Our major objective is to develop and evaluate cotton production techniques that will enable Missouri cotton farmers to maximize profits. The effective transfer of scientific technical information about cotton production is essential for the Missouri cotton producer to remain competitive in a global market

The commercial variety trials are conducted at Senath, Clarkton, Sikeston and Portageville. At Portageville the test is on both silt loam and clay soils. The Clarkton location is on sandy soil. Senath and Sikeston are on silt loam soils. The trial has fifty-two entries. The USDA Delta Regional Variety test and the Regional High Quality trials are conducted in cooperation with other states. The new strains trial evaluates very elite breeding lines in the Missouri environment. Varieties are in the marketplace a much shorter period that they have been in the past and little is known about the yield and lint quality stability. Predicting yield stability is being studied in cooperation with Tennessee and Arkansas. This project is attempting to identify varieties that consistently produce high yields. It is funded by Cotton Incorporated.

For the second year we are developing a nitrogen management package for cotton on gumbo soils. This project is funded by Cotton Incorporated.

The fifth year evaluation of planting date and stand density is being conducted to determine replanting needs. Cotton Incorporated is funding this trial.

In cooperation with Arkansas, we are conducting a study measuring and predicting internal temperatures for comparison with ambient temperatures for calculation of heat units to determine defoliation time. Cotton Incorporated core program is funding this project.

Trials using several seed treatments and in-furrow insecticide treatments are being compared. EN-ZONE, a bacterial inoculate is being evaluated. ACT, a soil conditioner, and Helena foliar products are also being evaluated. Growth regulators are being studied.

Comparison of timing of irrigation on clay soil was conducted. In the last four years the "thumbs up", hand feel method, using a soil probe is showing to be superior to the Woodruff method, Arkansas scheduler and use of the tensiometer. USDA funds this project.

Many thanks for funding of these projects by Cotton Incorporated, Missouri Lime and Fertilizer Board, USDA, agricultural chemical and seed companies and entry fees.

2006 Field Day Report