Defoliation Timing Based on Heat Units Beyond Cutout

摘要

RESEARCH PROBLEM - Timing of harvest aids continues to be a difficult decision for producers. This decision is complicated even more with a late-maturing crop. Producers and crop advisors often are tempted to wait as long as possible for young immature bolls in the top of the plant before making the decision to defoliate. These bolls are often insect damaged, small, of lower quality, and account for little additional gain, but the perception of additional lint is difficult to overcome. Validation ofthe heat unit (HU) concept of timing defoliation beyond the last effective boll population as defined by COTMAN would allow producers to make this decision with greater confidence and allow for an earlier harvest.