An Update on Site-Specific Nematicide Placement (SNP) System In Cotton

Every year, about 10% of U.S. cotton production is lost to nematodes. Yield losses in individual fields may reach 50%. Nematode distribution varies significantly within cotton fields and is highly correlated to soil texture. Field-wide application of a uniform nematicide rate results in applications to areas where nematodes are not present or are below the economic threshold.  Uniform applications also result in application of sub-effective levels in areas with high nematode densities. The investigators have developed “Site- Specific Nematicide Placement” (SNP) systems utilizing either aldicarb or 1,3-dichloropropene for management of root-knot  (RK) and Columbia lance (CL) nematodes. These systems are currently being used by some growers in South Carolina, Arkansas, Georgia and Louisiana. The SNP system utilizes management zones based on soil texture to target nematode sampling and quantification of nematode population densities. Nematicides are then applied to the field site-specifically as appropriate for each management zone using GPS-guided equipment. During the past four years the investigators have been working with farmers to refine the SNP system for use by growers. Six systems were installed on growers' planters and subsoilers in South Carolina. This presentation will cover the results from these field experiments.