The use of Roundup (glyphosate) applied by hooded sprayer has found utility in many cotton growing areas of the United States. A question commonly asked by growers is whether Roundup hooded sprayer applications will substitute for the use of cultivation in cotton. Reports in the literature generally suggest that the main purpose for cultivation is weed control. The data obtained in these field trials indicate that Roundup applied by the hooded sprayer provided weed control equal to or better than a cultivated standard.

In 3 of 4 trials, Roundup hooded sprayer applications provided significantly greater cotton yields than comparable cultivated treatments. Since weed control was similar in hooded sprayer and cultivated treatments, indications are that other factors, such as root pruning and/or soil moisture loss with cultivation, may be contributing factors in cotton yields.