Missouri cotton producers should prepare now for the 2009 crop

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Missouri cotton producers should prepare now for the 2009 crop
Sep. 25, 2008

By Allen Wrather
University of Missouri-Delta Center

Even though harvest of the 2008 Missouri cotton crop has juststarted and few are concerned about anything but getting this cropout of the field, producers should now start preparations for the2009 cotton crop. The following is a check list of items toconsider.

Dig cotton roots after harvest this fall in areas of the fieldwhere nematode problems are suspected and examine them forroot-knot nematode (RKN) galls. University of Missouri researchshows that root gall severity due to RKN is a reliable indicator ofthe presence of this nematode and the severity of RKN damage tocotton. Producers should do this soon after harvest because theroots begin to rot by December. Contact me for more informationabout this method. If RKN is a problem, producers should makedecisions this winter about how to manage it in 2009.
Select the fields you intend to plant to cotton in 2009 and test asample of the soil from each field for pH and nutrients if this hasnot been done since 2005.
Apply needed lime, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer this fallor early next spring.
Break hardpans by subsoiling this fall or early next spring.
Improve drainage of the fields this fall or next spring to reducewet soil problems for the 2009 crop.
Select varieties for planting in 2009 based on University ofMissouri cotton variety yield trials and the yields of varieties inyour own and your neighbor's fields.
Hire a cotton scout or consultant to weekly inspect your 2009 cropfor pests.

Following these suggested procedures will give Missouri cottonproducers a better chance of producing higher yields and greaterprofits in 2009.

SOURCE: University of Missouri.