Defining Optimal PGR Management Strategies and Plant Populations for New Cotton Varieties In Georgia

Prior to 2010, approximately 85 percent of the Georgia cotton acreage was planted to DP 555 BR.  Growers are now planting a larger proportion of their acreage to newer varieties, many of which tend to set a larger proportion of fruit on lower nodes compared to DP 555 BR.  These new varieties are also less aggressive in terms of growth potential, perhaps requiring less aggressive PGR managment.  Experiments were conducted in 2010 to evaluate the response of these newer varieties to variable PGR management strategies and plant populations.  Preliminary results show that less aggressive PGR management may be appropriate for many of the new varieties, and that aggressive early season growth management may not be necessary.