Staff
“We need to minimize selection of bollworms on Vip proteins as much as possible,” Sebe Brown said. Entomologists encourage producers to be aware of older Bt traits as insect resistance begins to wane.
The No.1 variety consideration for cotton growers is to choose one that performs well under specific locations and field conditions. Yield and quality pay the bills.
Entomologists encourage producers to also be aware of some of the older traits (Cry1 and Cry2) as insect resistance begins to wane.
“Things have not gotten worse,” said Scott Stewart, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. And the Cry2 traits still have a place, but producers planting those varieties may need to spray for bollworms if pressure is high or sustained.
Shelley E. Huguley
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Cotton Specialist Murilo Maeda- The 2021 Dr. J. Tom Cothren Outstanding Young Cotton Physiologist Award recipient. Murilo Maeda receives J. Tom Cothren Outstanding Young Cotton Physiologist Award.
Cotton Specialist Murilo Maeda, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Lubbock, received the 2021 Dr. J. Tom Cothren Outstanding Young Cotton Physiologist Award at the virtual Beltwide Cotton Conferences on Jan. 7, 2021.
Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center Director Juan Landivar, Corpus Christi and Weslaco, presented the award, referring to Maeda as a family friend. Dr. Maeda satisfies the essence of this award with his work ethic, dedication, collaborative nature, and intellect, as well as his accomplishments, Landivar said.
Project Scientist Kelsey Greub discusses results from her project, North American Project to Evaluate Soil Health Measurements.
Soil health is a hot topic in agriculture. But what are the most useful and cost-effective indicators when it comes to determining a soil s health?
Project Scientist Kelsey Greub, Soil Health Institute, discussed several soil health indicators she and her team have identified through their project, North American Project to Evaluate Soil Health Measurements. Greub spoke to an online audience at the recent Texas Plant Protection Association virtual conference.
(Photo by Kelsey Greub, Soil Health Institute)
Greub compared soil health indicators to human health indicators. When you go to the doctor, the nurse or technician take a few indicators. Those are usually things like temperature, weight, or blood pressure. These are essential health indicators that scientists and doctors have narrowed down as being essential, or vital, Greub says. If y
Shelley E. Huguley
USDA Cotton Production and Process Research Unit, Lubbock, Texas. Research Leader Gregory Holt visits with producers during a gin tour. Lost premium costs producers as much as 7 cents per pound as it trades below equivalent grades from competing countries.
Article updated and corrected 12/28/20 at 4 p.m. Farm Press regrets the error.
Plastic contamination diminishes the value and damages the reputation of U.S. cotton.
“Plastic contamination results in a loss in premium,” says John Wanjura, USDA-ARS agricultural engineer at the Lubbock, Texas, USDA-ARS Cotton Production and Processing Research Unit.
John Wanjura, USDA-ARS agricultural engineer (
Photo by Karen Wanjura)
Bollworm resistance to early generations of Bt cotton, the Cry proteins, is becoming “widespread throughout much of Texas and across the U.S. Cotton Belt,” says David Kerns, statewide IPM coordinator and associate entomology department head, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.
Kerns, speaking at the recent Texas Plant Protection Association annual conference, held virtually this year because of Covid-19, said genetics plays a role in resistance.
“Currently we have essentially four Bt proteins available in cotton, Cry1As, Cry2As, Cry1F and Vip3Aa.” Kerns said.
David Kerns, statewide IPM coordinator and associate entomology department head, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.