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PodcastArkansas Row CropsApr 20, 2021

What Early Season Cotton Weed Control Strategies Are Farmers Adopting?

Early season cotton weed control strategies are evolving as farmers face increasing herbicide resistance.

AI-generated source brief by USFarms.ag, based on Arkansas Row Crops. How our briefs are made

Source published Apr 20, 2021. Check the source date before applying seasonal guidance. Brief published .

weed controlherbicide resistanceXtend technologyresidual herbicides

Source summary

What this podcast covered

The Importance of Starting Clean

Experts stress that beginning with a clean field is crucial for effective weed management in cotton. This approach helps prevent the establishment of resistant weed populations, which can significantly impact yields.

Shifts in Cotton Technology

With a projected increase in Xtend cotton planting, farmers are adapting their strategies to maximize the effectiveness of this technology. The reliance on Xtend reflects broader trends in crop management and the need for effective weed control.

Combating Herbicide Resistance

As herbicide resistance becomes a pressing issue, the discussion highlighted the need for innovative approaches to weed control. Farmers are encouraged to mix residual herbicides to enhance their effectiveness against resistant weeds.

Key takeaways

5 things worth knowing

  1. 01

    Cotton acreage in Arkansas may decrease to under 500,000 acres this year.

  2. 02

    Farmers are expected to plant up to 95% Xtend cotton, reflecting a shift in technology use.

  3. 03

    Starting clean with effective residuals is crucial to manage resistant weed populations.

  4. 04

    Mixing two residual herbicides is recommended for better control of pigweed and grasses.

  5. 05

    The reliance on post-emergence applications is diminishing due to increasing herbicide resistance.

Source figures at a glance

At a glance

What the podcast covered, in 4 signals

Cotton

500k acres

Arkansas cotton acreage

Expected to decline slightly this year.

Technology

95% Xtend

Cotton technology use

Farmers are shifting heavily towards Xtend.

Weeds

Resistance issues

Pigweed and grasses

Increasing resistance complicates control strategies.

Herbicides

Mixing strategies

Residual herbicides

Using two types is recommended for better control.

Questions & answers

Quick answers

What is the expected cotton acreage in Arkansas this year?

Cotton acreage in Arkansas is expected to decline slightly to under 500,000 acres.

What technology is dominating cotton planting in Arkansas?

Farmers are expected to plant up to 95% Xtend cotton this season.

Why is starting clean important for cotton weed control?

Starting clean helps prevent the establishment of resistant weed populations, which can severely affect yields.

What strategies are recommended for managing resistant weeds?

Experts recommend using a mix of two residual herbicides for better control of resistant weeds.

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