Cotton planting will soon be in full swing across the region. The first step to a successful season is to establish a healthy, uniform stand of 2 to 3 plants/ft of row. To ensure success growers should plant high-quality, broad-spectrum fungicide-treated seed into a firm, moist seedbed.
Temperature is critical to successful seed germination and early plant growth. Generally, it is safe to plant when the 4-inch soil temperature reaches 65° F and warming conditions are forecast for the next 5 days. Temperatures below 50° F can cause chilling injury to emerging seedlings. Planting into cold soils increases the likelihood of chilling injury and seedling disease resulting in weak, skippy stands, delayed maturity, and reduced yields.
Michael Donahoe is the County Extension Director in Santa Rosa County. His educational program focuses on agronomic crop production with primarly responsibilities in integrated pest management and cotton production.
Latest posts by Michael Donahoe (see all)
- 2017 UF/IFAS Cotton Variety Trial Results - March 23, 2018
- Burlin and Levi Findley Families Honored as 2017 Santa Rosa County Farm Families of the Year - January 12, 2018
- Snails have Invaded the Western Panhandle - July 14, 2017