Augmented Fertilizer and Nematicide Combinations Applied on Upland Cotton to Increase Yield in Rotylenchulus Reniformis and Meloidogyne Incognita Populated Fields.

The reniform (Rotylenchulus reniformis) and root-knot (Meloidogyne incognita) nematode can cause major yield loss on upland cotton in the Southern United States. A management strategy is crucial for nematode infested fields to reduce populations and mitigate damage. The objective of this study was to apply fertilizer and nematicide combinations at specific plant growth stages in addition to current management practices to reduce plant stress and promote yield. Field trials were conducted with the variety DP 1646 B2XF. The nematicides COPeO Prime (Fluopyram) was applied at planting and Vydate (Oxamyl) applied at pinhead square (PHS) were applied to select treatments. Fertilizers (NH₄)₂SO₄, 28-0-0-5, and Max-In Sulfur (0-0-19-21) were applied at pinhead square (PHS) and/or repeated at first bloom (FB) in 12 various combinations. For both reniform and root-knot fields, nematode eggs/g of root populations were similar between initial nematicide applications at planting. In the reniform field, after PHS chemical application, the populations when looking at eggs/g of root remained consistent between all treatments. Root fresh weights also remained unaffected between treatments. In the root-knot field, the combination of COPeO Prime + (NH₄)₂SO₄ + Max-In Sulfur + Vydate at PHS significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced eggs/g of root when compared to the combinations COPeO Prime + (NH₄)₂SO₄  at PHS and COPeO Prime + 28-0-0-5 at PHS & FB. The combination of COPeO Prime + 28-0-0-5 + Vydate at PHS supported a (P ≤ 0.05) larger root fresh weight when compared to the combination of COPeO Prime + 28-0-0-5 + Max-In Sulfur + Vydate at PHS & FB.