Use of Blizzard at High Rates as An Alternative to Paraquat in the Texas High Plains

Cotton harvest aid programs in the Texas High Plains generally consist of an initial application of a boll opener/defoliant tank mix followed by a sequential application of a desiccant to terminate the crop for stripper harvesting. However, on occasion, high rates of a desiccant may be used if natural boll opening is sufficient to forego treatments with ethephon based chemicals. Generally, paraquat based chemicals are utilized in the Texas High Plains. Recent research has indicated that high rates of Blizzard harvest aid may be utilized as a viable alternative to paraquat chemicals under these conditions especially when treatments are applied in close proximity to small grains crops.