Missouri Cotton News
September, 2002

Lodged Cotton Plants
We received several calls about lodged cotton plants. There could be a problem when running a ground rig for defoliating cotton but the plants should stand back up due to the reduced weight when the leaves are removed and the bolls open. Aerial application of harvest aid products may be necessary. We can be thankful that we have a good crop of bolls to pull the plants over. The lodged plants should allow more sunlight into the plant canopy so boll rot will be reduced.

Micronaire
We are receiving reports of the micronaire varying from field to field. It would be wise to check the micronaire in order to time defoliation.

West Nile Virus
We have found an added bonus for the Malathion used in the boll weevil eradication program; it also works on mosquitoes. Hopefully it will help reduce the West Nile Virus problem. I understand that weevil numbers are unusually low for this point in an eradication program.

Newsletter Updates
We need your e-mail addresses. E-mail phillipsa@missouri.edu to help shorten the time in receiving the newsletter and also help reduce our cost. As with everyone else we need to reduce our cost since our budgets are reduced.

Plan Ahead When Building Cotton Modules
Remember the module truck driver must pick up the module. Do not place the modules under electric lines or among trees. If it is placed over junk or plastic bags they will be a problem at the gin or mill. Mills have serious problems with plastic bags that have blown into cotton fields. The bags end up in shirts instead of shirts ending up in the bags. Place modules on level ground so the lift on the truck will not be stressed. Remember to place the module on the high end of the field. If it rains the module will not float.

If there is dew when the cotton is picked or picked green with many leaves the module may heat. It is just like grain; if the moisture is above thirteen-percent heating is a problem. It should be ginned quickly. Even then the ginner may not be able to protect the grades.

Scouting School
Scouting School will be January 27, 2003 through February 14, 2003. Contact Michael Boyd at the Delta Center (573) 379-5431 or e-mail him at boydm@missouri.edu.

DD60's

From May 1, 2002 the accumulative DD60's are 2197.25.
Late year the acculative DD60's from May 1, 2001 was 2213.65.