The Use of Vydate On Southern Root-Knot Nematode Tolerant Cotton in the High Plains of Texas

The loss of Temik 15G for nematode management in cotton has been costly to the Southern High Plains of Texas. Root-knot nematodes infest over 40% of the acreage, particularly the lighter textured soils (Wheeler et al. 2000, Starr et al. 1993). Cotton lint losses for this region, in the absence of nematode control, are estimated at 26% (Orr and Robinson, 1984). In the absence of Temik 15G, a combination of other tools is necessary. It may be possible to improve profitability in the presence of root-knot nematode, using some other options, which up to now have not been greatly tested. The use of varieties with partial nematode tolerance in combination with Vydate CLV at different application timing and rates have been explored the past two years in Hockley County, Texas. Studies have indicated that the addition of even one application of Vydate CLV at 17 oz/acre to a partially tolerant cotton variety, will protect from yield loss significantly from nematodes compared to the untreated check. Also, two applications were significantly better than the single application.