Cotton growers need to continue to monitor for whiteflies, as the pest is starting to impact fields across the Southeast, according to Alabama Extension cotton entomologist Ron Smith. “I know we’re finding them as far north as Quitman County (Georgia), which is just across from Eufala, Alabama. We know we’ve got them in the Panhandle of Florida, and we know …
UGA Southeast Research and Education Center to host annual field day online
By Josh Paine for UGA CAES News University of Georgia faculty will share the latest research on cotton, soybeans, corn and other southeast Georgia crops during the annual Southeast Georgia Research and Education Center Field Day held online Aug. 12. Research and Extension faculty will present current research conducted at the Midville facility to include agronomic, pest and disease management …
ASTA Promotes Safe Handling and Storage of Treated Seed During Harvest
Alexandria, VA—August 3, 2020—As harvest begins across the country, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) reminds farmers about the importance of taking precautions to ensure treated seed does not enter the grain supply. “Seed treatments provide farmers with an economical means of protecting seeds and seedlings against early-season insect pests and diseases—resulting in stronger and more uniform stands, healthier plants …
Tough Times for Cotton Farmers Not Expected to Improve Anytime Soon
Times are tough for cotton farmers and they are not expected to improve anytime soon. Jody Campiche, Vice President of Economics and Policy Analysis at the National Cotton Council, said the December ’20 contract is currently trading at a little less than 62 cents per pound. “I think given just the amount of cotton stocks in the world and production …
Dry Weather Could Impact Essential Nutrients in Cotton, Peanuts
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension soils and fertility specialist Glen Harris cautions cotton growers and peanut producers about the impact that the current dry weather can have on essential nutrients in their respective crops. “We have dried out a little. We’re hoping to get some good rains here in late July and going into August,” Harris said. “The two biggest …
July 31 Deadline for Use of Three Dicamba Products
Cotton and soybean farmers have just a few days left to use three important dicamba products: Engenia, Xtendimax and Fexapan. Growers and commercial applicators may use existing stocks that were in their possession on June 3, 2020 – the effective date of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit’s decision to vacate dicamba registrations – until July 31. …
Alabama Row Crops Look Promising, Though Dry Weather Could be a Factor
This year’s production season has provided favorable conditions so far for Alabama’ row crop producers. That soon may change, though, if the current dry, hot conditions continue. Audrey Gamble, assistant professor and Extension specialist at Auburn University, said cotton growers need to especially be wary of their crops’ potassium levels. “In a year where we have drought mid-season, we might …
Whitefly Populations Exploding in Cotton
Scorching temperatures and dry conditions could make an already tough whitefly season even worse for cotton growers, according to Phillip Roberts, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension cotton entomologist in Tifton, Georgia. “In cotton, populations can build so rapidly. Whiteflies really thrive in hot, dry conditions. They’ve just exploded in some localized areas in the last 10 days. The last 10 …
Irrigation Vital for Row Crops During Hot, Dry Conditions
Hot and dry conditions over the next few weeks could spell trouble for row crop farmers if they do not apply irrigation in a timely manner. According to Pam Knox, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Agricultural Climatologist, current weather conditions could persist for the next month. She even hinted that a short-term flash drought could be possible considering the lack …
Cotton and Peanut Crop Update
Both the cotton and peanut crops continue to develop. According to USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey, there was an overall improvement in the cotton condition this past week. Rippey has the latest outlook for cotton squaring and setting bolls. And Rippey has the latest look at peanut pegging and condition for the week ending July 19, 2020. In Alabama, 88% of …