On-Farm Evaluation of Liberty Link and Phytogen Widestrike Cotton Varieties Managed with Ignite-Based Herbicide Systems In Georgia

Due to the widespread existence of glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth, cotton producers in Georgia have been forced to explore alternative herbicide systems to maintain weed control and maximize cotton yields.  One alternative involves the use of residual herbicides along with topical applications of glufosinate (Ignite).  These Ignite-based systems have been very effective and can be implemented on Liberty Link® cotton cultivars, which have excellent tolerance to Ignite.  Phytogen cotton cultivars with the WideStrike^TM trait also have a gene that confers tolerance to Ignite; however, tolerance from this trait is less consistent and cotton injury can occur.  Research was conducted in 2010 and 2011 to assess variety performance of both Liberty Link and Phytogen cultivars with the Widestrike trait in variety trials where Ignite-based herbicide systems were implemented.  In 2010, FM 1773 LLB2, FM1735 LLB2, FM 1845 LLB2, PHY 375 WRF, and PHY 565 WRF were evaluated in four locations.  In 2011, FM 1773 LLB2, FM 1845 LLB2, ST 4145 LLB2, PHY 375 WRF, PHY 565 WRF, PHY 499 WRF, and PHY 367 WRF were evaluated in seven locations.  Variety performance, with respect to lint yield and fiber quality, was determined to provide producers with information to make informed decisions on variety selection when implementing an Ignite-based herbicide systems.