Arkansas Cotton Planting Ahead of Schedule
May 4, 2010 By Dr. Tom Barber
Arkansas Extension Agronomist – Cotton
The Arkansas Agricultural Statistics Service report indicated last week that approximately 20 percent of (the state’s) cotton acres have been planted. This compares to 8 percent planted this time last season, and 13 percent for the five year average.
… We are well ahead of our planting schedule in the state and I expect that we will be close to 35 percent planted by the time the rain falls.
(Many areas of Arkansas received heavy rainfall over the weekend.)
The unseasonably warm temperatures in the middle of April have allowed many producers in central and southern Arkansas to finish planting in a timely fashion.
The first cotton was up last week and looking good, thanks to warmer temperatures and good soil moisture. Rapid emergence usually results in better plant vigor and increased yield potentials. The cool snap earlier this (last) will most likely slow growth and development until this next cool front with rain and cloudy weather moves through. Scout these early fields closely because continued cool conditions may lead to increased thrips pressure as well as seedling diseases as seed treatments wear off.
Also be on the lookout for seedling pigweeds, especially if your farm is in an area where glyphosate resistance is an issue. I have walked many fields already where pigweeds have emerged. Watch these fields were cotton has not been planted or has not emerged because more options are available to control these populations prior to cotton emergence.
It always surprises me how fast these fields dry to the point of no available moisture. High winds and warm temperatures have wicked the moisture out in many areas. Many producers need this rain to start and or finish planting and activate residual herbicides.
Cotton acreage estimates continue to be on the increase across the state. I believe it is possible that we could see cotton acres over 600,000 this year if optimism and weather conditions allow.
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