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Analyzing Nematode Management Practices in Cotton

Applied Research

Blake Carter
County Extension Agent
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service
Springfield

Abstract

Root-Knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita) are detrimental to cotton production in Effingham and Screven Counties. Root-knot nematodes can hide underground in fields while showing symptoms above ground which could be confused with fertility issues, poor soils, or disease issues. This situation can lead to the wrong approach for management of the problem and cost producers’ revenue. Cotton Producers in Georgia have virtually zero profit margin according to the May 2023 UGA crop comparison tool. The UGA Irrigated Cotton Crop Budgeting tool for 2023 shows a cotton farmer that locked into a contract in February of 2023 at 0.75/lbs. would have to yield a minimum of 1,000 lbs./acre to just break even. With a low profit margin, it is imperative growers maximize yield potential to prevent a negative return on investment. In 2022, Effingham County ANR Agent and the Southeast Agronomy Agent collaborated with a local producer and implemented a cotton variety trial to compare varieties and production practices when facing nematode pressure. Twelve treatments were selected, each replicated four times across the field. Out of those treatments, six were nematode resistant varieties, three were nematode susceptible varieties with a nematicide (AgLogic at 5lbs/acre), and those same three nematode susceptible varieties without the nematicide. The results from this trial revealed very impactful data. Root gall ratings showed the RK nematode resistant variety Phytogen 545 had the lowest root gall rating with only 3.7.  Varieties such as DP2141, PHY 411, ST5091 (with nematicide), and ST5600 out yielded the next statistically different variety by a range of 42-130lbs. The same number of nematode resistant varieties and susceptible varieties yielded above 1,000 lbs./acre, which meant 50% of the treatments in this trial yielded enough to either keep the grower out of the negative, or even make the farm profitable for the growing season.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted only for display at AM/PIC. Poster is not to be judged, but the abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: Blake Carter, Wade Parker, Robert Kemerait, Jason Mallard
  1. Carter, B. County Extension Agent, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, Georgia, 31329
  2. Parker, W. SE Crop Agronomy Agent, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, Georgia, 30460
  3. Kemerait, R. UGA Plant Pathologist , University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, Georgia, 31793
  4. Mallard, J. Area Water Agent, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, Georgia, 30460