Cotton Stalk Destruction: Identifying Viable Options.

If adequate time exists following cotton harvest in South and Central Texas, cotton will develop new squares and bolls which will allow for the boll weevil reproduction.  The early harvest followed by stalk destruction on an area-wide basis is among the most effective cultural practices for reducing boll weevil survival.  Chemical stalk destruction is more economical and efficient than mechanical stalk destruction for most producers.  Several herbicides are currently registered for chemical cotton stalk destruction.  Currently, 2,4-D and dicamba are considered the most effective and economical chemical stalk destruction options.  However, in the next 3-5 years, both dicamba and 2,4-D herbicide tolerant cotton varieties are expected to be in the market.  In preparation for these new herbicide tolerant traits in cotton, numerous chemical stalk destruction trials were initiated in Texas.  Ten herbicides were evaluated at multiple application timings to cotton stalks following cotton harvest.  The overall herbicide efficacy and percent fruiting cotton plants were quantified at 7, 14, and 28 days after application.  Dicamba and 2,4-D were the most efficacious at preventing regrowth and hostable plants at all application timings.  Several experimental products provided acceptable control.  Additional trials will be initiated in 2011.  A summary of the multiple trials over multiple years will be presented.