Robert Goodson1 , T. Barber2, B. McClelland3
1County Extension Agent, Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Phillips County, Helena AR, 72342 2Cotton Agronomist, Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Little Rock AR, 72204 3State Cotton Verification Coordinator, Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Keiser AR 72351
ABSTRACT
The cotton research verification program is an interdisciplinary effort in which
recommended best management practices and production technologies are applied in a
timely manner. Objectives of the program are: (1) conduct on farm field trials to
verify researched based recommendations with the interest of increasing profit, (2)
educate producers on timely management decisions, (3) Aid researchers in identifying
area that need additional inquiry and (4) to aid Extension personnel to learn more about
all aspects of cotton production. In cooperation with producers in both counties, it was
decided to plant a conventional (non-transgenic) variety in Phillips County and in Lee
County cotton was planted double crop behind wheat. The two issues in Phillips
County was being able to grow non roundup ready cotton when all the surrounding
crops were and could the lepidopteron pests be controlled on a non Bt cotton variety
The issue in Lee County was would there be enough time to produce an economical
cotton crop planting so late in the growing season. Success was measured on how each
crop fared economically. Due to poor stand and possibly glyphosate drift the Phillips
County project lost $3.79 an acre. A success on the field was that the lepidopteron pest
can be controlled with new insecticides on the market. In Lee County production cost
were kept low and due to a higher market price the program profited $415 an acre. The
program was able to show the advantages and disadvantages of each production system
to all local producers.
United States Department of Agriculture, University of Arkansas, and County Governments Cooperating
The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race,
color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally
protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer
Lee County Verification field was a project to
verify that cotton could be double cropped
after wheat harvest in early June
Phillips County Verification field was a project
to verify that conventional (non Bt and non
roundup ready) could be grown in a transgenic
cotton growing area
Cotton Verification Program Objectives
Late season
Lygus
(tarnished plant
bug) control
was vital in
producing June
planted cotton
in Arkansas
Due to height
of wheat
stubble early
plant growth in
double crop
cotton was tall
and spindly
Results
Problem
Purpose
Problem
Methods
Double Crop Wheat & Cotton 1. When planting cotton behind wheat, stubble
should be cut short to prevent spindly plants early in the season.
2. Weed control and irrigation is easier due to wheat stubble .
3. Cotton can be planted behind wheat successfully as long as inputs are kept low
Conventional Cotton 1. Seed quality is important in cotton production
whether conventional or transgenic 2. Pest management in conventional cotton is
possible with current herbicides and insecticides 3. Glyphosate drift in conventional cotton is an issue
that must be control led. If not there will be excessive yield loss.
LEE AND PHILLIPS COUNTY ARKANSAS
COTTON VERIFICATION PROGRAM
1. Conduct on farm field trials to verify
researched based recommendations
with the interest of increasing profit
2. 2. Educate producers on timely
management decisions
3. Aid researchers in identifying areas
that need additional inquiry
4. Aid local Extension personnel to learn
more about all aspects of cotton
production
Problem
Low seed
quality of new
conventional
cotton,
proved to be a
rough start
for the crop
Possible Glyphosate drift
was on possible solution
to low yield in
conventional cotton
Yield Results
Double Crop Wheat Cotton
697 lbs lint/acre
Conventional Cotton
545 lbs lint/acre