National Cotton Council of America
Beltwide Cotton Conferences
January 8-11, 2008
Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center
Nashville, Tennessee
The Cotton Foundation

Recorded Presentations

Friday, January 11, 2008 - 10:00 AM

Preparing for Harvest Without Chemicals

Paul A. Funk, USDA-ARS-Southwestern Cotton Ginning Research Laboratory, 300 E. College Dr., PO Box 578, Mesilla Park, NM 88047

New environmental laws may someday restrict defoliant chemical application.  To prepare for this possible challenge experimental thermal defoliators were operated in California, New Mexico and Texas from 2002 through 2007.  This paper summarizes findings from extensive trials in a variety of field conditions and cultivars.  Physiological studies showed the efficacy of thermal defoliation and its impact on yield and harvest timing.  Fiber quality studies indicated no damage to lint value.  Entomological studies demonstrated reduced late season pest populations.

See more of Cotton Agronomy & Physiology - Friday Morning - Session B
See more of Cotton Agronomy & Physiology Conference

See more of The Beltwide Cotton Conferences, Jan. 8-11 2008