No Guessing, Choose Wisely on Cotton Varieties
February 8, 2021 With the number of current cotton variety options available, as well as new varieties coming for 2021, it’s sometimes difficult – and maybe a bit confusing – when it comes to choosing the right variety for the right field.
If you rely on history, the 2020 Cotton Varieties Planted report from USDA shows that the top 20 most popular varieties for the year came from four different seed companies. Company field trials and state OVT trials also provide great information. Or it may be just as simple as what’s worked best for you – and for your neighbors.
“Variety selection is perhaps the most important decision a producer makes,” says Bill Robertson, University of Arkansas Extension cotton specialist. “Once planted, no amount of worry, work or money can make up for a poor decision.
“Our recommendation for planting is that roughly two-thirds of your acres be planted with varieties that are proven on your farm,” he advises. “Of the remaining acres, limit new varieties to no more than 10% of your total acreage. The remaining 25% should be dedicated to those varieties in which you have limited experience. This strategy provides stability while allowing for evaluation of new varieties.”
Robertson suggests that growers look at as many unbiased information sources as possible when choosing varieties. University testing programs and OVT trials provide a great deal of information presented to help evaluate fiber quality, maturity, growth characteristics, and other variety traits and yield.
“Don’t restrict yourself to your home state or area,” adds Robertson. “In Arkansas, it’s appropriate to evaluate variety performance trials from neighboring states in the Mid-South. Evaluating the consistency of a variety under a wide array of conditions will be beneficial.”
Other Considerations
Experts also say several other factors should be considered when choosing the varieties best suited to your farm.
Know Your Pests. You know your fields better than anyone else. And you know the pests and diseases that you generally face from year to year – anything from nematodes to resistant weeds to blight to aphids, thrips and plant bugs. Be sure to match those factors into the technologies and breeding traits now available in the maturities you need.
Keep Water – Or Lack Thereof – in Mind. Few variables have a bigger impact on crop success than water. Whether your acres are irrigated or rely on Mother Nature for moisture, watch closely for varieties that perform well under irrigation or varieties that have demonstrated good performance in low water conditions.
Watch Planting Dates. Regardless of your variety choice, timing is everything when it comes to establishing a strong stand. Look for varieties with good seedling vigor. And, as always, play close attention to the weather forecast when determining the best time to plant. Soil temperature should be at least 65 degrees with a favorable five-to-seven day forecast for planting.
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