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Effect of Trimax™ Insecticide on the Physiology, Growth and Yield of Cotton

Evangelos D. Gonias, Derrick M. Oosterhuis, and Robert S. Brown

ABSTRACT

Trimax™ is a new insecticide from Bayer CropScience specifically for use on cotton that provides excellent control of major sucking/piercing insects in cotton. In addition, significant yield enhancement benefits have been observed even in situations without economic target insect infestations. However, information is lacking on how Trimax affects plant growth and thereby enhances yield. The current studies were designed to understand plant response to foliar application of Trimax with particular emphasis on the physiological and biochemical changes that occur and how these may effect the development of yield. Field and growth chamber studies were designed to supply information which will permit us to quantify plant growth response to Trimax. There was a consistent trend for Trimax to increase yield in both years and locations, although only one experiment was significant. There were no significant effects of Trimax on plant growth parameters; however, there were significant effects on the physiology and biochemistry of the plants, in particular membrane integrity, carbohydrate content, polyols, and antioxidant enzymes activity. The interpretation of these responses is not clear and additional research is planned. These studies should also allow us to determine, or a least formulate, an explanation of how Trimax is affecting the growth and development of the cotton plant, and therefore enhancing yield.





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Document last modified 04/27/04