Archived Cotton Situational Statements
Harvested acreage progressed from 3 percent as of October 18 to 11 percent
as of October 25. Producers began picking on October 18 (Sunday) on soils
that would hold up a picker as well as on some soils that would not. Cotton harvest
progressed into Wednesday, October 21. However, rainfall on the evening of the
21st and the 22nd halted harvest activity in many areas for the time being. More
rainfall is in the forecast for tonight (10/26) and tomorrow (10/27) as well
as later in the week. Cotton modules began to appear at gins in the central
Delta on approximately October 20th. Preliminary reports indicate a wide
range of yields depending on geographical location. Yield trials harvested
in the Tchula area last week averaged less than one bale per acre. However, reports
of 1000 lbs/acre from Leland and Clarksdale have also been received. No
fiber quality reports have been received.
In general, cotton
in the north Delta was planted later than in other areas of the state
due to inclement weather during April and May. Late
planting, combined with a lack of heat unit accumulation in late August,
resulted in a later maturing crop in the north Delta. Although damage
is present in these areas, it appears to be to a lesser extent than some
other areas of the state. This is most likely a function of later
maturity. The organisms that cause boll rot typically do not penetrate
the boll wall and infect a closed boll. Mode of infection is usually
through suture lines or insect punctures in the boll itself. Excessive
rainfall and subsequent humidity in the plant canopy during much of September
and October have created an ideal environment for the organisms that
cause bollrot to proliferate and infect bolls that are either cracking
or already open. (10-26-09)
Environmental conditions in 2009 have proven to be the most difficult many growers have ever experienced. The 2009 cotton crop was planted two to three weeks late because of inclement weather and currently we are four to six weeks behind picking this year's crop. In addition, June proved to be hot and dry with rains not returning to many areas of the state until mid- to late-July. Temperatures began to decrease during the third week of August which impeded boll maturation located on fruiting sites in the upper portion of the plant. Rain began to fall in early September and is still impeding progress today. Hardlock and bollrot have affected many areas of the state and will undoubtedly result in yield losses. Average yield loss from hardlock and/or bollrot will likely be 30 to 40 percent with some areas experiencing in excess of 75 percent yield loss. (10-19-09)