AgFax Cotton - Louisiana
By AgFax Media LLC, AgFax.com
OVERVIEW
Hurricane Barry's effects varied widely. Growers either received a much-needed rain or way too much.
Regulating growth that's a big focus across the region this week. Rains have kept sprayers out of the field when treatments are needed the most. Plants also are shedding squares after this prolonged stretch of rain and cloudy weather.
Plant bugs demand attention through parts of the region. The bollworm moth flight has been slow to form, although it's gaining a little momentum in places.
Spider mites also require treatments in certain areas, despite the rain.
Aphids are crashing in more locations now.
Weird growth has been reported in some cotton in Arkansas. Reasons aren't known.
Redbanded stink bug treatments are picking up in Louisiana soybeans and the insect has clearly moved farther north.
LOUISIANA CROP REPORTS
Keith Collins, Extension Agent, Richland, Ouachita and Franklin Parishes, Rayville, Louisiana:
"The storms have rolled through and we're actually receiving some welcomed sunshine in northeast Louisiana. Barry gave us 2 to 3 inches of rain and it was a slow, soaking event. I understand that other areas in this part of the state did receive heavier amounts, from 6 to 7 inches.
"A large percentage of our cotton is now setting bolls and Pix management is the focus. We'd started irrigating cotton last week, so these latest rains hit us just right.
"We've treated on a wider basis for aphids than in the past several years and are running into plant bug issues as cotton reaches the second or third week of bloom. Bollworm trap counts have been low for this time of year, but we expect them to pick up as corn begins drying down.
"Rains hit our soybeans at a good time and they seem to be podding up well. We have beans planted all the way to the first week of July. After such a mild winter, everyone was expecting heavy redbanded stink bug numbers but I've only caught 2 all season. Around R5 is when they normally show up in northeast Louisiana and we're not there yet."
Sebe Brown, Louisiana Extension Field Crops Entomologist:
"Soils are saturated across much of Louisiana. Areas from Alexandria south received at least a foot of rain. In central Louisiana, about 7 inches have fallen (as of 7/16) and it's still coming down. A few fields went under water and it'll take a while for them to drain off.
"With the cloudy weather and the sheer amount of rainfall, fruit is shedding. We're still fighting plant bugs. Bollworm egg laying has been very slow and the expected numbers haven't materialized, at least not yet.
"In soybeans, redbanded stink bugs are still hanging around and growers are spraying all over the state. Numbers aren't huge because no one is allowing them to get above threshold."
Gary Wolfe, La-Ark Agricultural Consulting, Ida, Louisiana:
"Our cotton is quiet right now. Plant bug and moth activity have been slow. We are making plant bug applications and are adding pyrethroids. We missed the rains from Barry and, in fact, actually need rain here in northwest Louisiana.
"The cotton crop is incredibly strung out in terms of planting dates. Maybe 25% looks great, 50% looks average and 25% is poor. As far as weeds go, our fields are clean. I'm sure wondering how this late crop will turn out on the back end."