ABSTRACT

Application of chemical harvest aids is necessary to improve harvestability and lint quality of the cotton crop. When applied properly to the crop, these chemicals stimulate leaf loss and promote boll opening. Traditionally, harvest aids have been ap-plied at a constant rate across a field, resulting in over-application to areas that may have matured faster than others due to soil type, insect pressure, or disease.

In 2002, a field-scale experiment was designed to test the appropriateness of using remotely sensed imagery for variable rate application of cotton harvest aids. The experiment was conducted in the Delta Region of northwestern Mississippi. Variable rate applications were compared with traditional blanket applications for effectiveness, net profits, and fiber quality. When compared to traditional blanket applications, variable rate applications reduced chemical use by 17-18% while effectiveness, yield, and fiber quality were maintained. With additional research, variable rate applications of cotton harvest aids have the potential to reduce chemical use and increase net returns to growers.