Investigation for Alternatives to 2,4-D for Post-Harvest Cotton Stalk Destruction

Stalk destruction following cotton harvest for the Gulf Coast and Brazos Bottom regions of Texas is critical for the successful completion of the Boll Weevil Eradication Program.  Chemical stalk destruction is an efficient method of managing regrowth and preventing the production of hostable squares for the boll weevil to reproduce.  New chemical alternatives will need to be identified and evaluated with 2,4-D tolerant cotton varieties entering the market place in the next 4-5 years.  Four studies were conducted at Nueces, Wharton, Brazos, and Burleson counties to evaluate the efficacy of various herbicides on controlling regrowth and hostable square production.  At each of the locations, 15 treatments were applied at two different timings.  The two timings consisted of applications being made within two hours after the cotton stalks were shredded and at 10-14 days after shredding.  Assessment of percent regrowth was made 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after application and percent plants with fruiting squares was made 6 and 8 weeks after application.