Despite a cooler-than-normal summer, the Oklahoma cotton crop outlook is shaping up to look Pretty Good. The Crop so far is in good shape as it heads into the final stages of the season. According to OSU Cotton Extension Specialist Jenny Dudak, everyone seems to be “pretty excited” about their crop this year.
The main concern is that the recent cool weather has put the state “a little bit behind” on growing degree day (GDD) accumulations compared to the past three years. To get the crop across the finish line, producers need more heat. While the weather has been “nice” for people, the cotton crop has been “lacking a little bit of that heat”. Overall, this year’s crop is in better condition than last year’s, primarily due to having had more rain.
Pest Management and Harvest Aids
The good news for producers is that the crop is largely past the major pest windows. Dudak noted that the season is “pretty much out of the flea Hopper window” and getting close to being out of the “stink bug window” as well. No major pest issues have been reported.
As producers begin to think about harvest, Dudak explained that applying harvest aids is considered “an art form, more than a hard science” due to the many factors involved. She recommends using a combination of two methods to determine if a crop is ready:
- Checking for boll maturity: The uppermost first-position boll that will make the basket should be four nodes above a cracked boll.
- Assessing open bolls: About 60% to 70% of harvestable bolls should be open.
For application, good coverage is important. She recommends using 10 to 15 gallons per acre (GPA) with a medium to fine droplet size, and slowing down the sprayer to penetrate the plant canopy better. It is also crucial to watch the weather forecast, as temperatures above 80 degrees may require reducing application rates to prevent leaf sticking. A comprehensive harvest aid guide is available online from OSU that provides details on different products and application rates.
Upcoming Field Days and Research Opportunity
Dudak encourages producers to attend several upcoming field days and tours:
- September 17: A producer field tour in Harmon County focusing on Dicamba-only varieties.
- September 18: A cotton and peanut field day at Fort Cobb.
- September 25: A cotton field day at the Altus Research Station, where a mixed technology strip trial of different seed companies will be showcased.
- October 9: The Schantz Family Field Day.
Producers can learn about variety evaluations, disease management, insect management, and weed management at these events. Additionally, Dudak mentioned a free nematode survey with Dr. Duffek, who will test soil samples to check for nematodes and provide soil analysis information.
To get signed up for the field days, or check the schedule, you can click HERE:
