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  Reduced Tillage and Crop Residue Effects on Cotton Weed Control, Growth and Yield

  Adu-Tutu, K. O.; McCloskey, W. B.; Husman, S. H.; Clay, P. A.; Ottman, M. J.; Martin, E. C.; Teegerstrom, T.; Tronstad, Russell; Husman, Steve; Norton, Randy (College of Agriculture, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2004-05)

  The tillage operations conducted in a barley and cotton double-crop rotation were reduced by eliminating tillage prior to planting cotton, eliminating cultivations for weed control in cotton, and especially by eliminating tillage following cotton prior to planting barley. Data collected in 2002 and 2003 in Coolidge and Marana showed that a weed sensing, automatic spot-spray system reduced the amount of spray volume and herbicide used by 50 to 60%. Data from Maricopa in 2003 indicated that the savings can be much greater (e.g., in a treatment with thick Solum barley cover crop residues) or much less if volunteer grain germinates after grain harvest. Similar weed control was obtained with the weed sensing, automated spot-spray system compared to conventional continuous spray systems for most weed species. At Coolidge in 2002, the minimum tillage treatment with a barley cover crop produced 24% more lint than the conventional tillage system (1089 versus 880 lb/A) because more water was applied in that treatment. In 2003, the minimum tillage treatment yielded 24% less than the conventional tillage treatment (1178 versus 1539 lb/A) due to herbicide injury. There were no differences in cotton yields among the tillage systems at Goodyear in 2002 and 2003. In Marana (2002 and 2003) and Maricopa (2003), there were yield differences between treatments related to planting date, with late-planted cotton yielding less than early-planted cotton. At Marana, the cotton yields of the minimum-till and conventionally tilled treatments were not statistically different. At Maricopa, the early-planted minimum-till cotton yielded less than the early-planted conventionally tilled cotton (956 versus 1141 lb/A). The yield comparisons between conservation tillage and conventional tillage cotton production systems are not yet definitive and more research needs to be conducted. Economic comparisons between productions systems indicated an advantage for conservation/minimum tillage treatments if cotton yields were comparable.
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  Round Ready Flex Cotton: Glyphosate Tolerance and Weed Management 2002-2003

  McCloskey, William B.; Adu-Tutu, Kwame O.; Hicks, T. Vint; Tronstad, Russell; Husman, Steve; Norton, Randy; Department of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ; Monsanto Company, Fountain Hills, AZ (College of Agriculture, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2004-05)

  The tolerance of Roundup Ready (RR) Flex cotton to topical Roundup Weathermax (glyphosate) applications and weed management programs in RR Flex cotton were studied in 2002 and 2003 at the University of Arizona Maricopa Agricultural Center. RR Flex cotton demonstrated excellent tolerance to glyphosate as measured by flower pollen shed and lint yield when sprayed topically with glyphosate at 2.25 lb ae/A four times (at the 3 leaf, 6 node, 10 node and 14 node growth stages). Line 1445 containing the current commercial RR genetic construct had a flower sterility/pollen shed rating of 4.6 (1 equals full pollen shed and 5 equals no pollen shed) on 28 June 2003 compared to ratings of 1.1 to 1.9 in lines containing the RR Flex genetic construct. Cotton yields followed a similar pattern with 1145 yielding 386 lb seed cotton/A compared to 1477 to 1894 lb seed cotton/A for the best lines containing the RR Flex genetic construct (yields were generally low because all lines had a Cocker genetic background that is not adapted to hot desert production conditions.) The presence of the RR gene did not affect the yield of genotype pairs that were identical except for the presence or absence of the RR Flex genetic construct. In the weed management study, delaying the first topical glyphosate application resulted in larger, more difficult to control weeds and reduced cotton yield by allowing greater early season competition between weeds and cotton. The best weed control programs included early (1 to 2 leaf growth stage) topical applications at rates greater than 0.75 lb ae/A and a second Roundup application after the first post-planting irrigation (10 node growth stage). The data also suggested that there may be significant value in making a layby, directed-broadcast application that includes a residual herbicide such as prometryn at layby.
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  Update on Pink Bollworm Resistance to Bt Cotton in the Southwest

  Dennehy, Timothy J.; Unnithan, Gopalan; Brink, Sarah A.; Wood, Brook D.; Carrière, Yves; Tabashnik, Bruce; Antilla, Larry; Whitlow, Mike; Tronstad, Russell; Husman, Steve; et al. (College of Agriculture, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2004-05)

  Monitoring of Arizona pink bollworm (PBW), Pectinophora gossypiella, susceptibility to the Bt toxin Cry1Ac has been conducted annually since 1997. PBW were collected from cotton fields located throughout the Southwest in 2002, cultured in the laboratory, and tested for susceptibility to Cry1Ac using diet-incorporation bioassays. A total of 13 Arizona collections were successfully reared and bioassayed. Collections from California (6), New Mexico (1), and Texas (1) were also tested. Laboratory selection of pink bollworms collected from Arizona in 1997 and exposed to Cry1Ac in diet produced a strain capable of surviving on Bollgard® cotton. Subsequent studies showed that 10 g Cry1Ac/ml of insect diet was a reliable diagnostic concentration for detection of pink bollworm that were homozygous for resistance to Cry1Ac. On this basis, resistant PBW were detected in 2002 in only 2 out of 13 Arizona strains. The overall frequency of resistant PBW in 2002 for Arizona was 0.17% and ranged from 0.0 to 1.7%. One of six California collections evaluated had a single resistant survivor. No resistant pink bollworms were detected in the single New Mexico and Texas collections evaluated. Resistant PBW were significantly more abundant in Arizona in 2001 and 2002 than they were in 1998, 1999 or 2000. However, the frequency of resistant survivors in bioassays was low for 2001 and 2002, and markedly lower than in 1997. The Arizona Cotton Research and Protection Council evaluated the efficacy of Bt cotton in 2002 using adjacent pairs of Bt and non-Bt fields at 43 locations across Arizona. Pink bollworms were found in an average of 23.3% of these non-Bt boll fields. Bolls from Bt cotton fields yielded an average of 0.144% (range 0 to 1.300%) infested bolls. Of these, all but three of the pink bollworm recovered from Bt cotton plantings came from bolls that tested negative for Cry1Ac. We conclude from these findings that there is no indication that pink bollworm resistance to Cry1Ac was a problem at the locations sampled in 2002. Bt cotton continued to exhibit exceptional field performance in Arizona.
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  Preliminary Screening of Different Cottons for Resistance to Sweetpotato Whitefly Infestations

  Alexander, PJ.; Forlow Jech, L.; Henneberry, T. J.; Tronstad, Russell; Husman, Steve; Norton, Randy; USDA-ARS, Western Cotton Research Laboratory, Phoenix, AZ (College of Agriculture, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2004-05)

  Cotton, Gossypium spp., varying in leaf color (green vs. red), leaf shape (normal vs. okra) and leaf hairs per cm2 of leaf area were evaluated for sweetpotato whitefly (SPW), Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) Biotype B preference. Regression analysis showed SPW adults, eggs and nymphs were significantly related to leaf hairiness. Seasonal mean numbers of SPW adults, eggs, and nymphs were high variable within and between leaf color, shape, and hairiness types. Further studies are justified since some of the cottons may be potential sources of SPW resistant germplasm.
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  Comparative Efficacy and Selectivity of Acetamiprid for the Management of Bemisia tabaci

  Naranjo, Steven E.; Akey, David H.; Tronstad, Russell; Husman, Steve; Norton, Randy; USDA-ARS, Western Cotton Research Laboratory, Phoenix, AZ (College of Agriculture, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2004-05)

  The integrated control concept emphasizes the importance of both chemical and biological control for pest suppression in an agricultural system. A two-year field study was conducted to evaluate the selectivity of acetamiprid for controlling sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, in cotton compared with a proven selective regime based on insect growth regulators (IGRs) of pyriproxyfen and buprofezin. Acetamiprid was highly effective in controlling all stages of B. tabaci compared to our untreated control and generally produced lower pest densities than the IGR regime. However, six of 14 taxa of arthropod predator were significantly depressed with the use of acetamiprid compared to our untreated control, including common species such as Geocoris punctipes, Orius tristicolor, Chrysoperla carnea, Collops vittatus, Hippodamia convergens, and Drapetis nr. divergens. Compared to other independent and concurrent studies using mixtures of broad-spectrum insecticides at the same research site, acetamiprid depressed fewer populations of predator taxa in our study, but for those taxa affected, reductions from acetamiprid were larger in many cases. In contrast, only one species was significantly reduced in the IGR regime compared with the untreated control. Predator:prey ratios were generally depressed with the use of acetamiprid compared with both the IGR and untreated control regimes. Parasitism by aphelinid parasitoids was unaffected or depressed slightly in all insecticide regimes compared with the control. Although highly efficacious for whitefly control, our results suggest that acetamiprid is a poor substitute for IGRs currently used in an integrated control program for B. tabaci in cotton.
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  Search for Effective Chemical Controls for Lygus Bugs and Whiteflies in Arizona Cotton

  Barkley, Virginia; Ellsworth, Peter C.; Tronstad, Russell; Husman, Steve; Norton, Randy (College of Agriculture, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2004-05)

  Whiteflies and Lygus bugs continue to be key pests of Arizona cotton. Some of our most popular and time-tested chemicals are still providing efficacy toward Lygus or whiteflies when used in a timely manner. However, promising new chemicals may also become available in the near future. Through research, growers can be kept updated on options for successful IPM. An experiment was conducted in order to expand our knowledge of currently available compounds and upcoming advances in insecticide development. In this experiment, 11 different compounds were tested for efficacy and duration of activity against whiteflies, Lygus, or both. Although none were active on Lygus adults, some chemicals were very effective on all stages of nymphs. Orthene® or Vydate® continue to show good results against Lygus but did not yield as high as one new compound. The best performing insecticide against Lygus was flonicamid, a novel chemistry under development by FMC. This insecticide had the best control over Lygus nymphs, was the highest yielding treatment, and required one less spray than other top performing compounds. Among newer chemistries for Lygus control is fipronil (Regent® by BASF), which performed slightly better than Vydate but not quite as effective as Orthene. Another higher-yielding regime included the use of novaluron, a novel insect growth regulator (IGR) scheduled for registration in 2005 (Diamond® by Crompton Corporation). This IGR was tested against whiteflies and Lygus bugs, but in light of yield data, Lygus efficacy should be examined more closely. None of the neonicotinoids were effective against Lygus, but several proved to be promising for whitefly control. Of the neonicotinoids tested and sprayed on threshold, dinotefuran (under development by Valent) showed good activity. The performance of spiromesifin (Oberon®, a new chemistry by Bayer) was similar to dinotefuran but needing one less spray. Intruder® out-performed all whitefly treatments, requiring only two sprays to control whiteflies season-long. Both Intruder or currently used IGRs (Knack® and Courier®) proved to be very effective against whiteflies. All insecticides in this test underwent very rigorous testing under extreme Lygus and whitefly pressures.
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  Phosphorous Fertility Evaluation in Graham County

  Norton, E. R.; Clark, L. J.; Tronstad, Russell; Husman, Steve; Norton, Randy (College of Agriculture, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2004-05)

  This project is a continuation of an ongoing phosphorus (P) fertility evaluation that began in 1998, at Safford, AZ on a grower cooperator field. The field study conducted during the 2003 season consisted of five treatments of varying rates of P fertilizers from 0 through 165 lbs. of P₂O₅ per acre. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Plot sizes were 12, 36 in. rows wide and extended the full length of the irrigation run of 1250 feet. Three of the five treatments (treatments 3, 4, and 5) consisted of varying rates of P fertilizer applied as a liquid blend (11-30-0-5S) proprietary to United Agri Products (UAP) injected in the soil at approximately the 4 leaf stage prior to the first post plant irrigation. An additional treatment (treatment 2) of calcium thiosulfate (CATS) proprietary to Tessenderlo-Kerley was also applied. In an effort to ensure uniform application of fertilizer nitrogen (N) across all treatments, a solution of urea-ammonium-nitrate (UAN) was applied to bring uniform the level of all treatments with respect to N fertilizer. Lint yield results indicate a strong positive response to applied P, consistent with the previous fours years of P fertility work done in this area. The highest applied P treatments resulted in the highest lint yields with an increase of approximately 155 lbs. lint/acre above the control, an increase of about 12%. Fiber quality data did not indicate any significant differences among treatments for any of the fiber quality parameters measured. Compiling all yield data from the prior six years and plotting percent relative yield as a function of applied P fertilizer demonstrates a positive response to P fertilization. These results indicate the need for local growers to consider P fertilization as an important component of their fertility program. This is particularly true for cotton fields that have had very little or no rotation with small grain crops that are commonly fertilized with a P based fertilizer such as 16- 20-0.
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  Residual Soil Nitrogen Evaluations in Irrigated Desert Soils, 2003

  Silvertooth, J. C.; Galadima, A.; Norton, E. R.; Tronstad, Russell; Husman, Steve; Norton, Randy (College of Agriculture, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2004-05)

  Field experiments aimed at investigating N fertilizer management in irrigated cotton production have been conducted for the past 16 seasons at three University of Arizona Agricultural Centers (Maricopa, MAC; Marana, MAR; and Safford, SAC). In 2003, residual N studies were conducted at two of these locations (MAC and MAR). The MAC and SAC experiments have been conducted each season since 1989 and the Marana site was initiated in 1994. Original purposes of the experiments were to test nitrogen (N) fertilization strategies and to validate and refine N fertilization recommendations for Upland (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and American Pima (G. barbadense L.) cotton. Each experiment has utilized N management tools such as pre-season soil tests for NO₃⁻-N, in-season plant tissue testing (petioles) for N fertility status, and crop monitoring to ascertain crop fruiting patterns and crop N needs. At each location, treatments varied from a conservative to a more aggressive approach of N management. Results at each location revealed a strong relationship between fruit retention levels and N needs of the crop. This pattern was further reflected in the final yield analysis as a response to the N fertilization regimes used. The higher, more aggressive N application regimes did not consistently benefit yields at any location. Generally, the more conservative, feedback approach to N management provided optimum yields at all locations. In 2001, a transition project evaluating residual N effects associated with each treatment regime was initiated with no N fertilizer applied. Therefore, all N taken-up by the crop was derived from residual soil N. In 2001, 2002, and even 2003 there were no significant differences among the original fertilizer N regimes in terms of residual soil NO₃⁻-N concentrations, crop growth, development, lint yield, or fiber properties. Lint yields were very uniform at each location in 1991 and averaged 1500, 1100, and 850 lbs. lint/acre for MAC, MAR, and SAC, respectively. In 2002, results were very similar and yields averaged 1473 and 1060 lbs. lint/acre for MAC and MAR locations respectively. The results for 2003 were similar to the results of the prior two years with yields at 1322 and 1237 lbs. lint/acre for MAC and MAR, respectively. Trends associated with residual fertilizer N effects are not evident at either location following three consecutive seasons of N fertilizer treatments.
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  Comparison of Potassium Fertilizer Products and Amounts on DPL555BR Cotton, 2003

  Rethwisch, Michael D.; Reay, Mark; Quist, Aron; Cox, Tim; Grudovich, Jessica; Wellman, Jessica; Tronstad, Russell; Husman, Steve; Norton, Randy (College of Agriculture, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2004-05)
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  Plant Population Effects on Twin Line Cotton Production

  Husman, Stephen H.; McCloskey, William B.; White, Kyrene; Tronstad, Russell; Husman, Steve; Norton, Randy; University of Arizona Cooperative Extension (College of Agriculture, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2004-05)

  Three experiments at the University of Arizona Maricopa and Marana Agricultural Centers in 2002 and 2003 measured effect of plant populations on the yield of cotton planted in the twin seed-line per bed configuration. In 2002 at the Maricopa Ag. Center, the plant populations were 52800, 69200, 82800 and 96200 plants per acre (PPA) for Stoneville 4892BR and 54800, 70800, 90500 and 104500 PPA for AG3601, respectively. The two lowest plant populations which were in the range of common commercial plant densities resulted in the greatest lint yields for both varieties (an average of 1708 and 1287 lb lint/A for ST4892BR and AG3601, respectively) but there was a significant linear decrease in yield with increasing plant population. In 2003, the cotton variety Delta Pine 449BR was planted and the population densities were 22000, 29000, 36000, 46000, 51000, 61000, and 64,000 PPA at the Marana Ag. Center and 24000, 34000, 41000, 56000, 63000, 71000, and 86,000 PPA at the Maricopa Ag. Center. Cotton yield did not vary significantly as a function of population density at Maricopa and averaged 1526 lb lint/A. At Marana there was a slight trend of increasing yield with increasing plant densities with the three highest plant populations averaging 1385 lb lint/A. In the experiments with ST4892BR and AG3601 at Maricopa in 2002 and with DP449BR in 2003 there was a linear decrease in fiber micronaire with increasing density but this effect of density on micronaire was not observed possibly because plant populations Marana were lower than in the other experiments.
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  Comparison of Twin and Single Line Cotton Production Systems

  Husman, Stephen H.; McCloskey, William B.; White, Kyrene; Hamilton, Jeffrey; Clay, Patrick; Norton, Randy; Norton, Eric; Zerkoune, Mohammed; Tronstad, Russell; Husman, Steve; et al. (College of Agriculture, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2004-05)

  Twin line (two seed lines 7.25 in apart per bed) and conventional single seed line per bed cotton production systems were compared at 18 sites across Arizona and the Palo Verde Valley near Blythe, Ca. in 2002 and 9 sites in 2003. Three experiments at the Chaffin site in 2002 compared twin line plant populations of 57,000 (57K), 75,000 (75K), and 90,000 (90K) plants per acre (ppa). In 2002, the twin line system produced more lint than the conventional single line system at 4 of 18 locations; the yields of the twin line and single line systems were 1273 and 1186 lb/acre, 1572 and 1461 lb/acre, 1478 and 1290 lb/acre, and 1309 and 1210 lb/acre, respectively, at the Grasty, Ramona, Rovey, and Wells sites, respectively. In 2003, none of the experiments resulted in higher twin line system lint yields. In 2002, there were no significant differences in yield or fiber micronaire in 7 of the 18 experiments. In 2003, there were no significant differences in yield in 3 of the 9 experiments. In 2002, the twin line system produced less lint than the conventional system at 5 of 18 locations; yields of the twin line and single line systems were 2019 and 2189 lb/acre, 1400 and 1489 lb/acre, 1537 and 1845 lb/acre, 1065 and 1200 lb/acre, and 1271 and 1431 lb/acre, respectively, at the Chaffin (75K), Cooley, Hull, Papago, and Wakimoto sites, respectively. In 2003, the twin line system resulted in less yield in 6 of the 9 experiments; yields of the twin line and single line systems were 1154 and 1285 lb./acre, 1906 and 2109 lb./acre, 1797 and 1938 lb./acre, 878 and 1114 lb./acre, 726 and 821 lb./acre, and 1230 and 1404 lb./acre, respectively, at the Hull, Marlatt 1, 2,, 3, Murphy Late Plant, and the University of Arizona (UA) Marana Agricultural Center sites respectively. In 2002, fiber micronaire was reduced in five experiments; the micronaire values were 4.25 and 4.73, 4.46 and 4.78, 4.60 and 4.85, 4.76 and 4.98, and 4.93 and 5.15, in the twin line and single line systems, respectively, at the Rogers, Papago, Grasty, Hull, and Perry sites, respectively. In 2003, there were no significant differences in fiber micronaire at all 9 test locations. In 2003, visual observations suggested that the spindle pickers were unable to effectively harvest bolls the lowest bolls primarily below the cross-over point of the two2 mainstems cross in the twin line system. Hand harvest comparisons of the twin and single line system resulted in yields of 1776 and 1661 lb./acre respectively, a 6% difference at the Maricopa Agricultural Center. It was concluded that tThe inability to effectively harvest the twin line cotton is the most significant system problem with this production system.
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  Pima Cotton Regional Variety Trial, Safford Agricultural Center, 2003

  Clark, L. J.; Carpenter, E. W.; Norton, E. R.; Tronstad, Russell; Husman, Steve; Norton, Randy (College of Agriculture, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2004-05)

  This study is part of the Regional Pima cotton variety testing program that is carried out in 8 locations from the West Side Field Station in California to El Paso, Texas. Additional varieties are added to the regional standards in this study to supply information needed by cotton growers in southeastern Arizona. Seventeen long staple varieties were tested in a replicated small plot trial on the Safford Agricultural Center in Graham County at an elevation of 2950 feet. Yields were exceptionally high this year with an average yield nearly 600 pound per acre more than was harvested in 2002. The highest yielding variety in this study was Hazera (HA) 195 with a yield of 2027 pounds of lint per acre. This interspecific hybrid , from Israel, has been the highest yielding variety in the study since it was included in 2001. This fuzzy seeded hybrid has fiber qualities as follows: length - 1.41 inches, strength - 34.8 g/tex and uniformity of 87.5. The averages from this study were 1.43, 42.5 and 88.3 for these same variables, respectively. DP HTO was the highest yielding non-hybrid variety in the study with a yield over 1900 pounds of lint per acre. For comparison purposes, it=s length, strength and uniformity were: 1.39, 41.9 and 88.5. Other varieties in the top half of the study were: HA 14-08, OA 360, OA 359, HA 7-66, DP 340 and DP 744, in descending order of their yields. Yield and other agronomic data as well as fiber quality data are contained in this paper along with estimated values of the lint.
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  Short Staple Variety Trial in Virden, NM, 2003

  Clark, L. J.; Norton, E. R.; Tronstad, Russell; Husman, Steve; Norton, Randy (College of Agriculture, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2004-05)

  This study is a continuation of the variety trials that have been grown in the Duncan/Virden area over many years to supply yield and revenue data on premium cotton varieties for local growers. In recent years, the introduction of herbicide resistant cultivars has been particularly interesting to help clean up many weedy fields. The premium quality New Mexico Acala varieties do not, at this time, have herbicide resistance traits and have struggled to produce high enough yields to compete with the lower quality varieties that are available. Fifteen cotton varieties were tested including two 1517 varieties from New Mexico, Sierra, the newest Roundup-Ready from CPCSD, Salcot Sacala, a new acala from Arizona, and the AZ Cotton Growers variety. The rest of the entries were Roundup-Ready short to mid season varieties from Delta Pine, Stoneville, FiberMax and Paymaster. The highest yielding variety in the trial was Riata, a Roundup Ready Acala from CPCSD, with a yield of 1255 pounds of lint per acre. Sierra, ST 5599RR, ST 5303R and 1517- 99 produced around 100 pounds less lint per acre than Riata but the yields were not statistically different. Plant heights, first fruiting branches (FFB), total nodes and boll weights were measured and height to node ratios were calculated. Many differences were seen between varieties with all of these variables. The values of the variables defining the characteristics of the varieties. HVI data were obtained for fiber qualities of the lint of each variety. This data was then used to determine the value of the lint and then estimate the gross revenue produced by each variety. The highest lint value (cents per pound) was produced by 1517- 99 with 1517-95 and Riata following closely behind. The highest gross revenue was produced by Riata as a combination of the high yield and high lint value.
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  Acala/Upland Cotton Variety Trial, Safford Agricultural Center, 2003

  Clark, L. J.; Ellsworth, K. F.; Norton, E. R.; Tronstad, Russell; Husman, Steve; Norton, Randy (College of Agriculture, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2004-05)

  Eight Acala varieties from New Mexico(4), California(3) and Arizona(1) along with thirteen upland varieties of interest to the area were tested in a replicated small plot trial on the Safford Agricultural Center in Graham county at an elevation of 2950 feet. The highest yielding variety in this study was DP 555BR with a yield of 2203 pounds of lint per acre, but FM991BR produced the highest gross revenue per acre at $1527 per acre. Sierra, a new Acala variety from California, was the highest yielding Acala with a lint yield of 1872 pounds per acre and a gross revenue of $1324 per acre. The average lint yield was 500 pounds per acre higher that the 2002 season indicating that 2003 was an above average cotton growing year and that the heat units per day in the week following planting were above the threshold. In addition to the yield , several other agronomic variables were measured. These included plant height, total nodes, and boll weights. From plant height and total nodes the height to node ratios were calculated. Differences were seen between these variables by variety but the most notable point was that the plants were robust in their growth habit and fruiting forms were heavier than the previous year. HVI fiber quality data were reported and estimated values (in cents per pound of lint) were calculated. The HVI data showed an average fiber length of 1.13 inches, with only one variety producing a less than 1.10, and seven varieties having fiber of 1.15 inches or longer. A New Mexico experimental variety had the longest fiber at 1.18 inches. The average fiber strength was 32.1 grams per tex and the same NM experimental produced the strongest fiber. In general, all of the varieties included in this study had very good fiber.
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  Upland Cotton Variety Evaluation in Graham County, 2003

  Norton, E. R.; Clark, L. J.; Tronstad, Russell; Husman, Steve; Norton, Randy (College of Agriculture, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2004-05)

  A field trial was established during the 2003 growing season as part of the statewide Upland Cotton Variety Testing Program. This trial was located in Thatcher with Dennis Layton Farms as the cooperator. The location was one of eleven around the state. A total of twelve varieties were entered from six cooperating seed companies. Varieties included DP655BR, DP555BR, DP449BR, and DP5690R from Delta and Pine Land Company; FM989BR, FM991R, and FM991BR from Fiber Max; ST5303R and ST5599BR from Stoneville; Riata from CPCSD; AG3601 from Arizona Cotton Growers Association; and SCX-7 from Salcot. The twelve varieties were planted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Individual plots consisted of 4, 38” rows extending the full length of the irrigation run (1250 ft.). Plant measurements were collected throughout the season to evaluate growth and development characteristics of each variety. Yield and fiber quality data was collected at the end of the season by harvesting and weighing each individual experimental unit. Sub-samples were collected for fiber quality analysis. Percent emergence data indicated differences in seedling vigor and stand establishment. Percent emergence ranged from a high of nearly 90% (Fiber Max FM989BR) to less than 50% (Delta and Pine DP555BR). Even with the low percent emergence for DP555BR an adequate stand was achieved for each variety and did not significantly impact final yield. Significant differences were observed in final lint yields with Fiber Max FM991BR producing the highest yield at 1690 lbs. lint per acre and Fiber Max FM989BR producing the lowest yield at 1292 lbs. lint per acre, a difference of approximately 400 lbs. Delta and Pine DP655BR has been the standard variety planted in the valley for several years. The only variety producing more lint than DP655BR was FM991BR. Lint value calculated using premium/discounts for fiber quality resulted in FM991BR with the highest value at $952/acre. All varieties had overall premiums except for AG3601which was discounted due to high fiber micronaire. Results from this evaluation indicate that FM991BR appears to be an additional variety from which growers have to choose that has the potential to perform very well in the Upper Gila River valley.
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  Arizona Upland Cotton Variety Testing Program, 2003

  Husman, S.; Norton, R.; Norton, E.; Clay, P.; Zerkoune, M.; White, K.; Tronstad, Russell; Husman, Steve; Norton, Randy; University of Arizona Cooperative Extension (College of Agriculture, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2004-05)

  Each year the University of Arizona conducts variety trials across the state to evaluate the performance of Upland cotton varieties. These tests provide unbiased data on the performance of varieties when tested side-by-side under typical production practices. In 2003, a total of 11 trials were planted. Two in the Yuma region (Yuma County), two in the western region (La Paz and Mohave counties), four in the central region (Maricopa and Pinal counties), one in the southern region (Pima county), and two in the eastern region (Graham, Greenlee, and Cochise counties). We tested eight to fourteen commercially available varieties at each test site. This article presents the results of the 2003 variety tests conducted at each location.
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  2003 Low Desert Upland Cotton Advanced Strains Testing Program

  Husman, S.; White, K.; Tronstad, Russell; Husman, Steve; Norton, Randy; University of Arizona Cooperative Extension (College of Agriculture, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2004-05)

  Upland cotton advanced strains and commercial check varieties were evaluated in replicated field studies at three locations in 2003. The test sites include Safford, AZ, Maricopa, AZ, and Yuma, AZ. Seven seed companies submitted a maximum of ten advanced strains entries per location. Three commercial check varieties were used at the Safford and Yuma sites, and included ST4892BR, DP449BR, and DP565. Two commercial check varieties were used at the Maricopa site and included ST4892BR and DP449BR. Data collected included vigor and relative maturity ratings, yield, and fiber quality. The research is conducted in order to develop public unbiased performance data of genetic materials that have moved to the advanced stages of testing and are being considered for commercial release. The data has historically been used to add to seed company databases and assist with commercial release decisions.
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  Late Planted DPL451BR Cotton Responses to Plant Growth Enhancement Products Applied at Three Crop Development Stages in Palo Verde Valley, 2003

  Rethwisch, M. D.; Reay, M.; Chaffin, G.; Perez, R.; Grudovich, J.; Wellman, J.; Hawpe, E.; Tronstad, Russell; Husman, Steve; Norton, Randy (College of Agriculture, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2004-05)

  An experiment to investigate the effects of several plant growth enhancement products (AuxiGro7 WP, FirstChoice7 Bollster, CalMax, FoliGro7 BollSet) on DPL 451BR was conducted in the Palo Verde Valley. The cotton field chosen for this project was planted in April 2003, and flowering and boll/lint production was highly affected by summer heat, therefore product effectiveness was tested under the extreme high temperatures conditions that existed in 2003. Products were applied July 11 (shortly after first bloom), August 1st and/or August 15. Three rates (1, 2, 4 oz./acre) of AuxiGro7 WP were applied at each date, although just a single rate of other products was evaluated. Data collected included plant mapping following the first two application dates as well as lint yield and quality at harvest on October 20-23. Data indicated rate effects for treatments containing AuxiGro7 WP as noted in response to applications on August 1 (retention rates) and August 15 (cotton quality factors). These responses were signficantly different than the untreated check, and were often signficantly different than the Bollster fertilizer treatment itself as though Bollster was also included with AuxiGro7 WP treatments. Although yields for any treatment and the untreated check were not significantly different, previously noted differences for retention for the AuxiGro7 WP treatments may not have been realized due to the high temperatures and extended periods of not only Level 1 but Level 2 stress during the course of the experiment. Cotton values per acre were highest ($609.85/acre) in the 4 oz/acre of AuxiGro7 applied on August 15, due to highest valued lint as a result of micronaire of 5.2 combined with increased fiber strength and fiber length. Application of CalMax resulted in a significant increase in fiber strength following two applications of 4 oz./acre of AuxiGro7 + Bollster, but CalMax following two applications of Bollster did not affect fiber strength when compared with each of the two application treatments. A third application of FoliGro7 BollSet was detrimental for cotton yields and strength compared with only two applications of this product, although both treatment regimens resulted in shorter fibers that were not quite as strong as the untreated check.
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  Mepiquat Formulation Evaluation in southeastern Arizona

  Norton, E. R.; Clark, L. J.; Tronstad, Russell; Husman, Steve; Norton, Randy (College of Agriculture, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2004-05)

  A series of experiments were conducted in 2003 in the Upper Gila River Valley in Safford, AZ to evaluate several different formulations of the plant growth regulator (PGR) Pix manufactured by BASF. Two experiments were conducted at the Safford Agricultural Center (SAC) while the third was conducted on a grower-cooperator field in the same valley. Experiments conducted at SAC involved evaluating the four formulations of Pix (Pix, Pix Plus, Pix Ultra, and Pentia) in a standard (STD) treatment regime and a low rate multiple (LRM) regime. The untreated control plots in both the LRM and STD experiments produced higher yields than any of the other PGR formulations. Comparing only the PGR formulation treatments the Pentia treatment produced the highest yield in both the STD and LRM experiments. No significant differences were observed in fiber quality for either the LRM or STD experiment. The third experiment conducted on a growercooperator field was a Pentia demonstration experiment. Three treatments including a control, a standard, single Pentia application, and an aggressive split application of Pentia were employed. The highest yield was produced in the most aggressive Pentia treatment. Results from this set of experiments demonstrate the importance of incorporating information from plant monitoring techniques when making decisions about PGR applications.
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  Effects of Megafol and Calcium Metalosate® Applications at Early Bloom on April 2003 Planted DPL555BR Cotton

  Rethwisch, Michael D.; Reay, Mark; Cox, Tim; Grudovich, Jessica; Wellman, Jessica; Hawpe, Erica; Tronstad, Russell; Husman, Steve; Norton, Randy (College of Agriculture, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2004-05)

  Foliar fertilizers are not widely used for cotton production in the low desert, and data about their effects on cotton production under these conditions is therefore limited. This study documented the effects of Calcium Metalosate7 and Megafol, each applied at the rate of 1 qt/acre to DPL555BR cotton. Treatments were applied on July 7, and plants had been growing vigorously just prior to application. Plots were approximately 0.75 acres in size with four replications. Plant mapping data from late July indicated that non-treated cotton had numerically higher retention rates at each of the first three fruiting positions mapped in addition to slightly more total nodes and a greater number of reproductive nodes in part due to first fruiting structure being retained lower on the plant (node 6.75) than treated cotton (node 7.95 for Megafol, node 8.4 for Calcium Metalosate7). Tractor passage through treated plots may have also knocked off developing squares however. No statistical differences were noted for lbs. of lint/acre, although treated cotton did have slightly higher yields than the untreated check (1,162 lbs/acre) and treatments were almost identical (1,203 lbs./acre for Megafol; 1,198 lbs./acre for Calcium Metalosate7). Fiber lengths and strengths were significantly different by treatment, with shortest and weakest fibers resulting from cotton treated with Megafol. Cotton from Calcium Metalosate7 treatments were significantly longer and stronger than lint from Megafol treated cotton plots, but lint from untreated cotton plots was significantly longer and stronger than either treatment (36.6 staple, 31.0 g/tex). The reasons for these differences are unclear. It is difficult to correlate the slight yield increases noted with treatments in early July, especially in light of lower retention rates noted with treatments from plant mapping data in late July and the large amount of lint production that occurred in late 2003 due to summer heat. Multiple differences were noted for treatments in regards to lint quality, however, indicating treatments did affect cotton production. Size of bolls and cotton lint from these early summer bolls was not obtained but may have been an overlooked aspect of this study.

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