Producing a Crop to Minimize Bark and Grass Reduction

Robert B. Metzer


 
ABSTRACT

Producing a crop with minimal bark and grass requires good management and favorable weather to insure timely defoliation - dessicate and harvest. In recent years, high capacity mechanized harvesting, as well as increased use of module for extended storage of seed cotton has exerted even greater demands for clean, dry cotton.

Fortunately, continued improvement in application equipment and in defoliant and growth regulator compounds has helped producers achieve more effective harvest-aid programs. The beneficial response from PIX in opening the plant canopy, controlling plant size and advancing crop maturity has encouraged its use in harvest-aid programs. The compound "Prep", which stimulates the production of ethylene, hastens the opening of mature bolls and permits earlier harvest is gaining acceptance in many areas across the Cotton Belt. The fact that high lint grades are closely associated with early harvest shortens the time open bolls are exposed to weathering. This beneficial response has contributed to increased interest in boll compounds. The relatively new defoliant "Dropp" that effects suppression of terminal regrowth is also making a valuable contribution in preparing cotton for harvest.



Reprinted from 1985 Proceedings: Beltwide Cotton Production Research Conferences pp. 317 - 318
©National Cotton Council, Memphis TN

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Document last modified Sunday, Dec 6 1998