Agricultural News
Southwestern Oklahoma Cotton Producers Face Drought and Insects
Thu, 30 Jun 2011 09:39:25 CDT
The drought conditions in 2011 have been trying for cotton producers in southwestern Oklahoma. May was hotter than normal, while June was overwhelmingly hot for the first 27 days. According to the Altus Mesonet Station, in 2011 there have been 34 days with temperatures at least 100 degrees. Sixteen days have been 105 degrees or greater, while 4 days in the month of June have been at least 110 degrees. Throughout all of these extreme temperatures, this area has only seen 0.12 inches of rainfall.
Along with harsh weather conditions, insects are still a concern for cotton producers. However, thrips are no longer a major concern due to the fact that the cotton has developed past the stage where economic damage can occur. The cotton fleahopper has been found in a small population in Harmon county. Fields need to be evaluated and scouted separately for proper insect management.
Grasshoppers have been found as well in Kiowa and Tillman counties in populations large enough that control measures should be considered. Timing is critical for all treatments, as immature grasshoppers are much easier to control than mature ones.
For more information on nitrogen fertility, plant monitoring, irrigation issues and stress sensitive periods for cotton, read the rest of the Cotton Comments newsletter- which you can find in the LINK below.
00013_CottonComments06302011.pdf
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI
Top Agricultural News
More Headlines...