2021 Cotton Production Issues in the Western Panhandle

Oct 05, 2021

By Libbie Johnson

The 2021 growing season has not been a good one for cotton producers in the Western Panhandle of Florida. An overabundance of rain, lack of sunshine, and poor overall conditions has led to cotton looking less than stellar. Though plants look good when whizzing by at 55 miles an hour on a highway, once you step out into the fields, you get a better look at what is really going on. When approaching this field, it looks good, with pretty decent looking leaves at the top level, but once you get past the greenery, there is reason to worry. The plant has been able to maintain green foliage because there is no need to send energy into the bolls; there aren’t many remaining. Weather conditions have not been conducive to make a good crop in this field; squares are still falling off the plant. The picture above shows more loss of squares from the plants.

In the picture above, the field is littered with dead leaves. Unfortunately, this field has not been defoliated. Rather, the cotton has suffered from premature defoliation caused by various foliar diseases. The very few bolls remaining on the lower half of the plant are suffering from hard lock and boll rot. Boll rot can be caused by both fungi and bacteria, such as Fusarium, Diplodia, and Alternaria species. Boll rot is worse under warm and moist conditions, especially towards the end of the growing season. Though we have had a great week of sunshine and fresh air, August and September were plagued with way too much rain and saturated soils. Hardlock (when the locks of cotton don’t fluff out) is currently looking like a major problem this year. Dr. David Wright has reported from 20- 60% of the cotton is lost due to hardlock almost every year, and this year could possibly be on the higher end. Cotton pickers are generally not able to pluck off the cotton, leaving the cotton behind in the field.

2021 Cotton Production Issues in the Western Panhandle

Another issue at play with cotton is the amount of damage from stinkbugs, but more so this year, plant bugs. In a recent edition of the Alabama Cotton Shorts newsletter, Dr. Scott Graham addressed the amount of damage in late August from stink bugs and plant bugs. Growers in Santa Rosa county have attempted to manage plant bugs but were still covered up in them by late August. Stinkbugs and plant bugs were actively causing problems on cotton way past their normal time of interference, so a decreased yield due to these bugs could easily result. In late planted cotton, continue to look for and manage stink bugs.

2021 Cotton Production Issues in the Western Panhandle

Cotton hardlock (left) and seed sprouting (right). Credit: Libbie Johnson, UF/IFAS

The excessive rainfall has not only furthered disease pressure on leaves and unopened bolls, it has hardlocked opening bolls and caused seed to germinate while still within the boll. This is something more often seen with cotton that is further along, and closer to picking, but it is being seen in September this year.

In a year where Northwest Florida hasn’t lacked for moisture, it has been hard on a crop that performs better in more arid climates. These pictures don’t reflect all the fields out there; There are healthier fields in the region, so good cotton does exist. The ugly picture below will be replaced in a month or so when I share some beautiful cotton from other areas of the Panhandle.

2021 Cotton Production Issues in the Western Panhandle

Source : ufl.edu

Video: Why Seed Analysts are Thriving Under Seeds Canada

Last month in Edmonton, Alta., industry leaders and stakeholders gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of the seed industry at Seeds Canada’s annual conference. Among them was Sarah Foster, president of 2020 Seed Labs and the new vice-president of Seeds Canada.

Foster, who has been on the board of Seeds Canada for over a year, has witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with the formation of the organization. Seeds Canada was established just over three years ago through the merger of multiple seed industry groups, including the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada (CSAAC). Since then, the organization has been working to define its priorities and solidify its role in the industry.

“The challenge has been allowing the dust to settle after the merger,” Foster explained. “We’ve been focused on identifying what our priorities should be and ensuring that our members, especially the seed analysts, are getting what they need to continue their professional work.”

One of the recent highlights was a pre-conference event where the three major seed labs in Alberta — 20/20 Seed Labs, SGS Canada and Seed Check — opened their doors to members. The event saw a record number of seed analysts and business professionals in attendance. Foster emphasized the importance of this transparency, stating, “It’s crucial for people to see what goes on behind the scenes. We’re an open book now, and that openness helps build trust and understanding within the industry.”

The event also featured an environmental scan and a series of discussions that fostered strong communication among attendees. According to Foster, the dialogue was both encouraging and inspiring.

“A lot of people were really inspired by the fact that Seeds Canada is moving ahead with its agenda. The seed analysts, who have always worked diligently in the background, are now being recognized more prominently,” she said.

Before the merger, seed analysts were represented by CSAAC. Now, as part of Seeds Canada, they are finding their place within the larger organization. Foster believes that the integration has been successful, noting, “I think we’re thriving. You only need to look south of the border, where similar consolidations are happening.”

As Seeds Canada continues to evolve, Foster remains optimistic about the future. “I want to be totally transparent with anyone who is a seed analyst — I’ve got your back. We’re moving in a positive direction, and we’ll do everything we can to meet the needs of our members,” she said.