more... > Publications > Catalog > Crops & Livestock > Cotton > Cotton Defoliation Guidelines for Louisiana [Image: cotton defoliation] One of the last, but most important, steps in producing a cotton crop is harvest preparation. Successful preparation includes scheduling for defoliation and harvest operations, removing foliage and facilitating boll opening. Use these recommendations for a successful cotton harvest. (PDF Format Only) Louisiana On-Farm Cotton Variety Trial Summary Each year, the LSU AgCenter conducts a number of on-farm cotton variety trials. These trials can be a useful supplement to Official Variety Trial (OVT) information as well as other sources of data on which to base cotton variety selection decisions. Cotton Varieties for Louisiana [Image: cotton] 2009 guidelines for cotton production practices associated with planting time and variety selection. (PDF Format Only) Best Management Practices for Plant Bugs in Midsouth Cotton [Image: plant bugs on cotton] Plant bugs have become a very serious insect pest of cotton in the Midsouth. Control is often difficult because of high population densities and resistance. Follow these best management practices to help reduce the cost of plant bug control.  more articles... Multi-state Evaulation of Bug Sampling Methods in Blooming Cotton [Image: Cotton] The cotton production system is evolving rapidly in the mid-South because of the use of new technologies. Bt cotton varieties are planted on more than 80 percent of mid-South acreage because of the threat posed by resistant tobacco budworm, bollworms and, to a lesser extent, other caterpillar pests. Procedures, results and example data collection sheet included. Revised July 2007 (PDF Format Only) Double-cropping Cotton and Wheat in Louisiana [Image: doublecropping cotton and wheat] Wheat acreage in Louisiana has increased significantly because of higher wheat prices. With the increase in wheat acreage, interest has risen considerably in double-cropping cotton after wheat is harvested. Recommendations for growing cotton in a double-cropped production system with wheat in 2007 are included. Results of the 2004 Demonstration of Spatially Variable Plant Grant Regulator (PGR) and Defoliant Treatments on Cotton [Image: PGR on Cotton] In 1999 a team from the LSU AgCenter, along with other groups, began developing and validating spatially variable (SVP) technology based on remote sensing. This technology was showcased in demonstrations on Louisiana cotton producers’ farms in 2004, and this publication describes the results. Suggested Guidelines for Plant Growth Regulator Use on Louisiana Cotton [Image: Plant Growth Regulator Use on Cotton] Methods and philosophies for the use of mepiquat in cotton vary widely. This publication explains the effect of mepiquat-containing products on cotton growth and development and suggests some guidelines for its use that will increase the likelihood of realizing the benefits and minimizing the risks. Questions and Answers About Boll Weevil Eradication in Louisiana [Image: Questions and Answers About Boll Weevil Eradication in Louisiana] This publication provides answers to many of the frequently asked questions about Boll Weevil Eradication in Louisiana. Boll Weevil Eradication Equals Increased Profits and a Safer Environment [Image: Boll Weevil Eradication Equals Increased Profits and a Safer Environment] The boll weevil has cost United States cotton producers more than $13 billion since entering from Mexico a century ago. In Louisiana it costs producers an estimated $25 million to $30 million annually in control costs and reduced yield. Eradication programs have been completed in several states and are under way in others. The cotton industry’s goal is to eliminate the boll weevil from the Cotton Belt by 2002. Cutworms in Cotton [Image: Cutworms in Cotton] Cutworms are early-season pests that damage cotton by reducing plant stand densities below optimum levels. Damage generally occurs in poorly drained areas where winter vegetation is still present. This publication includes information on biology, field habits, control, and the description and field identification for the various types of cutworms. Managing Glyphosate Tolerant Cotton [Image: Managing Glyphosate Tolerant Cotton] Information on application timings, weed control, tank-mixing herbicides with Roundup Ultra, tillage systems and selecting varieties included.