Summary:
Since the re-establishment of the USDA-ARS, WICS, genetic/breeding program, we have been focusing on bringing germplasm from any possible source available to us in order to increase genetic diversity. Most of the time, the genetic diversity in the cotton crop is used as an indicator to recognize potential threats to sustaining high yields. In the last couple of years, several troubling developments have recognized Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. vasirifectum (FOV) Atk. Sny & Hans as a recurring and potentially expanding threat to cotton production. The vulnerability of cotton production to this pathogen highlights the need for comprehensive research to protect the cotton industry from FOV, both from virulent populations which may be introduced and new virulent strains arising from within cotton production areas. Until recently, only race 1 and race 2 were known to occur in the United States (DeVay, 1986; Smith et al., 1981). UC scientists have recently identified race 4 ofFOV in cotton plants…
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INTRODUCTION
Bemisia whitefly populations are a significant annual threat to cotton production, particularly pima cotton, in the San Joaquin Valley. This pest has the potential to reduce cotton yields; however, the prospect of cotton lint contamination, creating a condition called sticky cotton, is the primary concern associated with whitefly infestations. Important research on sampling, damage potential, and management of Bemisia whiteflies has been conducted in Arizona. This research has formed the backbone of our present management scheme in California. In summary, this research supported three stages of whitefly management during the season with different insecticide chemistries during each stage. The need to management resistance and the characteristics…
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INTRODUCTION
Integrated pest management of California cotton insect and mite pests is based on a long record of successful research and implementation. Maintaining cost-effective and efficacious insecticides and miticides is a constant, evolving process. As the pest biology, cropping patterns, cotton varieties, production techniques, and other factors change in the cotton agroecosystem, pest management needs change. The development of resistance in pests and regulatory actions are two of the key actions that influence the availability of crop protection tools. Fortunately, new materials are developed to facilitate control and to compensate for these losses. Regulatory actions with pesticides are ongoing and appear inevitable in California. Most recently, volatile organic compound (VOCs) issues have surfaced and regulations to restrict many…
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1998 Studies
The objectives of these studies with Pima are to evaluate approved varieties under different environmental conditions and management. The studies are part of a regional Beltwide Pima variety evaluation that includes Texas, New New Mexico, Arizona and California, and are supported in part through the California Crop Improvement Association. In addition to five grower fields, two UCCE Research Center test locations were used in the 1998 trials, the West Side and Shafter Research and Extension Centers of the University of California. The West Side location is in…
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Tom Kerby, Wally Hofmann, and Mark Keeley
Objectives: Develop crop management guidelines which optimize production and quality of Acala and Pima cottons.
Procedure: Seven individual replicated trials were conducted at Shafter. Most trials had companion trials at the UC West Side…
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