Without significant rain this past week like we were all anticipating everyone is basically in a holding pattern at this time. All things considered, this crop doesn’t look too bad, of course a good general rain this past week and it would be looking a whole lot better. At least it has cooled off this week. Difficult decisions will have to be made here in a couple of months with so much of this cotton that is 3-4 weeks different in maturity intermingled throughout the field. If it doesn’t rain between now and then the decisions will be a whole lot easier.
Most all of the regions have evened out at this point in time. The only thing that really separates any of them is that the deer and especially rabbit damage is considerably worse in Regions 4 and 5. With the heat that we have been having we made a lot of progress last week. Earlier planted fields, most of the dryland and short water is now down to around 3-6 NAWF with several blooming out the top. The later planted fields and ones with a little better water are running 5-8 NAWF. These fields still hold quite a bit of potential but need to start shutting down as we get near the end of our effective bloom period. The fruit retention rate is still holding up well with most everything in the upper 60’s and the overall average of the fields checked this week at 67%. I have noticed some small bolls being shed. This is not too surprising.
I have found a few bollworm eggs on cotton scattered around the area besides the heaviest watered cotton, be on the lookout just in case we happen to have a failure or the Oldworld bollworm has slipped in undetected. I do have traps out for it. Aphids are still out maintaining populations so if you have to spray for anything keep them in mind. Either conserve beneficials as best you can or control aphids at the same time. I received a report late this week that they have seen spider mites in the Concho Valley, just something else to keep in mind and FYI for those of you farming over there.
Other than that everything looks great, keep the water going.
