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 applied 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 2003, a project was conducted in the San Joaquin Valley of California to evaluate the use of remotely sensed imagery for site-specific applications of cotton harvest aids in both Acala and Pima cotton. Remotely sensed imagery from airborne and satellite sources was obtained over the study area and analyzed to determine the most appropriate method for harvest aid prescription generation. Variable rate applications were applied via a commercial aerial applicator and compared to traditional blanket aerial applications. Seed cotton yield and harvest aid performance were not significantly decreased through the use of variable application technologies.