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ANALYZING BENEFITS OF NEMATODE RESISTANT COTTON VARIETIES

Applied Research

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

Abstract

As with many other pests in row crop fields, it is very important for producers to protect their cotton crop from root-knot nematodes. The Effingham and Screven Extension Agents worked with a producer to complete a cotton variety trial which led to further research on the impact of nematode resistant cotton varieties. Agents were able to rank cotton varieties in a moderate nematode infestation and share this data with the producer and the cotton industry at a national conference. This has led to greater yield potential for the producer and others who have received data from this research. The results from this trial revealed some very impactful data. Root gall ratings showed the RK nematode resistant variety Phytogen 400 had the lowest root gall rating and both resistant varieties Phytogen 400 and Phytogen Px5C45 had the lowest nematode soil counts. To further explain the outcome of this trial, both RK nematode resistant varieties out yielded all other varieties by at least 50.6 lbs. Resistant varieties averaged a gross return to farm of $1,048.20 while non-resistant varieties returned an average of $857.52. From seeing the advantage of planting RN resistant varieties in the trial field in 2020, the producer planted 160 acres of nematode resistant cotton in 2021 which according to the research will return an increased revenue of $30,508.80 in his operation alone. This data has been shared with the producer, at county production meetings, with agents across the State of Georgia and was presented at a national meeting of the cotton industry at the Beltwide Cotton Conference. Utilizing this data 3,000 acres of RK infested cotton would have an impact of increased farm income of $572,040 in similar operating conditions.

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

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: Blake Carter, Jason Mallard, Robert Kemerait
  1. Carter, B. County Extension Agent, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, Georgia, 31329
  2. Mallard, J. Screven County ANR Agent, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, Georgia, 30467
  3. Kemerait, R. UGA Plant Pathologist, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, Georgia, 31793