Investigation Into Post-Harvest Control of 2,4-D Tolerant Cotton

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.  2,4-D tolerant cotton is currently under development by Dow AgroSciences.  The purpose of this research is to find chemical alternatives to 2,4-D for post-harvest cotton stalk destruction.  Two studies were conducted in TX and AR on 2,4-D tolerant cotton to evaluate the efficacy of various herbicides on controlling regrowth and hostable square production.   Applications were made within two hours after the cotton stalks were shredded.  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.