Use Seed Selection To Help Manage Crop Inputs
While South Texas boasts unprecedented planting conditions, other areas grapple with fluctuating moisture levels. Across the Cotton Belt, growing regions vary wildly, but all cotton growers face disease and pest pressures. Seed selection is the foundation a grower’s season is built upon, and the challenges growers face combined with the region they grow in will directly impact the trait package they choose.
For example, nematodes like root-knot nematodes pose a significant threat to cotton crops, which infest the soil and cause extensive damage to the root system, impairing nutrient uptake and water absorption. This ultimately leads to stunted growth, reduced yield and diminished fiber quality. In 2022, the U.S. saw a reduction in cotton by 386,726 bales due to root-knot nematode infestations — resulting in an 8.7% cotton yield decline.[1]
“Not only are growers having to plan for damaging nematodes through resistant seed varieties, but bacterial blight has also been problematic, which we find to be more of an issue in humid conditions,” said Kenny Melton, Technical Services Representative at BASF.
Monitoring for bacterial blight starts with checking the leaves for small, water-soaked spots found in the early stages of growth and in mature plants. To mitigate these risks, growers should prioritize resistant seed varieties and adopt practices like crop rotation.
Choosing the Best Seed for Your Area
“Through innovative breeding techniques and advanced genetic technologies, BASF has developed cotton varieties that exhibit strong resistance to root-knot nematode infestations with many more in our pipeline for future varieties,” said Melton.
AxantTM Flex herbicide trait technology is poised to revolutionize the way farmers manage their crop inputs with varieties tailored to each unique operation’s needs. Melton recommends the following varieties to protect against costly diseases and maximize yield and fiber quality:
- ST 6000AXTP beltwide
- FM 765AX in the high plains region
- FM 823AXTP in the high plains, rolling plains and far west regions
- FM 868AXTP in the southwest and far west regions
In a world where innovation is key, BASF remains steadfast in its dedication to empowering farmers and revolutionizing crop inputs management. Visit Axant-Flex.com to learn more about these varieties.
[1] Faske and Sisson. “Cotton Disease Loss Estimates from the United States – 2022.” Crop Protection Network, 28 March, 2023, https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/publications/cotton-disease-loss-estimates-from-the-united-states-2022.
[i]Seed selection is solely the responsibility of the grower. Grower should make seed selection decisions utilizing relevant information available to grower at the time seed selection is made, including, without limitation, tests, trials, practices, agronomic factors, and suitability of seed for the intended growth when used under grower’s local conditions. Under no circumstance should Information (as defined in endnote iii below) provided by BASF be considered a recommendation or advice as to what seed to select and it is up to grower to determine to what extent, if any, grower should rely upon the Information provided by BASF.
[ii]Availability of cottonseed containing the Axant Flex technology for the 2024 growing season and beyond is subject to many factors, and such seed may not be available in all cotton-growing areas. Commercial sales of cottonseed containing the Axant Flex technology will be subject to contractual terms and conditions and stewardship obligations, which may include among other requirements restrictions on where the crop resulting from such seed may be sold, transferred and/or exported.
[iii]Individual results may vary. BASF strives to provide accurate and complete information, descriptions, content, illustrations, images, and data (collectively referred to here as “Information”) as such Information is reasonably available to BASF at time of compilation or disclosure. When the Information is based on experience with tests, trials, or practices, such Information is provided by BASF as closely as possible to such experiences. Information may also be based on general observations. However, BASF cannot guarantee the Information in any form whatsoever; therefore, the Information is provided on an “AS IS” basis and without any guarantee, either express or implied, including, without limitation, that the Information is accurate or complete. BASF does not accept any liability whatsoever in the cultivated product that differs from what was provided in or through the Information.
Always read and follow label directions. Axant is a trademark of BASF. © 2024 BASF Corporation. All rights reserved.