Managing Cotton Root-Knot Nematode on High Plains of Texas Using Velum Total

The loss of Temik 15G for nematode management in cotton has been costly to the Southern High Plains of Texas. Root-knot nematodes infest over 40% of the acreage, particularly the lighter textured soils (Wheeler et al. 2000, Starr et al. 1993). Cotton lint losses for this region, in the absence of nematode control, are estimated at 26% (Orr and Robinson, 1984). In the absence of Temik 15G, other tools are necessary. It may be possible to improve profitability in the presence of root-knot nematode, using the new product called Velum from Bayer. Based on this year’s study, managing southern root-knot nematodes using Velum applied in-furrow at cotton planting provides an opportunity to achieve good cotton lint yields. All Velum treatments were significantly better than the check.