Farms.com Home   News

Good Management Practices To Reduce The Chance Of Seedling Disease In Cotton

By Jeremy Kichler

Seedling disease is something that can frustrate cotton growers. Economic losses to seedling diseases can be significant at specific locations,especially when weather conditions are cool and wet at planting time and the grower is not able practice good crop rotation.  Below are good management practices to reduce the chance of seedling disease in cotton according to Bob Kemerait, UGA Plant Pathologist.

  • Plant in warm soils where the temperature at a 4-inch depth is above 65°F and where the 5-day forecast doesn’t call for cooler or cooler/wetter weather. NOTE:Cotton growers should NOT plant cotton if at all possible when conditions are cool and wet or if the forecast calls for such conditions soon after planting, even if they plan to use additional fungicide treatments!
  • Plant seed on a raised bed since soil temperatures in the bed are generally slightly warmer than surrounding soil and drainage is likely to be better. Cotton planted in conservation tillage is not grown on raised beds, thus potentially increasing the threat from seedling disease.
  • Avoid planting seed too deeply. Seed that is planted too deeply results in longerperiods before the young seedling cracks the soil surface, increasing the likelihood of seedling disease.
  • Correct soil pH with lime (pathogenic fungi are more tolerant to acidic soils than are cotton seedlings; pH should be in the range of 6.0 to 6.5).
  • Fertilize according to a soil test so as to promote rapid seedling growth; however care should be taken to avoid “burning” the seedling with excessive rates of at-plant fertilizers.
  • Avoid chemical injury through the use of excessive amounts or improper application of insecticides, fungicides, or pre-plant herbicides.
  • Plant only high quality seed as indicated by the percent germination in the standard seed and cool germination tests. Preferably, cool germination test results should be above 70%, though 60-69% is still adequate.

Source:uga.edu
 


Trending Video

Better Farming Ontario - Proudly Serving the World's Best Farmers for Over 25 Years

Video: Better Farming Ontario - Proudly Serving the World's Best Farmers for Over 25 Years


For over 25 years, Ontario Federation of Agriculture members have trusted Better Farming as a source for information to help them farm profitably, with insights and best practices for cash cropping, soil health, pest and weed control, livestock, and farm business management.

Watch this video to learn more about Better Farming and its relationship with producers across Ontario.

Message from Better Farming:

To our OFA farming readers, thank you for your time and your trust, for 25 years now. We look forward to continuing the journey with you.