 PHY 470WR table 4. mobile CountY on-farm Cotton trial, 20051 Plot size2 ac 0.85 0.82 0.76 0.84 0.87 0.71 0.74 0.82 0.75 0.7 0.88 0.76 0.89 0.68 Turnout3 pct 0.40 0.39 0.40 0.40 0.41 0.42 0.40 0.39 0.39 0.41 0.43 0.40 0.43 0.40 Seed cotton yield lb/ac 1890 1820 1720 1730 1630 1600 1680 1700 1680 1420 1330 1440 990 1030 Lint cotton yield4 lb/ac 749 708 688 686 673 665 665 658 648 580 576 573 428 410 Temik in-furrow except where Cruiser is indicated. Lint turnout was determined on a small gin without cleaners. This percentage is usually higher than normal turnout but is consistent for comparison between varieties. 3 Mic. = micronaire. 2 Variety Turnout2 Lint yield Mic.3 Staple Strength Uniformity pct lb/ac units in (32nds) g/tex pct DP 454BR 43 1084 3.7 36 30.1 83.3 DP 445BR 42 1081 3.9 37 31.2 84.2 FM 991BR 43 1074 4.2 36 30.6 81.9 DP 449BG/RR 43 1056 3.6 36 30.0 83.5 ST 4646B2R 46 1047 4.3 36 32.5 83.8 DP 555BG/RR (Temik) 42 1043 4.2 36 28.9 81.9 ST 4575BR 40 1040 4.2 36 30.8 83.4 DP 444BG/RR 43 1031 3.4 35 34.2 82.0 DP 488BG/RR 45 1018 4.2 37 31.0 82.3 DP 555BGRR (Cruiser) 40 995 4.2 36 28.9 81.9 CG 3520RF 42 983 3.9 37 27.7 82.5 ST 5599BR 43 968 4.2 36 30.2 83.5 DP 455BG/RR 39 964 3.8 37 32.5 82.7 CG 4020RF 38 963 3.5 38 28.6 83.2 CG 3020RF 42 942 3.7 36 27.8 83.9 DP 543B2R 42 930 4.4 36 30.5 81.6 FM 960BR 42 928 NA NA NA NA PHY 410R 41 915 4.2 36 32.5 83.8 PHY 510R 41 914 4.3 36 30.7 83.2 FM 960B2R 42 890 NA NA NA NA PHY 470WR 39 849 4.3 36 28.6 82.8 ST 5242BR 39 837 3.9 36 30.2 80.7 1 Plots were planted in two separate strips of four rows, approximately 1,400 feet per strip. All plots received table 5. shelbY CountY on-farm Cotton trial, 20051 2005 cotton rESEArch rEport 19 2 Lint turnout was determined on a small gin without cleaners. This percentage is usually higher than normal turnout but is consistent for comparison between varieties. 3 Mic. = micronaire. Variety Turnout2 Lint yield Mic.3 Staple Strength Uniformity pct lb/ac units in (32nds) g/tex pct DP 555BG/RR 47 1220 4.8 35 28.2 80.1 DP 444BG/RR 44 1175 4.4 35 29.4 82.6 PHY 470WR 42 1036 4.7 36 27.9 80.7 ST 4575BR 43 1006 4.8 35 27.8 83.3 DP 488BG/RR 41 1002 4.7 36 27.4 81.5 ST 4646B2R 42 947 5.0 34 27.4 83.5 PHY 410R 42 943 4.7 36 30.3 83.4 PHY 510R 43 893 5.0 35 28.2 80.7 ST 5242BR 42 786 4.5 33 26.3 79.9 ST 5599BR 43 728 5.0 34 27.7 81.4 FM 960BR 40 611 4.6 35 30.9 81.3 1 Plots were planted in two separate strips of four rows, approximately 1,300 to 1,900 feet per strip. table 6. tusCaloosa CountY on-farm Cotton trial, 20051 in two separate strips of each variety across the field; these were harvested and a single weight recorded. 2 Lint turnout was determined on a small gin without cleaners. This percentage is usually higher than normal turnout but is consistent for comparison between varieties. 3 Mic. = micronaire. Variety Seed cotton yield Turnout2 Lint yield Mic.3 Length Strength Uniformity lb/ac pct lb/ac units in g/tex pct DP445BG/RR 3363 46 1542 4.2 1.12 27.8 83.9 DP 444BG/RR 3396 45 1534 3.9 1.12 29.4 83.3 ST 5242BG 3245 43 1382 4.1 1.11 28.2 83.8 PHY 480WR 3149 43 1360 4.4 1.14 30.1 83.8 DP 454BG/RR 2974 45 1352 3.9 1.14 29.4 84 FM 960BR 3074 44 1345 3.8 1.15 33.8 83.6 DP 455BG/RR 2967 45 1328 3.8 1.12 29.8 83.2 ST 5599BR 2993 42 1265 4.2 1.14 31.8 82.9 FM 960B2R 2905 42 1233 4.3 1.12 30 84 PHY 470WR 2549 43 1099 NA NA NA NA 1 Planting date was April 2, 2005; harvest date was October 12, 2005; no-till management. Plots were planted table 7. Cherokee CountY on-farm Cotton trial, 20051 Variety FM 991BR ST 6636BR DP 449BG/RR ST 5599BR DP 432RR DP 555BG/RR DP 488BG/RR FM 991B2R DP 494RR DP 455BG/RR DP 444BG/RR PHY 510R DP 424B2RR FM 960BR FM 991RR 1 2 table 8. barbour CountY on-farm Cotton trial, 20051 Lint yield 2 lb/ac 1505 1469 1457 1374 1373 1362 1361 1360 1349 1318 1316 1303 1303 1297 1295 Variety DP 445BG/RR DP 454BG/RR ST 4575BR ST 6848RR PHY 470WR ST 5242BR DP 960B2R PHY 410R FM 960RR DP 432RR ST 5303RR DP 5690RR ST 6686RR DP 543B2RR DP 434RR Lint yield 2 lb/ac 1283 1277 1266 1251 1244 1240 1233 1191 1186 1176 1123 1098 1097 1091 1077 Plots were planted in two separate strips of four rows of varying length. Lint yield was based on actual small gin turnout. CROP PRODUCTION eVAluAtion of stAnce, A new gRowtH RegulAtoR foR cotton C. H. Burmester and nodes above white flower (NAWF) measurements were taken in early August. Plots were harvested in early October. Results of this study indicate that the activity of Stance is much higher than MC. The 1.5 and 2.0 ounce rate of Stance was equivalent to applying 6.0 to 8.0 ounces of MC (see table). All treatments reduced cotton heights compared to the untreated check. The lower NAWF measurements in August for all treatments indicate both MC and Stance applications resulted in earlier cotton than the untreated check. Cotton yields were highest where multiple applications of MC and Stance were made at match-head square, pre-bloom, and bloom (see table). Cotton yields were reduced when MC and Stance applications where delayed until pre-bloom or bloom. effeCts of mePiQuat Chloride and stanCe groWth regulator treatments In this study the very vigon Cotton height, naWf, and Yield, tVreC, 2005 orous early season growth of 1 Product —————Rate (oz/ac)————— NAWF Height Seed cotton the ST5599BR cotton variety ms2 pb3 bl4 co5 Aug. Sept. lb/ac provided valuable information 1) — 0 0 0 0 4.8 56.7 3193 about the new cotton growth 2) 4% MC 0 8 8 0 3.3 44.5 3262 3) 4% MC 8 6 6 0 3.6 45.7 3522 regulator, Stance. Stance per4) Stance 1.5 1.5 1.5 0 3.8 47.8 3376 formed similarly to the 4 per5) Stance 2 2 2 0 3.8 47.3 3466 cent MC standard. However, 6) Stance 1.5 2 2 0 4.0 48.0 3649 the effective rate of Stance in 7) Stance 0 0 2.5 3 3.7 49.3 3240 this study was only about 25 8) 4% MC 0 0 12 12 3.8 48.9 3187 LSD (0.10) 0.6 2.9 176 percent of the rate needed by 1 NAWF = nodes above white flower, 2 ms = matchhead square, 3 pb = prebloom, 4 bl = bloom, 5 co = cut-out. 4 percent MC. Stance, a new cotton growth regulator, was evaluated against the standard growth regulator used on cotton (4 percent mepiquat chloride), which has various trade names such as Pix, Mepex, etc. Stance is a combination of mepiquat chloride (MC) plus cyclanilide. The test was located at the Tennessee Valley Research and Extension Center near Belle Mina, Alabama. Plots were four rows wide and 30 feet long. All treatments were replicated four times. Stoneville 5599BR was the cotton variety used in the test. Treatments (see table) were applied at various cotton growth stages, including match-head square, pre-bloom, bloom, and cut-out. Height and node counts were taken through the season eVAluAtion of pRecision stRip tillAge foR AlAbAmA fARmeRs C. H. Burmester Conservation tillage is the primary system used by north Alabama farmers in producing cotton. Although the conservation tillage system may vary from farm to farm, most farmers have reduced or eliminated deep tillage and many use small grain cover crops to reduce soil compaction. In most cases the farmer will plant back into the old cotton row to avoid tire traffic compaction. Evaluation of several conservation tillage fields in north Alabama has indicated a compacted soil layer developing at a depth of about 3 inches below the surface. Most of these compacted soil problems occurred on soils where a cover crop had not been used. A six row Remlinger Precision Strip-Till unit was purchased to evaluate its use to reduce surface soil compaction. In December 2004 the unit was evaluated on approximately 300 acres in Lawrence County. Spring tillage with the Remlinger unit was planned for February and March in 2005. Soil conditions, however, during this period were too wet to effectively run this striptill unit. The Remlinger strip tillage unit was found to be very effective in eliminating surface compaction when the chisel shank was run at a 6-inch depth. Some problems with clogging were found early in November when cotton stalks were not brittle and would not flow through the parallel coulters. The machine’s actual tillage area was only 8 to 10 inches wide. Evaluations at cotton planting indicated the parallel coulters should be set to make a small bed to allow for winter soil settling. Running slightly beside the row also reduced clogging. The Remlinger strip tillage unit proved effective. Cotton emerged rapidly and a good tap root developed on the cotton where the strip tillage was used. The machine could be run at eight miles per hour with good results. One suggestion was to add row cleaners to the front coulter to reduce residue going through the machine and reduce clogging. The row cleaners have been purchased for the 2006 season. 2005 cotton rESEArch rEport 21 sub-suRfAce dRip iRRigAtion plAcement And iRRigAtion wAteR RequiRements, tennessee VAlley ReseARcH And extension centeR L. M. Curtis, J. P. Fulton, M. Dougherty, C. H. Burmester, D. H. Harkins, and B.E. Norris This experiment was initiated in 1998 to evaluate placement of sub-surface drip irrigation (SDI) relative to crop row direction and to evaluate water requirements for cotton production using SDI. Drip tubing was buried 15 inches deep with emitters at 2-foot intervals along the tubing. Tubing placement treatments were (1) between every other row—80 inch spacing between drip lines and (2) perpendicular to rows—80 inch spacing between drip lines. Initially, irrigation treatment and plot operating times were based on planned daily applications equal to 30 percent, 60 percent, and 90 percent of pan evaporation after full crop canopy with adjustments based on percent canopy prior to full canopy cover. Field evaluation of operational conditions related to pressure and flow were conducted in 2005. The results of this evaluation indicated that a more realistic estimate of plot flow is plus or minus 10 percent of the 30-60-90 scheduling regime. This flow variability, due to plot operating pressure differences and plot elevation variability, led to the decision to change the control conditions to reflect a water management regime equal to 33.3 percent, 66.66 percent, and 100 percent of pan evaporation over the eight-year experiment. This operating regime reflects the minimum irrigation system design flow rate recommendations that would be acceptable based on the irrigation treatments and crop response. Yields in 2005 were as follows: • Non Irrigated—2548 pounds of seed cotton per acre, • Perpendicular to row—33.3 percent pan, 2781 pounds of seed cotton per acre, • Perpendicular to row—66.66 percent pan, 2614 pounds of seed cotton per acre, • Perpendicular to row—100 percent pan, 3061 pounds of seed cotton per acre, • Between every other row—33.3 percent pan, 3094 pounds of seed cotton per acre, • Between every other row—66.66 percent pan, 2874 pounds of seed cotton per acre, • Between every other row—100 percent pan, 3138 pounds of seed cotton per acre. Average yield results for the eight-year experiment (1998 through 2005) are presented below. This is the final year for this experiment. A new proposal for this plot area is planned, beginning in 2006 through 2007. DRIP TUBING PLACEMENT AND FLOW EIGHT (8) YEAR AVERAGE 1998--2005 4000 3615 3500 3403 3171 3312 3623 3627 POUNDS SEED COTTON/AC 3000 2557 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 DRY 33 1/3%T 66 2/3%T 100%T 33 1/3%II 66 2/3%II 100%II TREATMENT 22 AlAbAmA AgriculturAl ExpErimEnt StAtion spRinkleR iRRigAtion wAteR RequiRements And iRRigAtion scHeduling, tennessee VAlley ReseARcH And extension centeR L. M. Curtis, M. Dougherty, J. P. Fulton, C. H. Burmester, D. H. Harkins, and B. E. Norris This experiment was established in 1999 to evaluate a range of irrigation application capabilities to identify the minimum design flow rate that will produce optimum yields. Treatments included four sprinkler irrigation capabilities and a non-irrigated treatment. Irrigation was managed using soil moisture sensors and Moiscot (a spreadsheet-based scheduling method). The irrigation capabilities were (1) 1 inch every 12.5 days, (2) 1 inch every 6.3 days, (3) 1 inch every 4.2 days, and (4) 1 inch every 3.1 days. This 1-inch level represents the maximum amount of irrigation that could be applied in the time indicated. These ir- rigation capabilities are equivalent to 1.5, 3, 4.5, and 6 gallons per minute per acre. The seven-year average results for each treatment are presented in Figure 1. Brief discussions of yields from 1999 through 2004 were presented in previous reports. Abundant rainfall occurred during much of the 2005 growing season. Overall yields in 2005 were lower than previous years for most irrigation treatments. Irrigation response was minimum for water applied during a dry period that occurred late in the growing season. This is the final year of this project. A new proposal utilizing this sprinkler research plot area is being developed. 4000 SPRINKLER IRRIGATION SCHEDULING SEVEN (7) YEAR AVERAGE 1999--2005 3447 3196 2953 2448 3389 3500 POUNDS SEED COT PER AC. 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 NOT IRRIGATED 1"-12.5 DAYS 1"-6.3 DAYS 1"-4.2 DAYS 1"-3.1 DAYS FIGURE 1--TREATMENT--IRRIGATION SYSTEM CAPABILITY 2005 cotton rESEArch rEport 23 eVAluAtion of VARiAble-RAte seeding foR cotton The objective of this project is to evaluate opportunities for increased yield or profits through variable-rate (VR) seeding for cotton production. A cooperative farmer was identified in Northern Alabama to conduct this on-farm study. This farmer utilizes a cotton and corn rotation while also having center pivot irrigation on a select portion of cropland. The existence of irrigation permitted the comparison of irrigated and dryland cotton production. Therefore, an irrigated and non-irrigated (dryland) field were selected to establish VR seeding plots within each field. Seeding rates, for both the dryland and irrigated fields, included 55,000, 65,000, 75,000, and 85,000 seeds per acre. These seeding rates were established based on the farmer’s traditional seeding rates for the chosen cotton varieties and recommendations from consultants from the respective seed company with additional rates selected above and below the traditional seeding rate. A 24-row planter equipped with a VR drive system was used in this study. The planter was calibrated based on the manufacturer’s operators manual. The plot within each field was blocked to provide three replications for each cotton seeding treatment. Treatments were then randomly assigned within each block with a single pass (24 rows) of the planter representing a specific population treatment within the block. Subsequent to planting, stand counts were measured to determine the actual germinated population. These were collected by measuring the number of plants for two adjacent rows over a 10-foot length. Stand count measurements were gathered on each 12-row section of the planter, collecting counts at three or more places along each 12 rows depending upon terrain variability. A cotton picker equipped with an AgLeader yield monitor was used to obtain spatial performance data for the plots. Analyses included summarizing stand counts along with spatially segregating yields based on the various seeding treatments to determine the effect of seeding rate on cotton yields. All statistical analyses were conducted at a significance level of 0.05. Poor growing conditions immediately following planting likely contributed to the final lower-than-expected plant popula- J. P. Fulton, S. H. Norwood, J. Shaw, M. Hall, C. H. Burmester, P. Mask, C. Brodbeck, and C. Dillard tions. Weather directly following planting was not conducive to plant germination and emergence at the field sites. Before planting in the spring of 2006, a comparison of the actual planted rates to the prescription map is needed to ensure that the planter and VR control system are properly functioning. In terms of performance, no significant differences in cotton yields (pounds of seed cotton per acre) were found between the seeding treatments in either the dryland or irrigated plots (Tables 1 and 2). As expected, irrigated cotton yields were significantly higher than dryland cotton yields. Irrigated yields were around 60 percent or higher for the various treatments. It should be noted that (1) results reported only represents the first year of this study, and (2) the effect of terrain and soil variables were not considered for this analysis. The inclusion of terrain attributes and soil variables could impact results because of yield differences between varying productivity areas. Future plans are to repeat this investigation in 2006 and consider the inclusion of terrain and soil variables in analyses. T reatment population Actual population seed/ac plants/ac 55,000 16,597 65,000 36,068 75,000 41,876 85,000 42,979 table 1. field 1 summarY for drYland Cotton Yield lb seed cotton/ac 1771 a 1843 a 1858 a 1811 a T reatment population Actual population seed/ac plants/ac 55,000 35,622 65,000 43,318 75,000 48,884 85,000 50,191 table 2. field 2 summarY for irrigated Cotton Seed cotton yield lb/ac 2792 b 3126 b 2985 b 3125 b 24 AlAbAmA AgriculturAl ExpErimEnt StAtion cRop RotAtion to mAnAge RenifoRm nemAtodes in cotton W. S. Gazaway, J. R. Akridge, and K. S. Lawrence Cotton farmers have routinely used nematicides to control reniform nematodes. Although effective in the short-term, nematicides are expensive and do not always produce the desired economical returns. Since there are no reniform nematode resistant commercial cotton varieties, rotation with non-host crops provides the only reliable alternative for their management. Two previous rotation studies indicate that one-year and/or two-year corn or peanut rotations can effectively reduce reniform nematodes to a manageable population. Moreover, rotation with these non-host crops can have additional benefits by improving weed control, soil fertility, and soil texture. However, will the use of nematicides in cotton following a one-year or two-year rotation with peanut or corn improve cotton yields? The purpose of this study is to determine (1) if a two-year rotation with corn. soybean, or peanut is superior to a one-year rotation, and (2) if a nematicide is profitable in cotton following a one year or a two-year rotation with corn, soybean, or peanut. This multi-year project began in 2005. The project was placed in a cotton field heavily infested with reniform nematodes. The soil in this field, located near Huxford, Alabama, is a sandy, loam (56 percent sand, 29 percent silt, and 15 percent clay). Rotation/nematicide treatments are summarized in Table 1. The test was designed so that cotton following one- and two- year non-host rotations with non-host summer crops could be harvested and compared directly every year after the third year of cropping (see Table 1).The test was a split-plot design with the summer non-host crops as the primary factor and nematicides as the secondary factor. All non-host crop plots were 16 rows wide. These plots were split into eight-row subplots when cotton follows peanut, soybean, or corn. One of the two subplots was randomly selected and treated with a nematicide. The other subplot did not receive a nematicide. Continuous cotton plots were treated likewise with one subplot (eight rows) receiving a nematicide and the other remaining untreated. Plots were 40 feet long. The test was replicated four times. The entire field was planted in the winter of 2004 with a rye cover crop that was cut in the spring prior to planting the summer crops. The field was planted on raised beds spaced at 36-inch intervals. The nematicide, Temik 15G (5 pounds per acre), was placed in the seed furrow at planting to designated nematicide plots on May 10, 2005. Cotton seed (DP449BG/RR) were treated with the insecticide Cruiser for early season insect control. Soil samples for nematode analyses were collected from the two center rows of each eight-row subplot on May 10 just prior to planting and again in December after harvest. Corn (DynaGro 58K22RR), peanut (Georgia Green), and soybean (DP5915RR) were planted in the non-host plots the same day as cotton. Cotton was harvested from the two center rows of each cotton four-row subplot Trt. no. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 1 Each treatment was four rows wide. 2 N = nematicide treatment on cotton plots. Treatment Corn 1 Year Corn 1 Year Peanut 1 Year Peanut 1 Year Soybean 1 Year Soybean 1 Year Corn 2 Year Corn 2 Year Peanut 2 Year Peanut 2 Year Soybean 2 Year Soybean 2 Year Continuous Cotton Continuous Cotton Corn 1 Year Corn 1 Year Peanut 1 Year Peanut 1 Year Soybean 1 Year Soybean 1 Year Corn 2 Year Corn 2 Year Peanut 2 Year Peanut 2 Year Soybean 2 Year Soybean 2 Year Corn 2 Year Corn 2 Year Peanut 2 Year Peanut 2 Year Soybean 2 Year Soybean 2 Year Treatment 2005 Nematicide cottonN2 No Nematicide cotton Nematicide cottonN No Nematicide cotton Nematicide cottonN No Nematicide cotton Nematicide corn No Nematicide corn Nematicide peanut No Nematicide peanut Nematicide soybean No Nematicide soybean Nematicide cottonN No Nematicide cotton Nematicide corn No Nematicide corn Nematicide peanut No Nematicide peanut Nematicide soybean No Nematicide soybean Nematicide cottonN No Nematicide cotton Nematicide cottonN No Nematicide cotton Nematicide cottonN No Nematicide cotton Nematicide cottonN No Nematicide cotton Nematicide cottonN No Nematicide cotton Nematicide cottonN No Nematicide cotton table 1. rotation sCheme for non-host CroPs1 2006 corn corn peanut peanut soybean soybean corn corn peanut peanut soybean soybean cottonN cotton cottonN cotton cottonN cotton cottonN cotton corn corn peanut peanut soybean soybean corn corn peanut peanut soybean soybean 2007 cottonN cotton cottonN cotton cottonN cotton cottonN cotton cottonN cotton cottonN cotton cottonN cotton corn corn peanut peanut soybean soybean corn corn peanut peanut soybean soybean corn corn peanut peanut soybean soybean 2008 corn corn peanut peanut soybean soybean corn corn peanut peanut soybean soybean cottonN cotton cottonN cotton cottonN cotton cottonN cotton cottonN cotton cottonN cotton cottonN cotton cottonN cotton cottonN cotton cottonN cottonN 2009 cottonN cotton cottonN cotton cottonN cotton corn corn peanut peanut soybean soybean cottonN cotton corn corn peanut peanut soybean soybean corn corn peanut peanut soybean soybean corn corn peanut peanut soybean soybean 2010 corn corn peanut peanut soybean soybean cottonN cotton cottonN cotton cottonN cotton cottonN cotton cottonN cotton cottonN cotton cottonN cotton corn corn peanut peanut soybean soybean corn corn peanut peanut soybean soybean 2005 cotton rESEArch rEport 25 on October 10, 2005. Insect control, weed control, and all other agronomic practices were followed according to Auburn University recommendations. Nematode populations for the test are presented in Table 2 and Table 3. Two series of soil samples were taken after harvest because the first set (not shown) of samples were too dry to give reliable results. A second set of samples (Table 2) were taken in December when the field had sufficient moisture. One growing season following peanut and corn was sufficient to lower reniform populations to a safe level (Table 3). Reniform populations following soybean and cotton, however, remained at a high level. The failure of soybean to lower reniform populations indicates that reniform resistance has been lost in these newer soybean varieties. Older soybean varieties, such as Centennial and Forrest, had excellent resistance and reduced populations as effectively as corn and peanut. Cotton yields from nematicidetreated cotton plots and non-treated plots were taken in 2005. Temik 15G produced a slight yield increase (Table 4). This small yield response could be attributed to excellent growing conditions throughout the 2005 growing season that allowed cotton to overcome much of the damage from reniform nematodes. Rotation scheme Current May 10 Dec.10 crop _——nemas/100 cc—— 1 Corn- 1 yr- nematicide Cotton 281 1541 2 Corn-1 yr Cotton 485 2306 3 Peanut-1 yr-nematicide Cotton 676 1413 4 Peanut-1 yr Cotton 434 1943 5 Soybean-1 yr-nematicide Cotton 242 1676 6 Soybean-1 yr Cotton 230 1696 7 Corn- 2 yr-nematicide Corn 217 290 8 Corn- 2 yr Corn 701 313 9 Peanut-2 yr-nematicide Peanut 217 178 10 Peanut-2 yr Peanut 293 224 11 Soybean- 2 yr-nematicide Soybean 268 1214 12 Soybean- 2 yr Soybean 293 1163 13 Cont. cotton- nematicide Cotton 332 2484 14 Cont. cotton Cotton 357 1794 15 Corn- 1 yr-nematicide Corn 472 340 16 Corn- 1 yr Corn 357 444 17 Peanut- 1 yr-nematicide Peanut 179 390 18 Peanut- 1 yr Peanut 293 358 19 Soybean- 1 yr-nematicide Soybean 472 1096 20 Soybean- 1 yr Soybean 357 1073 21 Corn- 2 yr-nematicide Cotton 306 2078 22 Corn- 2 yr Cotton 255 1886 23 Peanut- 2 yr-nematicide Cotton 535 1675 24 Peanut- 2 yr Cotton 446 1784 25 Soybean- 2 yr-nematicide Cotton 370 970 26 Soybean- 2 yr Cotton 242 1616 27 Corn- 2 yr- nematicide Cotton 361 1687 28 Corn- 2 yr Cotton 510 1506 29 Peanut- 2 yr-nematicide Cotton 523 1868 30 Peanut- 2 yr Cotton 395 1378 31 Soybean- 2 yr-nematicide Cotton 230 1173 32 Soybean- 2 yr Cotton 255 958 table 2. imPaCt of summer non-host CroP rotation and Cotton on reniform nematode PoPulations table 3. reniform nematode fall PoPulations folloWing one Year of summer CroPs, 2005 Crop Reniform/100 cc soil Peanut 288 Corn 347 Soybean 1287 Cotton 1591 Cotton plots Average Increase table 4. Cotton Yield resPonse to temik 15g in reniform-infested soil Temik 15G 5 lb/ac 2443 a 2550 abc 2276 abc 2124 abc 2281 abc 2294 abc 2252 abc 2180 abc 1971 c 2297 abc 2266.8 +119.1 No nematicide 2296 abc 2021 bc 2135 abc 2134 abc 2101 bc 2327 ab 2235 abc 2086 bc 2053 bc 2089 bc 2147.7 26 AlAbAmA AgriculturAl ExpErimEnt StAtion cotton systems ReseRAcH: eVAluAting HeRbicide tecHnologies, tillAge systems, And Row spAcings K. S. Balkcom, A. J. Price, F. J. Arriaga, and D. P. Delaney The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of 60 pounds N per acre on June 7. One soil moisture probe was two tillage systems, two row spacings, and three cotton vari- placed in every plot across three replications on June 10, 2005. eties on yield, fiber quality, soil moisture, weed management, The probes were connected to data loggers set to collect data evand economic returns. Cotton varieties, tillage systems, and ery 30 minutes, which continued throughout the growing season row spacings were implemented at the Field Crops Unit of the until September 13, prior to defoliation. On August 2, 8 ounces E.V. Smith Research and Extension Center near Shorter, Ala- per acre Pix Plus® was applied to all plots. On July 6, 2005, whole plant biomass (1 square meter) were bama. Treatments were arranged in a split-split-plot design with collected from each plot during squaring. This information was four replications. Cotton varieties were conventional cotton (FM966®), RoundUp Ready (FM 960RR®), and Liberty Link collected again from each plot on August 18, 2005. The second (FM966 LL®). Tillage systems included either conventional sampling time was planned for mid-bloom, but was delayed aptillage (fall chisel/disk, spring disk/level) with in-row subsoiling proximately one week. Unfortunately, access to a 15-inch spinor no-tillage (fall paratilling). Row spacings were 40 inches or dle picker was not feasible, but cotton from sections within each 15 inches. A rye cover crop was drilled across the experimental plot were hand-harvested. Differences obtained for lint quality area on November 8, 2004 at 90 pounds per acre. All plots were will likely be above typical averages, but any differences beparatilled (complete disruption) immediately following the cover tween treatments should be detectable. On September 28, the crop planting operation to eliminate any shallow subsurface soil experiment was defoliated with Def 6® (1 pint per acre), Prep compaction. Typical spring in-row subsoiling prior to planting (1.5 pints per acre), and Dropp® (0.2 pound per acre). Cotton could not be administered to standard row (40-inch) cotton, be- was hand-harvested on October 11. Measured plant populations were 25 percent higher in the cause it would create a potential bias against 15-inch cotton. 15-inch compared to the 40-inch cotton (Table 1). However, On March 30, 20 pounds N per 0.001 acre, as NH4NO3, was applied to the cover crop to enhance biomass production. Bio- due to differences between the drill and traditional planter units, mass samples were collected from each plot on April 29, 2005, initial seeding rates were 32 percent higher for the 15-inch cotone day after chemical termination with RoundUp Ultramax® ton. Lint yields from the 15-inch cotton were increased 8 per(32 ounces per acre). The average biomass production across the cent compared to the 40-inch cotton, while the conventional- experimental site was 3040 pounds per acre. All plots received and glyphosate-tolerant varieties produced approximately 13 68 pound N per acre as a starter in the form of NH4NO3 on May percent more lint than the glufosinate tolerant variety (Table 13. All cotton varieties were planted on May 17, 2005 with an in- 1). This difference in lint yield can be partially explained by furrow application of Temik® (5 pounds per acre). Prowl® (32 the lower turnout percentage of the glufosinate tolerant variety ounces per acre) was applied pre-emergence to all conventable 1. Plant PoPulations, lint Yield, turnout, sQuaring, and mid bloom Plant tional tillage plots and conWeights measured aCross roW sPaCings, Varieties, and tillage sYstems, 20051 ventional varieties immedi- –Row spacing– ————Variety———— –Tillage system– ately following planting. Two 15 in 40 in Conv LL RR CT NT over-the-top applications of Population, plants/ac 64,195 51,204 57,320 61,242 54,536 50,782 64,617 1432 1321 1427 1270 1433 1372 1382 Roundup Weathermax® (23 Lint, lb/ac 40.9 40.4 41.1 39.9 41.0 40.7 40.6 ounces per acre), Ignite® (32 Outturn, pct 1580 1350 1460 1494 1441 1357 1573 ounces per acre), and Staple® Squaring plant weight, lb/ac Mid-bloom plant weight, lb/ac 7790 6676 7041 7131 7527 7394 7073 (1.2 ounces per acre) were 1 Research conducted at the Field Crops Unit of the E.V. Smith Research Center near Shorter, Alabama. applied to corresponding herbicide tolerant and conventional varieties at the two-leaf table 2. signifiCanCe leVels of Plant PoPulations, lint Yield, turnout, sQuaring, (June 6) and four-leaf (June and mid bloom Plant Weights for roW sPaCings, Varieties,tillage sYstems, and their interaCtions, 20051 16) stage. A layby application ——–Plant weights–—— of Envoke® (0.15 ounce per Population Lint Turnout Squaring Mid-bloom acre) was applied to all 15- --------------------------------------- r > F ---------------------------------P inch cotton on July 13, while Row Spacing <.0001 0.0487 0.0221 0.0119 0.0014 a layby application of Capar- Variety NS2 0.0273 0.0002 NS NS ol® (32 ounces per acre) and Spacing x Variety NS NS NS NS NS <.0001 NS NS 0.0176 NS MSMA® (42.6 ounces per Tillage NS NS NS NS NS acre) was applied on the same Variety x Tillage NS NS NS 0.0552 NS day to the 40-inch cotton. Ini- Spacing x Tillage Spacing x Variety x Tillage NS NS NS NS NS tial plant populations were re- 1 Research conducted at the Field Crops Unit of the E.V. Smith Research Center near Shorter, Alabama. corded on June 6, 2005. The 2 NS = Not significant at 0.10 level of probability. cotton was sidedressed with 2005 cotton rESEArch rEport 27 (39.9 percent) compared to the conventional- (41.1 percent) and glyphosate-tolerant variety (41.0 percent). It should be noted that although not significant, measured plant populations for the glufosinate tolerant variety were numerically higher than the other two varieties. However, this increase in plants per acre did not improve lint yields (Table 1). Row spacing and tillage system influenced plant weights measured at squaring (Table 2). The 15-inch cotton produced 17 percent more biomass than 40-inch cotton, while the no-tillage system produced 16 percent more biomass. However, an interaction was observed for plant weight at squaring between row spacing and tillage system (Table 2). Plant weights at squaring were similar for all row spacing and tillage combinations with the exception of no-tillage in the 15inch row spacing (Fig. 1). Subsequent plant weights measured at mid-bloom were affected only by the row spacing with 15-inch cotton producing 17 percent more biomass than 40-inch cotton (Table 1). Fiber quality data and soil moisture data are still being summarized and analyzed statistically. This experiment was showcased in a tour stop for an international delegation of approximately 20 researchers hosted by Tuskegee University on July 13, 2005. Figure 1. Plant weights measured at squaring from two row spacings and two tillage systems at the Field Crops Unit of the E.V. Smith Research Center near Shorter, Alabama, in 2005. 2000 1750 Conventional tillage No-tillage -1 Squaring plant weight, lb ac 1500 1250 1000 750 500 250 0 15-inch 40-inch Row spacing tHe old RotAtion, 2005 C. C. Mitchell, D. P. Delaney, and K. S. Balkcom The Old Rotation (circa 1896) is the oldest, continuous cot- pounds of lint per acre (Table 1). The Old Rotation averaged ton experiment in the world. Its 13 plots on 1 acre of land on the more than 2.1 tons of legume dry matter on those plots that were campus of Auburn University continue to document the long- planted to AU Robin crimson clover in the fall of 2004. Based term effects of crop rotations with and without winter letable 1. CroP Yields on the old rotation, 2005 gumes (crimson clover) as a Clover dry ——Corn—— —–Cotton—– —Soybean— Wheat Irr. Non-irr. Irr. Non-irr. Irr. non-irr. source of nitrogen for cotton, Plot/Description matter lb/ac bu/ac ——bu/ac—— ——lint/ac—— ——bu/ac—— corn, soybean, and wheat. 520 550 The 110th year of The 1 no N/no legume 0 2 winter legume 4480 650 750 Old Rotation experiment con 3 winter legume 1700 690 1010 tinues the trend that began in 4 cotton-corn 4840 62 34 1996 when the experiment 5 cotton-corn + N 5170 133 141 390 390 changed from conventional 6 no N/no legume 0 3400 770 1020 tillage to conservation tillage 7 cotton-corn 740 790 and GMO crops. Impressive 8 winter legume 2950 9 cotton-corn + N 4570 1210 1660 yields of most crops were 10 3-year rotation 0 1060 850 produced in 2005 with cotton 11 3-year rotation 6790 52 48 0 31.8 48.3 26.9 lint yields on plot 9 produc- 12 3-year rotation 0 720 1040 ing an all-time record of 1660 13 Cont. cotton/ no legume +N 28 AlAbAmA AgriculturAl ExpErimEnt StAtion upon an average N concentration of 1.77 percent, the winter legume contributed 75 pounds N per acre in the herbage. This is the third year that irrigation on the Old Rotation could be compared with non-irrigated plots. A very wet growing season resulted in no apparent yield increase due to irrigation for corn and cotton. A very dry fall did result in a soybean yield response to irrigation. Comparing the three-year mean yields of corn and cotton with and without irrigation suggests that corn yields can be increased with irrigation whereas cotton yields have not indicated a dramatic yield response to irrigation at this central Alabama location (Table 2). Soybean on the three-year rotation averaged 51 bushels per acre with irrigation and 43 bushels per acre without irrigation since irrigation was established in 2003. —Corn grain— Treatement (plots) Irr. Non-irr. ——bu/ac—— No N/no legume (1,6) — — Legume N only (8) — — 120 lb. N/acre (13) — — 2-yr rotation, 67 56 legume N only (4,7) 2-yr rotation, +legume 168 139 + 120 lb N/acre (5,9) 3-yr rotation, legume 103 78 N only (10,11,12) table 2. effeCts of irrigation on mean CroP Yields, old rotation, 2003-2005 —Cotton lint— Irr. Non-irr. —lb lint/ac— 440 380 1020 1040 1150 1190 1070 1080 1340 1180 1480 870 2005 yields on tHe cullARs RotAtion (ciRcA 1911) C. C. Mitchell, D. P. Delaney, and K. S. Balkcom The Cullars Rotation is the oldest, continuous soil fertility experiment in the southern United States and the second oldest experiment in the world that includes cotton. It was placed on the National Register of Historical Places in 2003. It continues to document the long-term yield trends of five crops in a threeyear rotation with 14 soil fertility variables. Each fertility treatment is replicated three times. The 2005 growing season was characterized by a wet summer and very dry fall. On the Marvyn loamy sand where the Cullars Rotation is located, the wet season resulted in very good yields of corn and cotton (see table). All corn and cotton plots received 120 pounds total N per acre in split applications except on plots A, B, and C. The complete fertilizer plus micronutrient treatment produced almost the equivalent of three bales of cot- ton per acre. In spite of the dry fall, soybean yields were generally higher than the irrigated soybean yields on the nearby Old Rotation experiment. The 2005 yields continue a trend of high yields that seem to have begun about the time this experiment was converted from conventional tillage to conservation tillage in 1997. Conservation tillage includes either in-row subsoiling or paratilling prior to planting cotton and corn. While long-term trends seem to indicate higher yields on the well-fertilized plots, the plots with low levels of one or more nutrient or factor—e.g., plot C (nothing), plot 2 (no P), plot 6 (no K), and plot 8 (no lime)—continue a trend toward lower and lower yields. For example, plot C (nothing) would produce very low yields of most crops until recently when we get nothing from this treatment. Yields on the no P, no K, and no lime plots are also decreasing. Plot A B C 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Clover Description dry matter lb/ac no N/+legume 2540 no N/no legume — nothing 0 no legume — no P 1230 complete 3990 4/3 K 4210 rock P 5710 no K 2370 2/3 K 5640 no lime 3560 no S 5620 complete+ micros 4870 1/3 K 4270 2005 Cullars rotation Yields Wheat bu/ac 9.9 10.9 0 33.4 14.4 40.8 26.7 41.1 31.7 45.8 7.5 39.1 40.6 37.0 Corn Non-irr. bu/ac 28 27 0 109 26 151 148 144 33 172 26 144 154 128 Cotton Non-irr. lint/ac 920 750 0 1310 1290 1440 1190 1090 0 1040 70 1170 1490 380 Soybean Non-irr. bu/ac 49.0 52.0 0 56.1 0 55.7 53.7 58.8 12.6 51.3 0 52.5 53.8 47.0 HERBICIDES compARison of Roundup ReAdy, libeRty-link, And conVentionAl weed mAnAgement systems in cotton, 2005 M. G. Patterson Cotton trials were conducted in 2005 to compare Roundup Ready, Liberty Link, and conventional non-transgenic cotton weed management programs in both full till and no till systems. Trials were conducted at the Tennessee Valley Research and Extension Center, Belle Mina, Alabama, and the Wiregrass Research and Extension Center, Headland, Alabama. A small grain cover crop was planted across each trial in the fall of 2004. Burndown herbicides (Roundup + 2, 4-D) were applied across the entire trial area in the spring of 2005. Land was prepared for planting at Belle Mina and at Headland during the month of March. Lime and fertilizer were applied to each experimental area for optimum cotton production. Roundup Ready (FM 960RR), Liberty-Link (FM 966 LL), and conventional (FM 966) cotton varieties were planted April 20 and May 5 at Belle Mina and Headland, respectively. Prowl was applied over the entire trial area prior to planting. Conventional tillage plots were tilled prior to planting all plots. Cotoran at 1.25 pounds per acre was applied preemergence to the conventional variety plots only. All three weed management systems were compared in both full till and reduced till culture. Roundup Original Max, Ignite, and Staple were applied to RR, LL, and conventional variety plots, respectively in mid May at Belle Mina, and late May at Headland. Envoke was applied over the entire trial at Headland in mid June and Poast was applied over the entire trial in late July. Envoke was applied to conventional plots only at Belle Mina. Layby treatments were applied in early July at both locations. The layby treatment at Belle Mina consisted of Layby Pro at 2 pints per acre plus MSMA at 2 pints per acre. The layby treatment at Headland consisted of Valor at 1.5 oz per acre plus Roundup Original Max at 22 fluid ounces per acre. Insect and disease control was maintained for optimum cotton production by Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station personnel at both research sites. Cotton was defoliated and harvested on October 5 at Belle Mina and on October 26 at Headland. Late season weed control was equal and excellent for all six treatments at Belle Mina in 2005. No differences in seed cotton yield (trial average 2471 pounds per acre) were observed between any variety or tillage system (Table 1). Micronaire varied from 3.0 to 3.9 units. Strength was greater for FM 966 LL and FM 966 (> 32.3 g/tx) than for FM 960RR (average 30.6 gtx). Length varied from 1.06 to 1.11 inch. No differences in color grade were observed (avg 20.6). Leaf averaged 2.79. Late season weed control was good for all treatments at Headland in 2005 (Table 2); however, annual grass control in RR treatments was slightly better than conventional herbicide treatments (94 vs. 90-91). Seed cotton yields averaged 3532 pounds per acre over the entire trial. Yield was lower for the conventional herb/full till treatment (3238 pounds per acre) than for the RR/no till treatment (3841 pounds per acre). Micronaire varied from 4.1 to 4.6 units. Strength was higher for FM 966 (avg 35.4 g/tx) than for FM 966 LL or FM 960RR (avg 32.6 g/ tx). Length varied from 1.11 to 1.16 inch. Color grade averaged 23.5. Leaf averaged 3.08. Grass Broadleaf Trt. Treatment control control no. name pct pct —Aug. 3, 2005— 1 Roundup Ready 98 97 No till 2 Roundup Ready 98 98 Full till 3 Liberty-Link 98 98 No till 4 Liberty-Link 98 98 Full till 5 Conventional herb 98 98 No till 6 Conventional herb 98 98 Full till LSD (P=.05) Standard Deviation CV 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.9 0.6 0.63 table 1. ComParison of rounduP readY, libertY link, and ConVentional Weed treatment sYstems in Cotton, tVreC Seed cotton lb/ac Oct. 5, 2005 2501 2644 2347 2539 2331 2463 268.3 178.0 7.2 Mic. Strength units g/tex —Dec. 16, 2005— 3.0 30.8 3.4 30.5 3.8 32.5 3.6 32.3 3.9 33.1 3.7 33.3 0.36 0.24 6.76 1.61 1.07 3.33 Means followed by same letter do not significantly differ (P=.05, Student-Newman-Keuls) 30 AlAbAmA AgriculturAl ExpErimEnt StAtion Trt. Treatment no. name 1 Roundup Ready No till 2 Roundup Ready Full till 3 Liberty-Link No till 4 Liberty-Link Full till 5 Conventional herb No till 6 Conventional herb Full till LSD (P=.05) Standard Deviation CV table 2. ComParison of rounduP readY, libertY link, and ConVentional Weed treatment sYstems in Cotton, WgreC Grass Broadleaf control control Seed cotton pct pct lb/ac —Aug. 3, 2005— Oct. 5, 2005 94 94 3841 94 94 3463 92 91 3554 93 89 3557 90 93 3543 91 94 3238 3.6 2.3 2.54 5.8 3.8 4.15 498.5 330.8 9.36 Mic. Strength units g/tex —Dec. 16, 2005— 4.3 32.4 4.1 32.6 4.5 32.2 4.6 33.3 4.6 35.7 4.4 35.1 0.36 0.24 5.43 1.75 1.16 3.46 Means followed by same letter do not significantly differ (P=.05, Student-Newman-Keuls) INSECTICIDES tARnisHed plAnt bug contRol in cotton B. L. Freeman This trial compares the efficacy of numerous insecticides from several classes against tarnished plant bugs infesting cotton. The trial was conducted on the Tennessee Valley Research and Extension Center in Limestone County, Alabama. Cotton, ST 5242BR, was planted on April 19. Each treatment was replicated four times and plots were eight rows by 30 feet. The test area was under irrigation. Plant bugs and their damage were regularly monitored by whole field visual and drop cloth samples until a decision to treat was made. Insecticides were applied on July 27 via ground equipment delivering 10 gallons per acre of finished spray solution. Control treatment populations of tarnished plant bugs and stink bugs were estimated on August 9 by making 6-foot drop cloth samples in each of the four plots. On August 25 a survey of all aged bolls was conducted to estimate the percentage of bolls with internal bug damage. At least 25 consecutive bolls were examined from each plot, but, in an effort to avoid spatial bias, the rest of the bolls from the plant containing the 25th boll were also sampled making the average sample size ca. 30 per plot. Worm-damaged bolls were also recorded from this sample. Seed cotton yields were determined on September 28 by mechanically harvesting the four center rows of each plot. The test area was typical of most of north Alabama in that plant bug populations were slow in developing in 2005. The result was a mixed population of plant bug nymphs of all ages by the time threshold levels were reached. Plant bugs averaged 122 bugs per 100 row feet on July 28. August 9 samples from the control plots averaged 167 plant bugs and 21 stink bugs per 100 row feet. Insecticide treatments reduced end-of-season levels of bug damaged bolls by 0 to 57 percent (see table). The Diamond + Orthene, Bidrin, Diamond, Orthene, Mustang Max, and Karate Z treatments all possessed less than 10 percent damage while the Centric, Venom, Carbine, Vydate, and Trimax treatments contained 11 to 14.41 percent damage (see table). Seed cotton yields are presented in the table and likely were impacted by bollseed Cotton Yield and PerCent of bug- and Worm-damaged bolls in Cotton, 2005 worm damage. The percent of Insecticide Rate Bug-damaged bolls Worm-damaged bolls Seed cotton worm-damaged bolls, is also lb ai/ac pct pct lb/ac presented in the table. Despite Diamond .83 EC + 0.039 + 6.14 7.02 4092 considerable variation among Orthene 97 0.33 Bidrin 8 WM 0.25 7.14 1.59 4393 treatments, only the two pyDiamond .83 EC 0.039 8.33 4.63 4099 rethroids could have been exOrthene 97 0.5 9.17 10.09 4228 pected to substantially reduce Mustang Max .8 EC 0.0225 9.35 0.93 4126 the bollworm population. Karate Z 2.09 CS 0.028 9.43 0.94 4224 Plant bug damage to cotCentric 40 WG 0.047 11.00 12.00 4358 Venom 20 W 0.13 11.30 6.09 3852 ton has proven difficult to Carbine 50 WP 0.072 11.93 3.67 4198 eliminate with insecticides, Vydate 3.77 LV 0.33 12.96 1.85 3886 but a number of compounds Control — 14.29 5.88 3936 that provide the necessary Trimax 4 SC 0.047 14.41 3.60 4076 suppression for good yields are available. 32 AlAbAmA AgriculturAl ExpErimEnt StAtion spideR mite contRol in cotton B. L. Freeman The two-spotted spider mite continues to be a troublesome pest for many cotton producers in north Alabama. Issues with acaracide resistance make product selection somewhat of a moving target. This trial was designed to compare the efficacy of several acaracides against the two-spotted spider mite on cotton. The trial was conducted on the Tennessee Valley Regional Extension Center in Limestone County, Alabama. Treatments were applied to eight rows by 200 feet strips of cotton via ground equipment delivering 10 gallons of spray solution per acre. Applications were made on June 29. Mites were sampled by counting the number of mites in 1 square inch of lower leaf surface from an upper fully expanded leaf exhibiting moderate mite injury. Whole field pretreatment mite populations were estimated on June 29 by sampling 50 leaves. Post-treatment populations were estimated on July 5 and 8. A developing fungal epizootic prevented further post-treatment sampling. The mite population on the day of application averaged 19.35 mites per square inch and the infestation was widespread. Some phytotoxicity was observed after the treatments of Comite II and Curacron. Post-treatment mite populations are presented in the table. Though Curacron and bifenthrin provided initial suppression of mites, only the Kelthane and Zeal treatments demonstrated acceptable suppression at six and nine days after treatment. Treatment Kelthane 4F Zeal 72 WP Curacron 8E Bifenthrin 2EC Comite II 6EC Lorsban 4 EC Dimethoate 4 EC Control sPider mites Per sQuare inCh (PerCent reduCtion from Control) Rate July 5 lb ai/ac no (pct) 1.0 0.07 (99.65) 0.045 2.67 (86.70) 0.75 1.33 (93.37) 0.1 4.40 (78.08) 1.5 9.73 (51.52) 0.5 15.60 (22.27) 0.5 19.33 ( 3.69) — 20.07 (—) July 8 no (pct) 1.00 (93.64) 1.00 (93.64) 8.00 (49.15) 15.13 ( 3.81) 10.07 (36.02) 13.53 (13.98) 12.07 (23.31) 15.73 (—) pRoduction And cHARActeRizAtion of bt ResistAnce in cotton bollwoRm, Helicoverpa zea W. J. Moar Insecticide Resistance Management (IRM) strategies are preregistration requirements for Bt cotton. These strategies and recommendations are based, at least partly, on research results from Bt resistant insects. Although there has been substantial information arising from research dealing with Bt resistant tobacco budworm (TBW) and pink bollworm (PBW), little information has come from Bt resistant cotton bollworm (CBW). This lack of data from CBW is due, to a large extent, on the fact that there is no stable, highly Bt Cry1Ac-resistant CBW colony in the United States, although several labs, including our own, have tried for many years. The inability to establish a highly Cry1Ac-resistant and stable CBW population is thought to be caused primarily by inbreeding, although other factors are possible. One such factor could be that when insects are selected with Cry1Ac using the formulation MVPII containing only 19.1 percent AI, more than 80 percent of the selection against CBW using MVPII are non-Bt toxin components. Not only could selection be difficult to achieve, but resistant mechanisms arising from selection may not be resistant mechanisms specific to Bt. Additionally, because the Bt (Cry1Ac) that is present in Bollgard (Bt) cotton is not in the same form as that found in MVPII, laboratory selection using MVPII is not indicative of what is occurring in the field. The objective of this proposal is to use the form of Bt Cry1Ac found in Bollgard (Bt) cotton to select for Bt resistance, and to compare these results to a colony selected using MVPII. A susceptible laboratory strain of CBW was established from a Monsanto laboratory colony. The baseline susceptibility of this strain to MVP II and Cry1Ac toxin was 24µg/g and 9µg/g diet, respectively representing about a 2.7-fold difference in susceptibility Subsequently, two Cry1Ac-resistant strains of CBW were selected using MVP II (MR) or activated Cry1Ac toxin (AR). Larvae that molted into second instar within seven days of selection were reared until pupation on regular diet (containing no Cry1Ac). Current resistant ratios for MR and AR strains are 12.6 and 35.9 fold after seven generations of selection, respectively. Selection studies indicated approximately three times quicker resistance development in the AR compared to the MR strain. Additionally, there were higher fitness costs in terms of fertility and fecundity in the MR compared to the AR strain. This research demonstrates that CBW can develop resistance to Cry1Ac insecticidal proteins quicker (three times faster) when selected using activated toxin (more representative of Bt cotton) compared to MVP II. Resistance development in the MR strain was slower and did not increase beyond 16-fold even after selecting for three more generations at higher concentrations. The fitness of this strain was adversely affected in terms of both fecundity and fertility. We believe that the 80.9 percent inert ingredients in the MVP II formulation might have an effect with the fitness of this strain, especially when selecting at 1 mg/g of Cry1Ac concentration. Therefore, our results suggest that using Cry1Ac toxin instead of MVPII is a more appropriate and realistic option for developing a table and highly resistant CBW colony. 2005 cotton rESEArch rEport 33 deVeloping tReAtment tHResHolds foR stink bugs in cotton R. H. Smith Cotton grown in Alabama is commonly infested by a complex of sucking bugs (Hemiptera) that feed on many parts, especially developing bolls. This bug complex consists of several species of plant bugs and stink bugs. Stink bugs prefer to feed on bolls during early stages of boll development causing boll abortion, internal boll rot, and hard locked cotton. Treatment thresholds are not well understood and are static, not reflecting the maturity of the cotton. Sampling techniques are poorly defined and time consuming for scouts and consultants. The objectives of this test were to validate scouting techniques and further develop treatment thresholds for stink bugs in cotton. This test was conducted at the Wiregrass Research and Extension Center, Headland, Alabama. Eight rows of DPL 543BGII/RR cotton were planted through the middle of a peanut field. This test was located near peanuts in order to insure a steady supply of stink bug migration throughout the boll development period. Beginning the third week of bloom, (July 19), weekly surveys were conducted until the youngest bolls were over 25 days old (September 6). Three thresholds were utilized: an untreated, a 20 percent damage level (University threshold), and a stink bug free plot. Treatments were eight rows, 90 feet long and were replicated four times. Counts were made weekly for live stink bugs (drop cloth technique) and stink bug damaged bolls (quarter diameter bolls crushed and examined for internal injury). Stink bug controls were applied based on the pre-established thresholds. Seven applications were made to the stink Figure 1. Wiregrass stink bug threshold test, percent of bolls damaged, Headland, Alabama, 2005. bug-free treatment while five applications were required in the 20 percent damage threshold plots. Bidrin, at 0.38 pound ai per acre was used on three treatment dates and a combination of Bidrin 0.38 + Karate 0.0325 pound ai. was used on the remaining treatment dates. The average boll damage across all sample dates in the untreated control, as presented in Figures 1 and 2, was 91 percent. The average number of bugs found was 8.1 per 12 row feet. In the 20 percent threshold treatment, the average damage found was 30 percent, with an average number of bugs being 2.5 per 12 row feet. Plots that were sprayed seven times in an attempt to be stink bug free still had an average of 16 percent boll damage, but only 0.2 of a stink bug per 12 row feet. Based on this test, it appears that utilizing boll damage is a superior survey tool in making stink bug treatment decisions. In many ways this test may have presented a worst-case scenario for stink bugs. However, since stink bugs appear to migrate weekly from peanuts to cotton, it may reflect the real world situation to all cotton field borders adjacent to peanuts. Based on this test, it appears that some level (5 to 15 percent) of stink bug injury to bolls may occur before they can be detected in the field by the drop cloth sampling technique. Furthermore, one might conclude that using a 20 percent threshold is not adequate to prevent economic damage to cotton field borders adjoining peanuts. Utilizing a 10 percent threshold for stink bugs on field borders may be advisable during the boll development season between the third and seventh week of bloom. Yields from this test (Figure 3) support the fact that stink bugs may cause heavy economic damage to cotton, especially on field borders adjacent to alternate host crops such as peanuts. The untreated check only yielded 263 pounds of lint per acre while the University threshold (20 percent), receiving five applications, yielded 1375 pounds. The stink bug free treatment, receiving seven applications for stink bug control, yielded 1714 pounds of lint. Under the conditions of this test, it would have been most profitable for growers to use the stink bug free threshold. With cotton valued at $0.50 per pound, the stink bug free threshold returned approximately $170 per acre over the 20 percent University threshold. If the cost of each insecticide plus application was valued at $10 each, the stink bug free threshold would have been most profitable to growers. Figure 3. Stink bug threshold test, Headland, Alabama, 2005. Figure 2. Wiregrass stink bug threshold test, number of stink bugs/12 row feet, Headland, Alabama, 2005 NEMATICIDES eVAluAtion of expeRimentAl seed tReAtments foR mAnAgement of tHe RenifoRm nemAtode in noRtH AlAbAmA, 2005 K. S. Lawrence, C. H. Burmester, G. W. Lawrence, and B. E. Norris. Reniform nematode and seedling disease pressure was high Gaucho and Temik 15G were compared to two experimental seed treatments for the management of the reniform nematode to moderate in 2005. The Gaucho Exp600003BFS SC seed ap(Rotylenchulus reniformis) in a naturally infested field adjacent plication increased cotton stand (P<0.05) as compared to the to the Auburn University, Tennessee Valley Research and Ex- Gaucho FS. The skip index indicated cotton stand uniformity tension Center, Belle Mina, Alabama. The field had a history of was not affected by any treatment as compared to the control. reniform nematode infestation and the soil type was a Decatur Reniform nematode numbers increased slowly throughout the silt loam. Gaucho and the experimental seed treatments were season with the highest numbers observed in August at 120 applied to the seed by the manufacturer. Temik 15G (5.0 pounds days after planting (DAP), which corresponds with the maxiper acre) was applied at planting on April 27 in the seed furrow mum plant growth stage. At 60 DAP the Gaucho experimenwith chemical granular applicators attached to the planter. Orth- tals L1489A FS EC at both rates and 600003BFS SC at the low ene 90S at 0.3 pound per acre was applied to all plots as needed rate reduced reniform numbers as compared to the control. No for thrips control. Plots consisted of two rows, 25 feet long, with treatment reduced nematode numbers consistently at all sample a 40-inch wide row spacing and were arranged in a randomized dates. Seed cotton yields varied by 688 pounds per acre; howcomplete block design with five replications. Blocks were sepa- ever, differences were not significant (P<0.05). The Gaucho rated by a 15-foot alley. All plots were maintained throughout L1489A FS EC and 600003BFS SC experimentals increased the season with standard production practices as recommended seed cotton yields by an average of 191 and 430 pounds per acre, respectively, as compared to the untreated control. by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Population densities of the reniform nematode were determined at monthly intervals through out the season. Ten soil cores, 1-inch in diameter and table 1. effeCt of exPerimental seed treatments on Cotton stand, skiP index, and 8 inches deep, were collected Yield in north alabama from the two rows of each Stand Skip Seed cotton plot in a systematic sampling Treatment Rate Applied 25 ft row index1 lb/ac pattern. Nematodes were ex- Untreated 44.6 ab 7.4 abc 2504 500g/100 kg seed 33.8 b 10.8 ab 3192 tracted using the gravity siev- Gaucho FS3 500 + 100g/100 kg seed 42.0 ab 5.6 c 2753 ing and sucrose centrifugation Gaucho L1489A FS EC 500 + 0.15 mg/seed seed 48.4 ab 5.8 c 2446 technique. Plots were harvest- Gaucho L1489A FS EC Gaucho Exp600003BFS SC 500 + 500g/100 kg seed 40.4 ab 11.0 a 2701 ed on October 10. Data were Gaucho Exp600003BFS SC 500 + 750g/100 kg seed 51.8 a 8.8 abc 3166 statistically analyzed by GLM Temik 15G3 840 g/ha in furrow 42.2 ab 6.4 bc 2815 15.2 4.6 785 and means compared using LSD P<0.05 1 Plant skip index was based on the number of 12 inch spaces between cotton seedlings in 25 feet of row. Fisher’s protected least signifMeans within columns followed by different letters are significantly different according to Fisher’s LSD (P < icant difference test (P<0.05). Treatment Untreated Gaucho FS3 Gaucho L1489A FS EC Gaucho L1489A FS EC Gaucho Exp600003BFS SC Gaucho Exp600003BFS SC Temik 15G3 LSD P<0.05 1 table 2. effeCt of exPerimental seed treatments on reniform PoPulations in north alabama Rate 500g/100 kg 500 + 100g/100 kg 500 + 0.15 mg/seed 500 + 500g/100 kg 500 + 750g/100 kg 840 g/ha Applied seed seed seed seed seed in furrow DAP = days after planting. Means within columns followed by different letters are significantly different according to Fisher’s LSD (P < 0.05). ——————–R. reniformis per 150 cc soil–—————— 30 60 90 120 150 DAP1 DAP DAP DAP DAP 1622.3 ab 1133.0 a 3924 5747 ab 556.2 1854.0 ab 942.5 ab 4913 5480 ab 927.0 957.9 ab 463.5b c 4388 6798 a 1112.4 1993.1 a 602.6 bc 5552 2364 b 849.8 1406.0 ab 370.8 c 3554 4388 ab 880.7 618.0 b 633.5 abc 3847 3662 ab 849.8 803.4 ab 324.5 c 1715 7298 a 757.1 1294 507 3976 3681 583 2005 cotton rESEArch rEport 35 eVAluAtion of expeRimentAl seed tReAtments foR mAnAgement of tHe RenifoRm nemAtode in soutH AlAbAmA, 2005 K.S. Lawrence, W. S. Gazaway, G. W. Lawrence, and J. R. Akridge Gaucho and Temik 15G were compared to two experimental seed treatments for the management of the reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) in a naturally infested producer’s field near Huxford, Alabama. The field had a history of reniform nematode infestation and the soil type was a loam. Seed treatments were applied to the seed by the manufacturer. Temik 15G (5.0 pounds per acre) was applied at planting on May 10 in the seed furrow with chemical granular applicators attached to the planter. Orthene 90S at 0.3 pound per acre was applied to all plots as needed for thrips control. Plots consisted of two rows, 25 feet long, with a 36 inch wide row spacing and were arranged in a randomized complete block design with six replications. Blocks were separated by a 15-foot alley. All plots were maintained throughout the season with standard production practices as recommended by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Population densities of the reniform nematode were determined at monthly intervals through out the season. Ten soil cores, 1 inch in diameter and 8 inches deep, were collected from the two rows of each plot in a systematic sampling pattern. Nematodes were extracted using the gravity sieving and sucrose centrifugation technique. Plots were harvested on October 17. Data were statistically analyzed by GLM and means compared using Fisher’s protected least significant difference test (P<0.05). Reniform nematode pressure was high to moderate in 2005. Cotton stand was not affected by any of the seed treatments or Temik 15G. The skip index indicated cotton stand uniformity was also unaffected by any treatment as compared to the control. Reniform nematode numbers increased slowly throughout the season with the highest numbers observed in August at 90 days after planting (DAP), which corresponds with the maximum plant growth stage. At 60 DAP, the Gaucho experimental 600003BFS SC at the low rate reduced reniform numbers as compared to the control. No treatment reduced nematode numbers consistently at all sample dates as compared to the control. Seed cotton yields varied by 437 pounds per acre; however, differences were not significant (P<0.05). The Gaucho L1489A table 1. effeCt of exPerimental seed treatments on Cotton stand, skiP index, and Yield in south alabama FS EC and 600003BFS SC ex Stand Skip Seed cotton perimentals averaged over both Treatment Rate Applied 25 ft. row index1 lb/ac rates increased seed cotton Untreated 86.67 a 2.5 a 1741 yields by 225 and 390 pounds Gaucho FS3 500g/100 kg seed 70.83 a 2.7 a 2118 per acre, respectively, as comGaucho L1489A FS EC 500 + 100g/100 kg seed 54.50 a 4.8 a 1934 pared to the untreated control. Gaucho L1489A FS EC Gaucho Exp600003BFS SC Gaucho Exp600003BFS SC Temik 15G LSD P<0.05 1 500 + 0.15 mg/seed seed 500 + 500g/100 kg seed 500 + 750g/100 kg seed 840 g/ha (5.0 lb/ac) in furrow Plant skip index was based on the number of 12 inch spaces between cotton seedlings in 25 feet of row. Means within columns followed by different letters are significantly different according to Fisher’s LSD (P < 58.67 a 71.17 a 68.33 a 56 a 32.8 4.8 a 4.0 a 2.7 a 6.0 a 3.6 1998 2084 2179 1826 301 Treatment Untreated Gaucho FS3 Gaucho L1489A FS EC Gaucho L1489A FS EC Gaucho Exp600003BFS SC Gaucho Exp600003BFS SC Temik 15G LSD P<0.05 1 table 2. effeCt of exPerimental seed treatments on reniform PoPulations in south alabama Rate 500g/100 kg 500 + 100g/100 kg 500 + 0.15 mg/seed 500 + 500g/100 kg 500 + 750g/100 kg 840 g/ha (5.0 lb/ac) Applied seed seed seed seed seed in furrow DAP = days after planting. Means within columns followed by different letters are significantly different according to Fisher’s LSD (P < 0.05). —————–R. reniformis per 150 cc soil–————— 30 60 90 120 DAP1 DAP DAP DAP 1287.5 a 1377.6 a 1699.5 cd 630.9 ab 1094.4 ab 1467.8 a 2655.3 abc 424.9 b 879.8 ab 1158.8 a 2008.5 bcd 609.4 ab 965.6 ab 888.4 a 3321.8 abc 875.5 a 708.1 b 1905.5 a 1236.0 d 399.1 b 785.4 ab 1570.8 a 3605.0 abc 424.9 b 785.4 ab 1274.6 a 2111.5 bcd 643.8 ab 553 1264 688 393 36 AlAbAmA AgriculturAl ExpErimEnt StAtion eVAluAtion of AVictA, VydAte clV, And temik 15g combinAtions foR RenifoRm nemAtode mAnAgement in cotton in soutH AlAbAmA, 2005 K. S. Lawrence, W. S. Gazaway, G. W. Lawrence, and J. R. Akridge Avicta, Vydate CLV, and Temik 15G were evaluated for the management of the reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) in a naturally infested field producer’s field near Huxford, Alabama. The field had a history of reniform nematode infestation and the soil type was a loam. Avicta was applied to the seed by the manufacturer. Temik 15G (5.0 pounds per acre) was applied at planting on May 10 in the seed furrow and as a side dress application at pinhead square with chemical granular applicators. Vydate C-LV was applied as a foliar spray at the four to sixth true leaf plant growth stage with a two-row CO2 charged back pack sprayer. Orthene 90S at 0.3 pound per acre was applied to all plots as needed for thrips control. Plots consisted of four rows, 25 feet long, with a 36-inch wide row spacing and were arranged in a randomized complete block design with six replications. Blocks were separated by a 15-foot alley. All plots were maintained throughout the season with standard production practices as recommended by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Population densities of the reniform nematode were determined at monthly intervals through out the season. Ten soil cores, 1 inch in diameter and 8 inches deep, were collected from the two rows of each plot in a systematic sampling pattern. Nematodes were extracted using the gravity sieving and sucrose cen- trifugation technique. Plots were harvested on October 17. Data were statistically analyzed by GLM and means compared using Fisher’s protected least significant difference test (P < 0.05). Reniform nematode and seedling disease pressure was moderate in 2005; however, hurricane winds reduced the cotton yields. Reniform nematode numbers increased throughout the season from the initial 580 vermiform per 150 cc of soil. At 30 and 60 days after planting (DAP) no differences in nematode numbers were observed between the nematicide treatments and the Dynasty CST 125 + Cruiser 5 FS control. By 90 DAP the combination of Dynasty CST 125 + Crusiser 5 FS + Avicta B + Temik 15 G and the Dynasty CST 125 FS + Temik 15G + Temik 15 G sidedress application both had lower nematode counts (P<0.05) than the Dynasty CST 125 + Cruiser 5 FS + Avicta B and the Dynasty CST 125 FS + Temik 15G treatments. The total reniform population throughout the season was lower (P<0.05) in the Dynasty CST 125 + Cruiser 5 FS + Avicta B + Temik 15 G treatment as compared to the Dynasty CST 125 + Cruiser 5 FS + Avicta B and Dynasty CST 125 FS + Temik 15G treatments. No differences (P<0.05) in the amount of seed cotton production was observed between treatments. Wind damage from hurricanes Dennis, Katrina, and Rita damaged plants and removed bolls. Product/a.i. Product/a.i. Treatment/Product rate rate unit Dynasty CST 125 + 32 + 0.34 g/100kg seed + Cruiser 5 FS mg/seed Dynasty CST 125 + 32 + 0.34 + g/100kg seed + Cruiser 5 FS + Avicta B 0.15 mg/seed + mg/seed Dynasty CST 125 FS + 32 + 5.6 g/100kg seed + Temik 15G kg/ha Dynasty CST 125 + 32 + 0.34 + g/100kg seed + Cruiser 5 FS + 0.15 + 5.6 mg/seed + mg/seed + Avicta B + Temik 15 G kg/ha Dynasty CST 125 FS + 32 + 5.6 g/100kg seed + Temik 15G + Temik 15 G kg/ha Dynasty CST 125 + 32 + 0.34 + g/100kg seed + Cruiser 5 FS + 0.15 + 561 mg/seed + mg/seed + Avicta B + Vydate gal/ha Dynasty CST 125 FS + 32 + 5.6 + g/100kg seed + Temik 15G + Vydate 561 kg/ha + gal/ha Dynasty CST 125 + 32 + 0.34 + g/100kg seed + Cruiser 5 FS + Vydate 561 mg/seed + gal/ha LSD P<0.05 1 effeCts of aViCta, VYdate, and temik 15g on reniform PoPulations and seed Cotton Yield ————–R. reniformis per 150cc soil–———— 30 60 90 120 Season Seed cotton DAP1 DAP, DAP DAP total lb/ac 940 ab 798 1789.6 ab 657 4751 bc 2512 863 ab 1262 2665 a 2639 a 1210 b 1275 b 2330 ab 2086 ab 1506 ab 1233 502 734 515 476 669 656 576 333 5858 ab 6579 a 4017 c 4313 bc 5317 abc 5305 abc 4957 abc 1817 2254 2501 2488 2364 2437 2274 2538 343 1172 a 1468 631 ab 1094 567 b 888 ab 1429 863 914 ab 1068 760 ab 1545 597 909 DAP = days after planting. Means within columns followed by different letters are significantly different according to Fisher’s LSD (P < 0.05). 2005 cotton rESEArch rEport 37 eVAluAtion of AVictA foRmulAtions As compARed to temik 15g foR RenifoRm nemAtode mAnAgement in cotton in noRtH AlAbAmA, 2005 K. S. Lawrence, C. H. Burmester, G. W. Lawrence, and B. E. Norris Avicta formulations A, B, C, and D were compared to Temik 15G for the management of the reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) in a naturally infested field adjacent to the Auburn University, Tennessee Valley Research and Extension Center, Belle Mina, Alabama. The field had a history of reniform nematode infestation and the soil type was a Decatur silt loam. Avicta was applied to the seed by the manufacturer. Temik 15G (5.0 pounds per acre) was applied at planting on April 29 in the seed furrow with chemical granular applicators attached to the planter. Orthene 90S at 0.3 pound per acre was applied to all plots as needed for thrips control. Plots consisted of two rows, 25 feet long, with a 40 inch wide row spacing and were arranged in a randomized complete block design with five replications. Blocks were separated by a 15-foot alley. All plots were maintained throughout the season with standard herbicide, insecticide, and fertility production practices as recommended by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Population densities of the reniform nematode were determined at monthly intervals through out the season. Ten soil cores, 1 inch in diameter and 8 inches deep, were collected from the two rows of each plot in a systematic sampling pattern. Nematodes were extracted using the gravity sieving and sucrose cen- trifugation technique. Plots were harvested on October 5. Data were statistically analyzed by GLM and means compared using Fisher’s protected least significant difference test (P < 0.05). Reniform nematode and seedling disease pressure was high to moderate in 2005. The stand ranged from 32 to 47 percent of the number of seed planted with no differences between treatments at 28 days after planting (DAP). The skip index indicating uniformity in the seedling spacing was similar between all of the treatments. The plant vigor ratings were greater (P < 0.05) for the seed treatment combinations of Dynasty CST 125 + Cruiser 5 FS + Avicta formulations B, C, and D as compared to Dynasty CST 125 + Cruiser 5 FS treatment with or without Temik 15 G. Reniform nematode numbers increased throughout the season. At 30 DAP reniform numbers were low with no differences between treatments; however, by 60 DAP all nematicide treatments reduced reniform numbers as compared to the Dynasty CST 125 + Cruiser 5 FS treatment. Reniform numbers increased through harvest with no consistent differences between treatments. The total of the monthly reniform populations across the season were not different between treatments. No differences in seed cotton yields were observed between the seed treatments, Temik 15 G, and the non-treated control. Treatment Dynasty CST125 FS + Cruiser 5FS Dynasty CST125 FS + Cruiser 5FS + Avicta 500FS Dynasty CST125 FS + Cruiser 5FS + Avicta A500FS Dynasty CST125 FS + Cruiser 5FS + Avicta B500FS Dynasty CST125 FS + Cruiser 5FS + Avicta C500FS Dynasty CST125 FS + Cruiser 5FS + Avicta D500FS AllegianceFL + RTUBaytan- Thiram 1.76FS + Temik15G Dynasty CST1.04 FS + Temik 15 G LSD (P < 0.05) 1 2 table 1. effeCt of aViCta formulations on Cotton stand, skiP index, and Yield Stand Rate 25 ft row1 32.0 + 0.34 g/100 kg seed 43 32 + 21 + g/100kg seed + 0.15 mg/seed 45 32 + 21 + g/100kg seed + 0.15 mg/seed 32 + 21 + g/100kg seed + 0.15 mg/seed 32 + 21 + g/100kg seed + 0.15 mg/seed 32 + 21 + g/100kg seed + 0.15 mg/seed 315 + 41 g/100kg seed + 5.0 lb/ac 32.0 g/100 kg seed + 7.0 lb/ac 32 43 36 47 37 37 16.2 Skip index2 11.4 9.8 11.8 10.2 12.4 7.4 11.8 10.4 6.1 Plant Seed cotton vigor3 lb/ac 2.9 bc 3352 3.2 abc 3023 3.4 ab 3.6 a 3.5 a 3.5 a 2.77 c 2.8 c 0.56 3195 3336 2823 3377 2828 3165 744 Plant stand was based on number of seedlings per 25 feet of row. Plant skip index was based on the number of 12 inch spaces between cotton seedlings in 25 feet of row. 3 Plant vigor was based on a visual assessment of plant development on a 1 to 5 scale, with 5 representing the largest plants and 1 the smallest. Ratings were based on five plants per plot. Means within columns followed by different letters are significantly different according to Fisher’s LSD (P < 0.05). 38 AlAbAmA AgriculturAl ExpErimEnt StAtion Treatment Rate Dynasty CST125 FS + Cruiser 5FS 32.0 + 0.34 g/100 kg seed Dynasty CST125 FS + Cruiser 5FS + 32 + 21 + g/100kg seed + Avicta 500FS 0.15 mg/seed Dynasty CST125 FS + Cruiser 5FS + 32 + 21 + g/100kg seed + Avicta A500FS 0.15 mg/seed Dynasty CST125 FS + Cruiser 5FS + 32 + 21 + g/100kg seed + Avicta B500FS 0.15 mg/seed Dynasty CST125 FS + Cruiser 5FS + 32 + 21 + g/100kg seed + Avicta C500FS 0.15 mg/seed Dynasty CST125 FS + Cruiser 5FS + 32 + 21 + g/100kg seed + Avicta D500FS 0.15 mg/seed AllegianceFL + RTUBaytan- 315 + 41 g/100kg seed + Thiram 1.76FS + Temik15G 7.0 lb/ac Dynasty CST1.04 FS + Temik 15 G 32.0 g/100 kg seed + 7.0 lb/ac LSD (P < 0.05) 1 table 2. effeCt of aViCta formulations on reniform PoPulations — ————–R. reniformis per 150 cc soil–————— 30 60 90 120 150 Season DAP1 DAP DAP DAP DAP total 880 2795 a 2539 a 1761 1777 c 13339 1545 2533 b 2194 ab 2626 1900 bc 14415 803 726 1251 587 1560 1375 1390 bc 1004 c 664 c 1035 c 1328 c 1035 c 2796 2905 abc 12505 2735 abc 11248 2673 abc 11680 3878 ab 12839 4172 a 14399 1746 abc 1761 1266 bc 1838 1792 abc 1637 1916 abc 2101 1684 bc 1468 abc 1838 1167 1147 1425 3739 abc 13720 2084 4120 DAP = days after planting. Means within columns followed by different letters are significantly different according to Fisher’s LSD (P < 0.05). 1399 eVAluAtion of AVictA foRmulAtions foR seedling diseAse And RenifoRm nemAtode mAnAgement in cotton in noRtH AlAbAmA, 2005 K. S. Lawrence, C. H. Burmester, G. W. Lawrence, and B. E. Norris Avicta variants A, B, C, and D were evaluated for the management of seedling disease and reniform nematodes in a naturally infested field adjacent to the Auburn University, Tennessee Valley Research and Extension Center, Belle Mina, Alabama. The field had a history of reniform nematode infestation and the soil type was a Decatur silt loam. Avicta was applied to the seed by the manufacturer. Temik 15G (5.0 pounds per acre) was applied at planting on April 29 in the seed furrow with chemical granular applicators attached to the planter. Orthene 90S at 0.3 pound per acre was applied to all plots as needed for thrips control. Plots consisted of two rows, 25 feet long, with a 40-inch wide row spacing and were arranged in a randomized complete block design with five replications. Blocks were separated by a 15-foot alley. All plots were maintained throughout the season with standard herbicide, insecticide, and fertility production practices as recommended by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Population densities of the reniform nematode were determined at monthly intervals through out the season. Ten soil cores, 1 inch in diameter and 8 inches deep, were collected from the two rows of each plot in a systematic sampling pattern. Nematodes were extracted using the gravity sieving and sucrose centrifugation technique. Plots were harvested on October 5. Data were statistically analyzed by GLM and means compared using Fisher’s protected least significant difference test (P < 0.05). Reniform nematode and seedling disease pressure was high to moderate in 2005. Cotton seedling stand was increased (P < 0.05) by four fungicide treatments as compared to the Cruiser control. Variants B, C, and D performed similarly to the RTU Baytan-Thiram Allegiance FL + Temik 15G standard. The skip index was similar between all of the treatments indicating a standard uniformity in the seedling spacing. Plant vigor was greater (P < 0.05) for the seed treatment combinations of Dynasty CST 125 + Cruiser 5 FS + Avicta 4.17 and Variant B as compared to the Cruiser control. Reniform nematode numbers increased throughout the season. At 30 day after planting (DAP) reniform numbers were low with no differences between treatments; however, by 60 DAP the Dynasty CST125 + Cruiser 5FS + Avicta 4.17 had higher reniform number as compared to all the variant treatments. Reniform numbers increased through harvest with no consistent differences between treatments. The total of the monthly reniform populations across the season was not different between treatments. Seed cotton yields varied by 956.2 pounds per acre, with an average of all nematicides increasing yields by 671 pounds per acre over the Cruiser control. The Avicta treatments combined increased yields by 606 pounds per acre as compared to Cruiser alone. The two Temik 15G treatments were not different (P < 0.05) from the Avicta seed treatments. 2005 cotton rESEArch rEport 39 Treatment Cruiser 5 FS Cruiser 5FS + Dynasty1.04FS + Systhane 40WSP Cruiser 5FS + Dynasty1.04FS + Avicta 4.17 Variant A Variant B Variant C Variant D RTU Baytan-Thiram 1.76FS Allegiance FL + Curiser 5FS Dynasty 1.04 FS + Temik 15G RTU Baytan-Thiram 1.76FS Allegiance FL + Temik 15G LSD (P < 0.05) 1 table 1. effeCt of aViCta Variants on Cotton stand, skiP index, Plant Vigor, and Yield Rate 0.34 mg/seed 0.34+ 0.03 mg/seed+ 32 g/100kg seed 0.34+ 0.03 +0.15 mg/seed Stand 25 ft row1 29 d 45.2 abc 39.2 bcd Skip index2 9.8 4.2 8 Plant Seed cotton vigor3 lb/ac 3.3 b 2460 b 3.7 ab 3416 a 4 a 3.8 ab 4 a 3.8 ab 3.8 ab 3.8 ab 3.4 ab 3.6 ab 0.6 2865 ab 3136 a 3153 a 2925 ab 3251 a 3114 a 3007 ab 3311 a 641 4315 + 41 g/100kg seed + 0.34 mg/seed 0.03 mg/seed + 7.0 lb/ac 4315 + 41 g/100kg seed + 7.0 lb/ac 32.6 cd 10.4 42 abcd 6.4 42.6 abcd 8.6 47.8 ab 7.4 41 bcd 9 45 abc 56.2 a 14.6 6.2 5.4 6.9 Plant stand was based on number of seedlings per 25 feet of row. 2 Plant skip index was based on the number of 12 inch spaces between cotton seedlings in 25 feet of row. 3 Plant vigor was based on a visual assessment of plant development on a 1 to 5 scale, with 5 representing the largest plants and 1 the smallest. Ratings were based on five plants per plot. Means within columns followed by different letters are significantly different according to Fisher’s LSD (P < 0.05). Treatment Cruiser 5 FS Cruiser 5FS + Dynasty1.04FS + Systhane 40WSP Cruiser 5FS + Dynasty1.04FS + Avicta 4.17 Variant A Variant B Variant C Variant D RTU Baytan-Thiram 1.76FS Allegiance FL+ Cruiser 5FS Dynasty 1.04 FS + Temik 15G RTU Baytan-Thiram 1.76FS Allegiance FL+Temik 15G LSD (P < 0.05) 1 table 2. effeCt of aViCta Variants on reniform PoPulations Rate 0.34 mg/seed 0.34 + 0.03 mg/seed+ 32 g/100kg seed 0.34 + 0.03 + 0.15 mg/seed 4315 + 41 g/100kg seed + 0.34 mg/seed 0.03 mg/seed + 7.0 lb/ac 4315 + 41 g/100kg seed + 7.0 lb/ac — ————–R. reniformis per 150 cc soil–————— 30 60 90 120 150 Season DAP1 DAP DAP DAP DAP total 710.7 540.8 ab 947.6 1406 417.2 b 4022 262.7 339.9 b 648.9 1251 1143.3 ab 3646 566.5 1004.3 a 556.2 200.9 494.4 278.1 803.4 540.8 370.8 757 664.4 2688 2302 1452 1128 1885 1581 2750 2766 2300 1730.4 ab 695.3 ab 453.2 b 757.1 ab 741.6 ab 587.1 b 1220.6 ab 2024 a 1388 6654 4666 3172 3662 3693 4594 6288 6412 3928 386.3 b 726.2 386.3 b 679.8 324.5 b 957.9 216.3 b 571.7 463.5 ab 1158.8 571.7 ab 1205.1 278.1 b 973.4 581 985 DAP = days after planting. Means within columns followed by different letters are significantly different according to Fisher’s LSD (P < 0.05). 40 AlAbAmA AgriculturAl ExpErimEnt StAtion eVAluAtion of tHe AVictA seed tReAtment And temik 15g foR RenifoRm nemAtode mAnAgement in noRtH AlAbAmA, 2005 K. S. Lawrence, C. H. Burmester, G. W. Lawrence, and B. E. Norris Avicta and Temik 15G were evaluated for the management of the reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) in a naturally infested field adjacent to the Auburn University, Tennessee Valley Research and Extension Center, Belle Mina, Alabama. The field had a history of reniform nematode infestation and the soil type was a Decatur silt loam. Avicta was applied to the seed by the manufacturer. Temik 15G [5.0 pounds (5.6 kg) per acre] was applied at planting on April 27 in the seed furrow with chemical granular applicators attached to the planter. Orthene 90S at 0.3 pound per acre was applied to all plots as needed for thrips control. Plots consisted of two rows, 25 feet long, with a 40 inch wide row spacing and were arranged in a randomized complete block design with five replications. Blocks were separated by a 15-foot alley. All plots were maintained throughout the season with standard production practices as recommended by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Population densities of the reniform nematode were determined at monthly intervals through out the season. Ten soil cores, 1 inch in diameter and 8 inches deep, were collected from the two rows of each plot in a systematic sampling pattern. Nematodes were extracted using the gravity sieving and sucrose cen- trifugation technique. Plots were harvested on October 10. Data were statistically analyzed by GLM and means compared using Fisher’s protected least significant difference test (P < 0.05). Reniform nematode and seedling disease pressure was high to moderate in 2005. The Dynasty CST 125 + Cruiser 5 FS + Avicta seed application increased cotton stand (P < 0.05) as compared to the Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan-Thiram 1.76 FS + Temik 15 G combination treatment, although the uniformity of the stand was not affected by any treatment. Plant vigor ratings were not affected by treatment. Reniform nematode numbers increased slowly throughout the season with the highest numbers observed in August at 120 days after planting (DAP), which corresponds with the maximum plant growth stage. Both nematicides increased seed cotton yields only numerically as compared to the Dynasty CST 125 + Cruiser 5 FS control. The addition of Avicta to the Dynasty CST 125 + Cruiser 5 FS treatment increased seed cotton yields 163 pounds. The addition of Temik 15 G to the Dynasty CST 125 seed treatment increased seed cotton yields by an average of 172.5 pounds as compared to the Dynasty CST 125 + Cruiser 5 FS treatment. The addition of either nematicide, Avicta or Temik 15G, increased seed cotton yields by 140 pounds per acre. Treatment/Product Dynasty CST 125 + Cruiser 5 FS Dynasty CST 125 + Cruiser 5 FS + Avicta Dynasty CST 125 + Temik 15 G Dynasty CST 125 + Temik 15 G Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan- Thiram 1.76 FS + Temik 15 G LSD (P<0.05) 1 table 1. effeCt of aViCta and temik 15g on Cotton stand, skiP index, Plant Vigor, and Yield in north alabama Product/a.i. rate 32 + 0.34 32 + 0.34 + 0.15 32 + 5.6 32 + 7.8 15 + 41+ 5.6 Product/a.i. rate unit g/100kg seed + mg/seed g/100kg seed + mg/seed + mg/seed g/100kg seed + kg/ha g/100kg seed + kg/ha g/100kg seed + kg/ha Applic. seed seed seed + infurrow seed + infurrow seed + infurrow Applic. timing plant plant plant Stand 25 ft Skip row1 index2 36.4 ab 10.4 41.0 a 39.4 ab 5.6 8.2 9.4 11.0 5.1 Plant vigor3 3.6 3.6 3.3 3.6 3.5 0.5 Seed cotton lb/ac 3315 3478 3428 3547 3368 458 Plant stand was based on number of seedlings per 25 feet of row. 2 Plant skip index was based on the number of 12 inch spaces between cotton seedlings in 25 feet of row. 3 Plant vigor was based on a visual assessment of plant development on a 1 to 5 scale, with 5 representing the largest plants and 1 the smallest. Ratings were based on five plants per plot. Means within columns followed by different letters are significantly different according to Fisher’s LSD (P < 0.05). plant + 39.4 ab side dress plant + 31.4 b side dress 9.1 Treatment/Product Dynasty CST 125 + Cruiser 5 FS Dynasty CST 125 + Cruiser 5 FS + Avicta Dynasty CST 125 + Temik 15 G Dynasty CST 125 + Temik 15 G Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan- Thiram 1.76 FS + Temik 15 G LSD (P<0.05) 1 table 2. effeCt of aViCta and temik 15g on reniform PoPulations in north alabama Product/a.i. rate 32 + 0.34 mg/seed 32 + 0.34 + 0.15 32 + 5.6 32 + 7.8 15 + 41+ 5.6 Product/a.i. rate unit g/100kg seed + ——————–R. reniformis per 150 cc soil–—————— 30 60 90 120 150 Season DAP1 DAP, DAP DAP DAP total 2101 757 1586 4295 819 11629 1035 2518 2086 1221 2416 726 525 355 1272 793 896 1391 788 1138 1002 3476 3337 3414 3245 2510 1514 572 881 479 708 9718 10413 10511 8508 3843 g/100kg seed + mg/seed + mg/seed g/100kg seed + kg/ha g/100kg seed + kg/ha g/100kg seed + kg/ha DAP = days after planting. Means within columns followed by different letters are significantly different according to Fisher’s LSD (P < 0.05). 2005 cotton rESEArch rEport 41 compARison of AVictA And temik 15g foR RenifoRm nemAtode mAnAgement in cotton in soutH AlAbAmA, 2005 K. S. Lawrence, W. S. Gazaway, J. R. Akridge, and G. W. Lawrence Avicta and Temik 15G were evaluated for the management of the reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) in a naturally infested producer’s field near Huxford, Alabama. The field had a history of reniform nematode infestation and the soil type was a loam. Avicta was applied to the seed by the manufacturer. Temik 15G [5.0 pounds (5.6 kg) per acre] was applied at planting on May 10 in the seed furrow with chemical granular applicators attached to the planter. Orthene 90S at 0.3 pound per acre was applied to all plots as needed for thrips control. Plots consisted of two rows, 25 feet long, with a 36-inch wide row spacing and were arranged in a randomized complete block design with six replications. Blocks were separated by a 15-foot alley. All plots were maintained throughout the season with standard production practices as recommended by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Population densities of the reniform nematode were determined at monthly intervals through out the season. Ten soil cores, 1 inch in diameter and 8 inches deep, were collected from the two rows of each plot in a systematic sampling pattern. Nematodes were extracted using the gravity sieving and sucrose centrifugation technique. Plots were harvested on October 17. Data were statistically analyzed by GLM and means compared using Fisher’s protected least significant difference test (P<0.05). Reniform nematode and seedling disease pressure was moderate in 2005. The Dynasty CST 125 + Cruiser 5 FS seed application with and without Avicta increased cotton stand (P<0.05) as compared to the Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan-Thiram 1.76 FS + Temik 15 G combination treatment. The uniformity of the stand was also increased (P<0.05) by these treatments. Reniform nematode numbers increased slowly throughout the season with the highest numbers observed in August at 90 days after planting (DAP),which corresponds with the maximum plant growth stage. Neither Avicta nor Temik 15 G consistently reduced nematode numbers across the season. Avicta in combination with Dynasty CST 125 + Cruiser 5 FS produced the greatest yield. The addition of Avicta to the Dynasty CST 125 + Cruiser 5 FS treatment increased seed cotton yields 55 pounds per acre. The addition of Temik 15 G to the Dynasty CST 125 seed treatment or the Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan-Thiram 1.76 FS seed treatment did not increased seed cotton yields as compared to the Dynasty CST 125 + Cruiser 5 FS treatment. Treatment/Product Dynasty CST 125 + Cruiser 5 FS MgA/Seed Dynasty CST 125 + Cruiser 5 FS + Avicta Dynasty CST 125 + Temik 15 G Dynasty CST 125 + Temik 15 G Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan- Thiram 1.76 FS + Temik 15 G LSD (P<0.05) 1 table 1. effeCt of aViCta and temik 15g on Cotton stand, skiP index, and Yield in south alabama Product/a.i. Product/a.i. rate rate unit 32 + 0.34 g/100kg seed + 32 + 0.34 + 0.15 32 + 5.6 32 + 7.8 kg/ha 15 + 41+ 5.6 Applic. seed seed seed + infurrow seed + side dress seed + infurrow Applic. timing plant plant plant plant + plant + side dress Stand 25 ft row1 65.7 a 60.3 a 48.8 b 35.3 c 41.5 bc 8.9 Skip Seed cotton index2 lb/ac 2.5 c 1852 ab 2.5 c 1907 a g/100kg seed + mg/seed + mg/seed g/100kg seed + kg/ha g/100kg seed + infurrow g/100kg seed + kg/ha 4.7 bc 1740 abc 9.2 a 1514 c 8.7 ab 1658 bc 4.3 234 Plant stand was based on number of seedlings per 25 feet of row. 2 Skip index rating is equal to the footage of row greater than 1 foot not occupied by seedling. Means within columns followed by different letters are significantly different according to Fisher’s LSD (P < 0.05). Treatment/Product Dynasty CST 125 + Cruiser 5 FS Dynasty CST 125 + Cruiser 5 FS + Avicta Dynasty CST 125 + Temik 15 G Dynasty CST 125 + Temik 15 G Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan- Thiram 1.76 FS + Temik 15 G LSD (P<0.05) 1 table 2. effeCt of aViCta and temik 15g on reniform PoPulations in south alabama Product/a.i. rate 32 + 0.34 32 + 0.34 + 0.15 32 + 5.6 32 + 7.8 15 + 41+ 5.6 Product/a.i. rate unit g/100kg seed + mg/seed g/100kg seed + mg/seed+ mg/seed g/100kg seed + kg/ha g/100kg seed + kg/ha g/100kg seed + kg/ha ——————–R. reniformis per 150 cc soil–—————— 30 DAP1 60 DAP, 90 DAP 120 DAP Season total 644 ab 970 ab 2575 ab 1352 6120 343 b 386 b 592 ab 747 a 337 1288 a 811 b 862 ab 1017 ab 470 2124 ab 2910 a 1429 b 1622 ab 1403 1069 1532 734 901 1045 5433 6219 4197 4867 2075 DAP = days after planting. Means within columns followed by different letters are significantly different according to Fisher’s LSD (P < 0.05). 42 AlAbAmA AgriculturAl ExpErimEnt StAtion 2005 on-fARm RenifoRm nemAtode tRiAls in noRtHeRn And centRAl AlAbAmA C. H. Burmester, K. S. Lawrence, B. F. Freeman, D. Derrick, W. Griffith, M. Hall, L. Kuykendall, and H. Potter A total of nine on-farm tests for reniform nematodes were conducted in northern and central Alabama during 2005. Plots were four to twelve rows wide and at least 1,000 feet long. Three treatments (Temik, Cruiser, and Avicta) were replicated three times across the field. Temik was applied in-furrow at a rate of five pounds per acre to all sites except at the Leavelle site in Tuscaloosa County, which received 7 pounds per acre. The Cruiser and Avicta were both seed treatments. Cotton varieties planted were either Stoneville 5599BR or Deltapine 444BG/RR depending on grower preference. All seed contained the Dynasty seed treatment and the Avicta treatment included Cruiser. Soil samples for Temik (adicarb) degradation evaluation were collected at planting. Early season thrips counts were also made from all plots. Vydate at 17 ounces per acre was over-sprayed on each test during squaring. Nematode levels were monitored through the season and yields were determined by picking the whole plot area and weighing on a boll buggy. The reniform nematode numbers varied greatly between samplings (Table 1). Nematode variability was so great that in most cases differences in nematode populations due to treat- ments were not statistically significant. These data demonstrate the difficulty in establishing critical nematode threshold levels for control recommendations. Even preplant soil nematode samples taken in February and March correlated poorly with reniform nematode levels at planting. The Whitehead and Leavelle fields had very high reniform levels preplant (10,000 and 20,000 per pint) but populations dropped to 5,000 per pint at planting. In the Shaw and Thorton fields, pre-plant reniform levels were 5-7,000 per pint but jumped to about 20,000 at planting. The Hamilton and Whitehead sites had very low yields. Hamilton’s low yields were mainly due to extremely dry weather and a month delay in getting a stand. Whitehead’s cotton cut-out shortly after Katrina and did not develop a top crop at all. Since ST 5599 is a late maturing variety its yields were more severely effected. Two other sites that were disappointing were Shaw and Leavelle. The Temik treatment was noticeably weak in the Shaw test. Avicta also did not show any increase in yields compared to Cruiser in the Shaw test. The Shaw site overall had the highest nematode levels through the season and apparently these Site Variety T illage C ounty Trt T emik C ruiser A victa T emik C ruiser A victa T emik C ruiser A victa T emik C ruiser A victa T emik C ruiser A victa —————————————————–R. reniformis per 500 cc soil–————————————————— Lee Hargrave Shaw Thorton Hamilton Jenning Murphy Whitehead Leavelle ST5599 ST5599 DP444 ST5599 DP444 DP444 DP444 ST 5599 ST5599 no-till tillage tillage no-till no-till no-till tillage no-till tillage Law. Lim. Lim. Law. Law. Chero. Lim. Fayette Tusca. P replant 700 4400 4600 6700 5100 4600 5700 10800 20600 700 4400 4600 6700 5100 4600 5700 10800 20600 700 4400 4600 6700 5100 4600 5700 10800 20600 P lanting 2380 5850 23740 25800 5760 6110 5680 5760 2750 9370 14790 18060 17630 2920 8400 4640 4900 5250 1290 9460 18580 16770 2580 4300 3870 3180 4730 June 455 6690 12520 7800 3540 5350 6090 770 3260 850 7370 13030 5320 3770 4670 11460 710 3690 570 8400 11320 8400 5230 6630 18430 2710 5830 July 1080 5920 5830 4290 4370 5310 770 4030 7970 4200 6860 4800 6600 6690 10630 710 2230 4970 510 9690 6770 9690 5570 6170 2710 5400 6000 H arvest 740 9060 14600 3370 5000 2510 3090 770 6170 1890 4830 15580 1430 5230 5740 4000 460 5490 50 5000 8740 1830 4750 4630 1400 910 5970 table 1. reniform nematode leVels in on-farm tests, 2005 Trt Shaw Murphy Temik 1537 2490 Cruiser 1773 2260 Avicta 1803 2473 LSD(.1) 426 318 table 2. aVerage seed Cotton Yields aCross loCations, 2005 Hargrave 2270 1917 2083 263 —————–Average yields (lb/ac in north Alabama nematode trials————— Thorton Hamilton Lee Jenning Leavelle Whitehead Avg. 2103 1300 2650 2247 1727 1437 1973 1910 1270 2540 2000 1660 1633 1884 2010 1360 2850 2267 1683 1563 2010 145 171 334 444 128 27 2 2005 cotton rESEArch rEport 43 nematodes overwhelmed all treatments. The Leavelle site also showed no increase due to Temik (7 pounds per acre) or the Avicta treatment on the very sandy soil in Tuscaloosa county. The remaining sites produced higher yields and generally bigger differences between treatments. However, most of these differences were not statistically significant (Table 2). The Murphy and Jenning sites produced a 200-pound seed cotton increase when Temik and Avicta were compared to Cruiser. The Thorton and Hargrave sites showed a slight advantage to Temik compared to the Avicta seed treatment, while the Lee site showed a slight advantage to Avicta seed treatment compared to Temik. Spider mites were an early season problem at the Thorton site and the Cruiser and Avicta cotton plots were more severely affected than the Temik-treated cotton plots. Kelthane was applied for control across the test. The Lee field had the lowest reniform numbers with only a few hot spots in the field. It produced the highest yields even though it had very dry weather in August and September. Aldicarb degradation analysis was conducted at Auburn University. The results of the aldicarb degradation samples are presented in Figure 1. Half the soil was sterilized and half remained natural. Aldicarb was added to all soils and after ten days the amount of aldicarb and its metabolites remaining were determined. The Hargrave, Lee, Murphy, and Thorton sites had no detectable aldicarb remaining after ten days with the natural soil (Figure 1). All sterilized soils contained aldicarb. These data do not seem to correspond well with yields since the Shaw site performed so poorly with Temik. An earlier soil sample indicated aldicarb degradation at the Shaw site so soil microbial variability may be one of the problems. The Hargrave, Lee, and Murphy sites indicated no thrips control problems with Temik (Table 3). The thrips counts did confirm possible Temik problems at the Shaw site, with much higher larva thrips counts averaged during the three, four, and five week samplings after planting. Figure 1. Aldicarb degradation across on-farm tests, after 10 days. 750000 Natural Sterile 500000 Aldicarb 250000 0 Hamilton Hargrave Jennings Lee Murphy Shaw Thorton Whitehead Farmer Jennings Hargrave Hamilton Murphy Lee Whitehead Thorton Shaw Average table 3. aVerage larVal thriPs Per fiVe Plants from Counts taken three, four, and fiVe Weeks after Planting Temik 1.67 0.89 1.11 0.44 1.67 2.11 4.89 13.00 3.22 Cruiser 9.78 0.78 1.00 14.89 1.56 3.44 12.00 9.22 6.58 Avicta 7.56 0.33 1.78 10.89 0.89 4.11 6.44 3.22 4.40 44 AlAbAmA AgriculturAl ExpErimEnt StAtion effect of gAucHo gRAnde cotton seed tReAtment on RenifoRm nemAtode contRol W. S. Gazaway and J. R. Akridge Temik has historically been the most popular nematicide used by Alabama cotton producers to manage reniform nematodes. Each year new prospective pesticides are evaluated to determine if any have nematicide activity. The object of this test is to determine if Gaucho Grande has any effect on reniform nematodes in cotton. A field belonging to Larry Ward near Huxford, Alabama, was selected for the test. The field, a sandy loam (56 percent sand, 29 percent silt, and 15 percent clay), was infested with high reniform nematode populations. Cotton yields have been reduced substantially as a result of this nematode. Gaucho Grande seed treatment was evaluated for its ability to manage reniform nematodes in cotton. Temik 15G, the standard recommended nematicide treatment, was used as a positive check. Plots were 25 feet long and four rows wide. Row spacing was 36 inches. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design and replicated six times. Cotton seeds, DPL-555BG/RR variety, were planted on raised seed beds on May 11, 2005. In-furrow treatments of Temik were applied at planting to designated plots. Gaucho Grande-treated seeds were planted the same day (Table 1). Postplant Temik applications were side dressed in a furrow 6 inches to the side of cotton plants on July 22, 2005. A composite soil sample was taken for a nematode analysis just prior to planting and nematicide treatment on that same day. Soil samples for a nematode analysis were also taken from the two center rows of each plot on June 6 and August 12, 2005. Cotton was harvested from the two center rows of each plot on October 14, 2005. All cultural practices, weed control, and insect control was according to Auburn University recommendations. There were no statistical differences in nematode populations among treatments. However, treatments containing Temik 15G had lower reniform nematode populations than Gaucho Grande (Table 2). Likewise, there were no differences in cotton yields between treatments. Good to excellent yields in all treatments in this test indicate that the high reniform nematode populations did little damage to cotton this season. Frequent rains throughout the 2005 growing season provided excellent growing conditions for cotton. Under such conditions, reniform nematodes, which are stress pathogens, do not affect cotton yields significantly. Rate 0.375 mg/ac/seed 5 lb/ac 0.375 mg/ac/seed + 5 lb/ac 0.375 mg/ac/seed + 5 lb/ac 5 lb/ac + 5 lb/ac Application Seed treatment In furrow at planting Seed treatment In furrow at planting Seed treatment Side dress at pinhead square In furrow at planting Side dress at pinhead square 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 Pestcide Gaucho Grande Temik 15G Gaucho Grande + Temik 15G Gaucho Grande + Temik 15G Temik 15G + Temik 15G table 1. treatments for reniform nematode management in Cotton table 2. effeCt of treatments on reniform nematode PoPulations and Cotton Yield Treatment1 Gaucho Grande (seed trt) Temik 15G (in furrow at plant) Gaucho Grande (seed trt ) + Temik 15G (in furrow at plant) Gaucho Grande (seed trt) + Temik 15G (in furrow at plant) Temik 15G + (in furrow at plant) Temik 15G (side dress ) ———Reniform/100 cc soil——— May 112 June 9 Aug 12 250 782 a 4007 a 250 995 a 3523 a 250 250 250 935 a 946 a 918 a 3350 a 3242 a 2636 a Seed cotton lb/ac 2170 2253 1963 2189 2169 trt = seed treatment; in furrow = in the seed furrow; side dress = side dressed post plant at pinhead square. 2 One composite soil sample for nematode analysis was taken from the entire plot prior to planting. 2005 cotton rESEArch rEport 45 bAnd ApplicAtions of temik 15g VeRsus Recommended temik ApplicAtions on RenioRm nemAtode on cotton pRoduction in RenifoRm-infested fields W. S. Gazaway and J. R. Akridge Field tests conducted in heavily reniform nematode infested cotton fields in the early 1990s indicated that Temik lightly incorporated in a 6-inch band over the center of the row provided the best cotton yield responses. Temik rates up to 13 pounds per acre were the most effective in these tests. No phytotoxicity of cotton was observed in those tests. Due to safety concerns, the in-furrow application method for Temik was adopted and is currently recommended. The purpose of this test is to revisit the banded application of Temik 15G to determine if the band application method is superior to the current in-furrow application. A field belonging to Larry Ward near Huxford, Alabama, was selected for the test. This field, a sandy loam (56 percent sand, 29 percent silt, and 15 percent clay), contained high reniform nematode populations and has a history of severe reniform damage to cotton. Three banded rates of Temik 15G were compared to the recommended 5 pounds per acre rate of Temik in-the-furrow and to an in-furrow Temik plus post-plant Temik application (Table 1). Plots were 25 feet long and four rows wide. Row spacing was 36 inches. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design and replicated six times. Cotton seeds, DPL-555BG/RR variety, were planted on raised seed beds on May 11, 2005. In the furrow treatments of Temik were applied at planting to designated plots. Di-syston 15G (7 pounds per acre) was applied in the seed furrow and used as a check. Banded rates of Temik were applied to designated plots on top of and over the center of the row on a six inch band immediately after the seed had been planted. Temik bands were incorporated into the soil with ½ inch of water using a water wagon. Post-plant Temik applications were side dressed in a furrow 6 inches to the side of cotton plants on July 22, 2005. A composite soil sample was taken for a nematode analysis just prior to planting and nematicide treatment on that same day. Soil samples for a nematode analysis were also taken from the two center rows of each plot on June 6 and August 12, 2005. Cotton was harvested from the two center rows of each plot on October 14, 2005. All cultural practices, weed control, and insect control was according to Auburn University Recommendations. No statistical differences in reniform populations or cotton yield could be discerned among treatments (Table 2). However, cotton yields in all Temik treatments produced slightly higher yields than Di-syston 15G treatments. Overall, cotton yields were very good, considering the high infestation of reniform nematodes in the field. Cotton received timely rains and under went very little stress during the 2005 growing season. Under these conditions, reniform nematodes cause relatively little damage to cotton production. Therefore, it is not surprising that Temik had little effect on cotton production in this test in 2005. 1 Banded rates of Temik 15G were applied on a 6-inch band over the center of the row after seed furrow had been closed. Temik was incorporated with ½ inch of water supplied by a water wagon. Side dress applications of Temik were made in an open furrow 6 inches to the side of cotton plants when cotton was at pinhead square. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Nematicide/ Insecticide Di-Syston 15G Temik 15G Temik 15G + Temik 15G Temik 15G Temik 15G Temik 15G table 1. temik 15g aPPliCation methods Rate lb/ac 7 5 5 5 5 10 15 Application1 In furrow In furrow In furrow In furrow 6 inch band 6 inch band 6 inch band Time of application At planting At planting At planting Side dress at pinhead square Immediately after planting Immediately after planting Immediately after planting 1 in furrow = nematicide/insecticide applied in the seed furrow at planting; side dress = nematicide/insecticide applied in furrow 6 inches to the side of the cotton plants. Temik applied post-plant at pinhead square; band = Temik applied in a 6-inch band over the center of a raised seed bed and incorporated with ½ inch of water using a water wagon. 1 2 3 4 5 6 table 2. effeCt of aPPliCation on reniform nematode PoPulations and Cotton Yield Nematicide1 Di-Syston Temik 5 lb (in furrow) Temik 5 lb (in furrow) + Temik 5 lb (side dress) Temik 5 lb (band) Temik 10 lb (band) Temik 15 lb (band) ———Reniform/100 cc soil——— May 112 June 9 Aug 12 280 697 2578 280 360 2677 280 442 2403 280 280 280 536 519 570 2158 2620 2386 Seed cotton Oct. 14 (lb/ac) 1946 2067 2037 2087 1984 2133 FUNGICIDES eVAluAtion of quAdRis 2.08sc foR mAnAgement of cotton boll Rot diseAse in soutH AlAbAmA, 2005 K. S. Lawrence, G. W. Lawrence, and M. D. Pegues Cotton boll rot disease incidence was relatively high in 2005 A Quadris 2.08SC fungicide trial was conducted at the Au- burn University, Gulf Coast Research and Extension Center, due to the high rainfall. The disease index taken on September Fairhope, Alabama. The soil type was a Malbis fine sandy loam. 16 found that all Quadris 2.08SC treatments reduced (P < 0.05) Plots consisted of four rows, 25 feet long, with a between-row cotton boll rot compared to the Pix treatment alone. Hard lock spacing of 38 inches. Plots were arranged in a randomized com- incidence was also higher (P < 0.05) for the Pix treatment alone plete-block design with five replications. A 20-foot alley separat- as compared to the Quadris 2.08SC treatments. Seed cotton ed blocks. Deltapine DP 555 BG/RR, a full season variety, was yields varied by 451 pounds per acre between Quadris 2.08SC planted on April 29. All fungicides applications were applied as applied at 6.2 or 9.2 fluid ounces per acre and the Pix treatment. a foliar spray using a back pack CO2 system with a two-row Either rate of fungicide reduced cotton boll rot and hard lock and boom calibrated to deliver 20 GPA at 25 PSI. Cotton boll rot was increased yield. The combination of Pix with Quadris 2.08SC evaluated by recording the number of healthy bolls and diseased numerically reduced yield compared to the Quadris 2.08SC bolls from a 0.001 acre section within each plot. Disease index treatments alone but did not affect boll rot. (number of diseased bolls / total number of healthy counted) × 100 was calculated for each variety on September 16. Plots were harvested on September 20. All plots were maintained effeCt of Quadris on Cotton boll rot, hard loCk, and Yield throughout the season with Disease Hard lock Seed cotton standard herbicide, insecti- Fungicide Rate Timing index1 index2 lb/ac Sept. 16 Sept. 16 Sept. 20 cide, and fertility production 6.2 fl oz/ac First bloom + 14 days 9.7 b 7.9 b 2707 a practices as recommended Quadris 2.08SC 7.7 b 6.3 b 2453 ab by the Alabama Cooperative Quadris 2.08SC+ Pix 6.2 + 10 fl oz/ac First bloom + 14 days Pix 10 fl oz/ac First bloom + 14 days 25.1 a 19.4 a 2255 b Extension System. Data were Quadris 2.08SC 9.2 fl oz/ac First bloom + 14 days 11.5 b 9.1 b 2707 a statistically analyzed using Quadris 2.08SC+ Pix 9.2 + 10 fl oz/ac First bloom + 14 days 10.5 b 8.3 b 2552 ab PROC GLM, and means were 11.5 9.7 389 LSD P<0.05 compared with Fisher’s pro- 1Disease index = (number of diseased bolls / total number of healthy bolls) × 100. tected least significant differ- 2Hard lock index = (number of hard lock bolls / total number of healthy bolls) × 100. Means within columns followed by different letters are significantly different according to Fisher’s LSD (P < ence test (P < 0.05). 0.05). 2005 cotton rESEArch rEport 47 eVAluAtion of topsin m foR mAnAgement of cotton boll Rot diseAse in soutH AlAbAmA, 2005 K. S. Lawrence, G. W. Lawrence, and M. D. Pegues A Topsin M fungicide trial was conducted at the Auburn University, Gulf Coast Research and Extension Center, Fairhope, Alabama. The soil type was a Malbis fine sandy loam. Plots consisted of four rows, 25 feet long, with a between-row spacing of 38 inches. Plots were arranged in a randomized complete-block design with five replications. A 20-foot alley separated blocks. Deltapine DP 555 BG/RR, a full season variety, was planted on April 29. All fungicides applications were applied as a foliar spray with a CO2 charged back pack system using a two-row, four-nozzle boom calibrated to deliver 10 gallons per acre at 25 psi. Cotton boll rot was evaluated by recording the number of healthy bolls and diseased bolls from a 0.001 acre section within each plot. Disease index (number of diseased bolls / total number of healthy counted) × 100 was calculated for each variety on September 16. Plots were harvested on September 20. All plots were maintained throughout the season with standard her- bicide, insecticide, and fertility production practices as recommended by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Data were statistically analyzed using PROC GLM, and means were compared with Fisher’s protected least significant difference test (P < 0.05). Cotton boll rot disease incidence was relatively high in 2005 due to the high rainfall. The disease index taken on September 16 found all Topsin M treatments applied two and four times reduced (P < 0.10) cotton boll rot compared to the control treatment. Hard lock incidence was also numerically higher for the control treatment as compared to the Topsin M treatments. Seed cotton yields varied by 616 pounds per acre between Topsin M applied four times as compared to the control treatment. The Topsin M treatments applied two, three, and four times biweekly increased yield (P < 0.10) as compared to the control. Disease Hard lock Seed Fungicide Rate Timing index1 index2 cotton Sept. 16 Sept. 16 lb/ac Control 18.0 a 11.6 2212 b Topsin M 16 fl oz/ac 50% bloom + 14 days 10.6 b 6.2 2784 a Topsin M 16 fl oz/ac 50% bloom + 14 days + 14 days 11.6 ab 7.6 2696 a Topsin M 16 fl oz/ac 50% bloom + 14 days + 14 days 10.2 b 6.8 2828 a + 14 days 6.5 5.5 397 LSD (P < 0.10) 1 Disease index = (number of diseased bolls / total number of healthy bolls) × 100. Hard lock index = (number of hard lock bolls / total number of healthy bolls) × 100. Means within columns followed by different letters are significantly different according to Fisher’s LSD (P < 0.10). 2 effeCt of toPsin m on Cotton boll rot, hard loCk, and Yield 48 AlAbAmA AgriculturAl ExpErimEnt StAtion eVAluAtion of selected seed tReAtment fungicides foR cotton seedling diseAse mAnAgement in centRAl AlAbAmA, 2005 K. S. Lawrence and B. Durbin This cotton fungicide test was planted on April 18 at the Auburn University, E. V. Smith Research Center in Shorter, Alabama. The field had a history of cotton seedling disease and the soil type was a sandy loam. Soil temperature was 61oF at a 4-inch depth at 10 a. m. with adequate moisture at planting. Fungicides were applied as a seed treatment or as an in-furrow granular application at planting. Seed treatments were applied to the seed by the manufacturer. In-furrow granular applications were applied with chemical granular applicators attached to the planter. Plots consisted of two rows, 25 feet long, with a 40-inch wide row spacing and were arranged in a randomized complete block design with five replications. High disease incidence plots were infested with millet seed inoculated with Pythium ultimum and Rhizoctonia solani. Blocks were separated by a 10-foot alley. The nematicide Temik 15G (5 pounds per acre) was applied in-furrow at planting. All plots were maintained throughout the season with standard herbicide, insecticide, and fertility production practices as recommended by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Stand counts and skip index ratings were recorded at two and four weeks after planting to determine the percent seedling loss and stand density due to cotton seedling disease. Plots were harvested on September 21. Data were statistically analyzed by GLM and means compared using Fisher’s protected least significant difference test index (P < 0.05). Cotton seedling disease incidence was high in 2005 due to cold wet weather. In the high disease incidence plots, differences (P < 0.05) in seedling stand were observed. At two weeks after planting, Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan-Thiram 1.76 FS combined with TSX 18.8G and three of the experimentals A14911B, C, and D seed treatments increased stand compared to the con- Treatment effeCt of fungiCide seed treatments on Cotton stand, skiP index, and Yield Rate High disease pressure 15 + 41 g/100kg/seed 32 + 18 g/100kg/seed 15 + 41 + 32 + 18g/100kg/seed 15 + 41 g/100kg/seed + 0.045 15 + 41 g/100kg/seed + 0.045 15 + 41 g/100kg/seed + 0.045 15 + 41 g/100kg/seed + 0.045 15 + 41 g/100kg/seed 15 + 41 g/100kg/seed + 5.5 lb/ac Low disease pressure —Stand 25 ft. row1— 14 DAP1 28 DAP 11.5 c 22.2 bc 27.0 bc 23.0 bc 27.0 bc 35.2 b 37.5 b 37.2 b 26.0bc 54.7 a 16 41.2 47.7 44.2 47.0 49.0 43.7 50.0 50.2 48.2 49.2 17.5 Skip index Seed cotton lb/ac Untreated control Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan-Thiram 1.76 FS Dynasty CST 125 FS + Systane 40 WP Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan- Thiram 1.76 FS + Dynasty CST 125 FS + Systane 40 WP Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan-Thiram 1.76 FS + A14911A Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan-Thiram 1.76 FS + A14911B Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan-Thiram 1.76 FS + A14911C Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan-Thiram 1.76 FS + A14911D Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan-Thiram 1.76 FS Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan-Thiram 1.76 FS + TSX 18.8G LSD P<(0.05) 6.75 d 15.2 bcd 23.0 a-d 30.2 abc 17.5 bcd 20.2 a-d 33.0 ab 31.7 abc 14.5 cd 37.2 a 18.3 24.7 c 34.2 ab 29.2 bc 29.5 bc 35.7 ab 37.0 ab 30.0 abc 34.7 ab 35.5 ab 40.2 a 10.3 20.2 abc 480 d 22.7 a 1084 c 15.5 b-e 1218 bc 18.2 a-d 1470 abc 17.7 a-d 1555 abc 15.0 cde 1673 ab 14.2 de 1829 a 16.0 b-e 1653 ab 20.5 ab 11.7 e 5.3 13.7 a 9.5 ab 11.7 ab 9.5 ab 9.5 ab 9.0 b 11.5 ab 8.7 b 9.0 b 10.0 ab 4.6 1248 bc 1630 abc 484 1395 b 1970 a 2022 a 1980 a 2074 a 1921 a 2022 a 2048 a 1829 ab 2058 a 556 Untreated control Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan-Thiram 1.76 FS 15 + 41 g/100kg/seed Dynasty CST 125 FS + Systane 40 WP 32 + 18 g/100kg/seed Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan-Thiram 1.76 FS + 15 + 41 + 32 + 18g/100kg/seed Dynasty CST 125 FS + Systane 40 WP Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan-Thiram 1.76 FS + 15 + 41 g/100kg/seed + 0.045 A14911A Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan-Thiram 1.76 FS + 15 + 41 g/100kg/seed + 0.045 A14911B Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan-Thiram 1.76 FS + 15 + 41 g/100kg/seed + 0.045 A14911C Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan-Thiram 1.76 FS + 15 + 41 g/100kg/seed + 0.045 A14911D Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan-Thiram 1.76 FS 15 + 41 g/100kg/seed Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan-Thiram 1.76 FS + 15 + 41 g/100kg/seed + 5.5 lb/ac TSX 18.8G LSD (P< 0.05) 1 DAP = days after planting. Means within columns followed by different letters are significantly different according to Fisher’s LSD (P < 0.05). 2005 cotton rESEArch rEport 49 trol. The Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan-Thiram 1.76 FS + TSX 18.8G and the combination with the experimentals C and D continued to protect the seedling producing a greater stand as compared to the control at four weeks. A lower skip index (P < 0.05) indicating a more evenly spaced seedling stand was observed in these seed treatments as well. All of the fungicide treatments increased yields over the control (P < 0.05). Averaging all fungicide treatment yields together produced an increase of 1004 pounds of seed cotton per acre compared to the untreated control. Under low disease pressure, at two weeks after planting, no fungicide treatment increased stands as compared to the control. The Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan-Thiram 1.76 FS alone or in combination with A14911 A, B, and D or TSX 18.8G increased stands compared to the control at four weeks after planting. However, no differences were observed between any treatments as measured by the skip index at four weeks after planting under low disease pressure. Eight of the nine seed treatment fungicides increased yields over the control (P < 0.05). Yield was increased by 597 pounds of seed cotton per acre as compared to the control under low disease pressure. eVAluAtion of myconAte® foR cotton seedling diseAse mAnAgement in tHe tennessee VAlley Region of AlAbAmA, 2005 K. S. Lawrence and B. E. Norris Myconate® Catapult Terraclor Super X LSD (P=0.05) 1 2 duction practices as recommended by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Stand counts and skip index ratings were recorded at two, four, and six weeks after planting to determine the percent seedling loss and stand density due to cotton seedling disease. Plots were harvested on September 29. Data were statistically analyzed by GLM and means compared using Fisher’s protected least significant difference test (P < 0.05). Cotton seedling disease incidence was high in 2005 due to cold, wet weather. In the high disease incidence plots, differences (P < 0.05) in seedling stand were observed. At two, four, and six weeks after planting, Terraclor Super X increased stand (P < 0.05) compared to the seed treatments and the control. A lower skip index (P < 0.05) indicating a more evenly spaced seedling stand was observed in the Terraclor Super X treatment as compared to the Myconate® and control treatments. The Catapult seed treatment increased yield (P < 0.05) as compared to all other seed treatments under high disease pressure. Under low disease pressure, none of the fungicide treatments increase stands at two, four, and six weeks after planting as compared to the control. However, Terraclor Super X did have a lower fungiCide effeCts on Cotton stand, skiP index, and Yield skip index, indicating this treat ———Stand 25 ft. row——— Skip index1 Seed cotton ment had an evenly spaced cotTreatment Rate 14 DAP2 28 DAP 42 DAP 42 DAP lb/ac ton stand as compared to the High disease pressure control. None of the fungicide Control 18.2 b 14.2 b 8.2 b 18.8 a 1957 b treatments increased yields over Myconate® 0.5 mg/seed 16.4 b 14 b 9.6 b 18.6 ab 1997 b the control (P < 0.05) under low Myconate® 1.0 mg/seed 17.2 b 13.0 b 9.6 b 19.0 a 1833 b disease pressure; however, yield Catapult 11.75 fl oz/cwt 26.8 ab 22.2 ab 15.4 ab 13.8 bc 2797 a was numerically increased by Terraclor Super X 5.5 lb/ac 32.6 a 30.6 a 22.4 a 12.6 c 2560 ab LSD (P=0.05) 14 12.3 10.7 4.8 789 102 pounds of seed cotton per Low disease pressure acre over all as compared to the Control 47.8 ab 48.4 47.0 ab 6.0 a 3786 control under low disease presMyconate® 0.5 mg/seed 45.8 b 53 47.0 ab 6.2 a 3853 sure. 1.0 mg/seed 11.75 fl oz/cwt 5.5 lb/ac 44.2 b 46.2 ab 58.0 a 12 46.6 49 61.4 15.9 42.2 b 45.2 ab 57.6 a 12.6 5.4 ab 4.4 ab 2.4 b 3.1 3934 3849 3919 371 This cotton fungicide test was planted on April 10 at the Auburn University, Tennessee Valley Research and Extension Center, Belle Mina, Alabama. The field had a history of cotton seedling disease and the soil type was a Decatur silty loam. Soil was 68oF at a 4-inch depth at 10 a. m. with adequate moisture at planting. Fungicides were applied as a seed treatment or as an in-furrow granular application at planting. Myconate® seed treatments were applied to the seed by the manufacturer while the Catapult seed treatment was added to the control seed just before planting. In-furrow granular applications were applied with chemical granular applicators attached to the planter. Plots consisted of two rows, 25 feet long, with a 40-inch wide row spacing and were arranged in a randomized complete block design with five replications. High disease incidence plots were infested with millet seed inoculated with Pythium ultimum and Rhizoctonia solani. Blocks were separated by a 20-foot alley. The nematicide Temik 15G (5 pounds per acre) was applied infurrow at planting. All plots were maintained throughout the season with standard herbicide, insecticide, and fertility pro- Skip index rating is equal to the footage of row greater than 1 foot not occupied by seedling. DAP = days after planting. Means within columns followed by different letters are significantly different according to Fisher’s LSD (P < 0.10). 50 AlAbAmA AgriculturAl ExpErimEnt StAtion eVAluAtion of selected seed tReAtment fungicides foR cotton seedling diseAse mAnAgement in tHe tennessee VAlley Region of AlAbAmA, 2005 K. S. Lawrence and B. E. Norris This cotton fungicide test was planted on April 10 at the Auburn University, Tennessee Valley Research and Extension Center, Belle Mina, Alabama. The field had a history of cotton seedling disease and the soil type was a Decatur silty loam. Soil was 68oF at a 4-inch depth at 10 a. m. with adequate moisture at planting. Fungicides were applied as a seed treatment or as an in-furrow granular application at planting. Seed treatments were applied to the seed by the manufacturer. In-furrow granular applications were applied with chemical granular applica- tors attached to the planter. Plots consisted of two rows, 25-feet long, with a 40-inch wide row spacing and were arranged in a randomized complete block design with five replications. High disease incidence plots were infested with millet seed inoculated with Pythium ultimum and Rhizoctonia solani. Blocks were separated by a 20-foot alley. The nematicide Temik 15G (5 pounds per acre) was applied in-furrow at planting. All plots were maintained throughout the season with standard herbicide, insecticide, and fertility production practices as recommended Treatment effeCt of seed treatment fungiCides on Cotton stant, skiP index, and Yield ———Stand 25 ft. row——— 14 DAP2 28 DAP 42 DAP High disease pressure 11.8 e 6.6 f 4.4 e 15 + 41 g/100kg/seed 24.0 d 22.8 e 15.6 d Rate 32 + 18 g/100kg/seed 15 + 41 + 32 + 18g/100kg/seed 15 + 41 g/100kg/seed + 0.045 15 + 41 g/100kg/seed + 0.045 15 + 41 g/100kg/seed + 0.045 15 + 41 g/100kg/seed + 0.045 15 + 41 g/100kg/seed 15 + 41 g/100kg/seed + 5.5 lb/ac Skip index1 42 DAP 22.2 a 18.0 ab 10.2 de 16.4 bc 7.6 e 7.2 e 10.0 de 11.4 cde 13.0 bcd 10.4 de 5.1 7.2 5.2 5.2 3.8 3.8 3.0 6.4 4.4 6.8 5.8 5 Seed cotton lb/ac 1087 c 2501 b 3579 a 3703 a 3804 a 3757 a 3773 a 3826 a 3478 a 3458 a 505 3649 c 4104 ab 4182 a 4145 ab 4006 ab 4100 ab 3640 c 4158 ab 3813 bc 4125 ab 349.1 Untreated control Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan- Thiram 1.76 FS Dynasty CST 125 FS + Systane 40 WP Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan- Thiram 1.76 FS + Dynasty CST 125 FS + Systane 40 WP Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan- Thiram 1.76 FS + A14911A Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan- Thiram 1.76 FS + A14911B Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan- Thiram 1.76 FS + A14911C Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan- Thiram 1.76 FS + A14911D Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan- Thiram 1.76 FS Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan-T hiram 1.76 FS + TSX 18.8G LSD (P< 0.05) Untreated control Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan- Thiram 1.76 FS Dynasty CST 125 FS + Systane 40 WP Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan- Thiram 1.76 FS + Dynasty CST 125 FS + Systane 40 WP Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan- Thiram 1.76 FS + A14911A Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan- Thiram 1.76 FS + A14911B Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan- Thiram 1.76 FS + A14911C Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan- Thiram 1.76 FS + A14911D Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan- Thiram 1.76 FS Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan- Thiram 1.76 FS + TSX 18.8G LSD (P< 0.05) 1 29.8 cd 29.8 cde 29.2 bc 30.0 bcd 33.0 b-e 35.0 ab 40.6 abc 41.4 ab 45.2 a 44.6 a 41.4 a 43.8 a 37.8 abc 38.4 abc 39.0 ab 35.4 a-d 41.4 ab 41.4 ab 35.2 a-d 43.0 a 29.8 bc 23.2 cd 11.1 41.6 c 54.6 ab 51.6 abc 55 ab 53.4 ab 54.8 ab 44.6 bc 57.2 a 51 abc 46.2 bc 10.9 33.8 a-d 24.2 de 11.4 11.5 Low disease pressure 45.2 abc 43.2 b 15 + 41 g/100kg/seed 54.0 ab 59.0 a 32 + 18 g/100kg/seed 15 + 41 + 32 + 18g/100kg/seed 15 + 41 g/100kg/seed + 0.045 15 + 41 g/100kg/seed + 0.045 15 + 41 g/100kg/seed + 0.045 15 + 41 g/100kg/seed + 0.045 15 + 41 g/100kg/seed 15 + 41 g/100kg/seed + 5.5 lb/ac 49.0 abc 52.2 ab 57.8 a 59.6 a 44.4 abc 50.6 ab 52.0 ab 50.2 ab 41.4 abc 41.0 b 53.0 ab 38.0 bc 34.6 c 16.4 56.2 a 47.4 ab 39.8 b 12.9 Skip index rating is equal to the footage of row greater than 1 foot not occupied by seedling. 2 DAP = days after planting. Means within columns followed by different letters are significantly different according to Fisher’s LSD (P < 0.05). 2005 cotton rESEArch rEport 51 by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Stand counts and skip index ratings were recorded at two, four, and six weeks after planting to determine the percent seedling loss and stand density due to cotton seedling disease. Plots were harvested on September 29. Data were statistically analyzed by GLM and means compared using Fisher’s protected least significant difference test (P < 0.05). Cotton seedling disease incidence was high in 2005 due to cold wet weather. In the high disease incidence plots, differences (P < 0.05) in seedling stand were observed. At two, four, and six weeks after planting, all fungicide seed treatments increased stand compared to the control. The Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan-Thiram 1.76 FS + A14911 A, B, C, and D consistently produced greater stands than the Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan-Thiram 1.76 FS treatment alone. A lower skip index (P < 0.05), indicating a more evenly spaced seedling stand, was observed in four Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan-Thiram 1.76 FS + A14911 A, B, C, and D combinations and TSX treatments as compared to the control at six weeks after planting. Eight of the seed treatment fungicides increased yields over the control (P < 0.05). Averaging all fungicide treatment yields together produced an increase of 2455 pounds of seed cotton per acre compared to the untreated control. Under low disease pressure, at two weeks after planting, no fungicide treatment increased stands as compared to the control. All four Allegiance FL + RTU Baytan-Thiram 1.76 FS + A14911 A, B, C, and D combinations increased stands compared to the control at six weeks after planting. However, no differences were observed between any treatments as measured by the skip index at six weeks after planting under low disease pressure. Seven of the seed treatment fungicides increased yields over the control (P< 0.05). Yield was increased by 381 pounds of seed cotton per acre as compared to the control under low disease pressure. 52 AlAbAmA AgriculturAl ExpErimEnt StAtion COTTON BREEDING bReeding cotton foR yield And quAlity in AlAbAmA D. B. Weaver A cotton breeding project was initiated at Auburn University in 2001 to make crosses among several well-adapted cotton cultivars and germplasms. The overall objectives were several: (1) to develop cotton germplasm with improved lint yield and fiber quality traits adapted to Alabama, (2) to study the genetic variability and heritability of various quantitative traits in cotton in early and late generations of inbreeding, and (3) to determine the effects of various inbreeding methods on the variance and heritability of those same traits. Traits of particular interest were lint yield, lint percentage, fiber weight per seed, earliness, and AFIS (Advance Fiber Information Systems) fiber quality traits, particularly those related to length, length uniformity, short fiber content, fiber maturity, and neps. During 2002, six F2 populations, along with their parents and F1 progeny were grown in the field and more than 1500 individual plants were sampled and fiber analyzed by AFIS. During 2003, approximately 1300 progeny rows were grown from these individual F2 plants (F2:3 lines) (pedigree method), and single plant progenies were also grown from each F2 plant (single-seed descent method). Three plants were sampled from each of the F2:3 lines (pedigree) lines for determination of fiber traits by AFIS. In 2004, single-plant progenies were grown from a random sample of the sampled F3 plants (about 2000 F3:4 rows) primarily for the purpose of producing seed for yield-testing of lines in 2005. Two hundred F3:4 lines derived by single-seed decent were also grown for the purpose of comparing the two inbreeding methods. Based on fiber data from individual F3 plants collected the previous year, a selection index was applied to the pedigree lines based on upper quartile length (UQL) of fibers (inches, by fiber weight), short fiber content (SFC) (count), and lint weight per seed (LWS). From each population the best 50 F4 rows from F3 plants with the highest UQL, lowest SFC, and highest LWS were selected. One hundred ninety-five F4 lines derived from the single-seed descent populations were also harvested without selection. Thus a minimum of 300 lines were derived by pedigree and 195 lines by single-seed decent for future evaluation. During 2005, at the Plant Breeding Unit at Tallassee, 108 lines derived from pedigree and 92 lines derived by single-seed decent were evaluated, for a total of 200 lines evaluated from the six populations Also evaluated were 48 pedigree-derived lines from one population at Prattville. Each population was evaluated in a different test. Plots were two rows, 20 feet long, with a spacing of 36 inches between rows, replicated three times. Data were collected by sampling 50 bolls from each plot for determining lint percentage, boll size, lint weight per seed, and fiber quality. The entire plot was spindle-harvested to determine seed and lint yield. The growing season in 2005 was excellent. Yields were high, usually averaging more than 1200 pounds of lint per acre; however results at this stage are very preliminary. Fiber analysis is still being conducted, so fiber quality data are not available. Meaningful yield data will take at least another year to obtain, and these lines will have to be grown for another year before lines can be selected for more intensive evaluation at multiple locations. contRibutoRs index Author J. R. Akridge F. J. Arriaga K. S. Balkcom R. Beauchamp W. C. Birdsong C. Brodbeck Pages 24-25,35,36,41,44,45 26-27 26-27,27-28,28 17-19 17-19 23 Author C. D. Monks D. P. Moore B. E. Norris S. H. Norwood Pages 7-8,9,10,11,17-19 10 7-8,21,22,34,37-38,38-39,40,49,50-51 23 M. G. Patterson 29-30 M. D. Pegues R. L. Petcher J. H. Potter A. J. Price J. N. Shaw R. H. Smith J. G. Todd D. B. We ver a L. W. Wells R. P. Yates 9,13,14,15,16,46,47 17-19 42-43 26-27 23 33 17-19 52 11 17-19 C. H. Burmester 7,7-8,10,17-19,20,21,22,23,34,37-38,38-39, 40,42-43 R. Colquitt L. M. Curtis D. P. Delaney D. Derrick C. Dillard 17-19 21,22 7-8,9,10,11,17-19,26-27,27-28,28 7,17-19,42-43 23 M. P. Dougherty 21,22 B. Durbin B. L. Freeman J. P. Fulton B. Gamble 48-49 31,32,42-43 21,22,23 11 W. S. Gazaway 12,24-25,35,36,41,44,45 K. Glass 7-8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16 R. W. Goodman 17-19 W. G. Griffith M. H. Hall D. H. Harkins L. Kuykendall 17-19,42-43 23,42-43 21,22 17-19,42-43 G. W. Lawrence 13,14,15,16,34,35,36,37-38,38-39,40, 41, 46,47 K. S. Lawrence 13,14,15,16,24-25,34,35,36,37-38,38-39,40, 41,42-43,46,47,48-49,49,50-51 P. L. Mask R. McDaniel C. C. Mitchell W. J. Moar 23 9 27-28,28 32