Evaluation of Planting Date, Variety, and PRE Herbicide on Thrips Infestation and Cotton Growth, Development, and Yield

Planting cotton at the most optimal time during the planting season is crucial for successful production. However, planting cotton in inclement conditions that are presented early in the season can reduce plant populations along with seedling vigor. In addition to weather conditions at planting, early season thrips infestation and weed control are critical for a vigorous stand. From 2008 to 2012 the number of cotton bales lost due to thrips damage increased from 152 to 5,057 bales lost in Mississippi. With cotton being naturally slow to develop in the early stages, proper protection from thrips is essential for early cotton development. Insecticidal seed treatments are implemented on almost every acre in Mississippi concerning thrips protection in early season cotton. Simultaneously, the use for pre emergence (PRE) herbicides has drastically increased across the state due to the prolification of glyphosate resistant Palmer amaranth. PRE herbicides can cause injury on seedling cotton and intesify damage from other environmental factors. Previous research evaluating the effect of planting date and PRE herbicides on cotton growth, development, and yield is lacking. Therefore, this research was conducted to determine the effect of planting date, PRE herbicide, and variety on thrips infestation as well as cotton growth, development, and yield.