North Carolina Cotton: Home stretch

Theres not a field thats not at 0-2 NAWF. Our damaged boll threshhold is now approaching 50%. For the las two weeks, damage has remained 10% or less. I think we are all but through with sucking type pests. We continue to randomly check bolls for worm hits. So far, no problems that I’ve seen. I have heard reports of Widestrike varieties being treated for worm escapes. I wouldn’t suggest anymore mepiquat treatments although some are still going out to put the “brakes” on it. I think these treatments could be avoided but its cheap and it gives some growers piece of mind. The cotton field next to my house hasn’t had a mepiquat treatment in a month and its as even as you would ever want it. Continued rains will affect the quality of this crop. Boll rot isn’t prevalent yet but I’m sure its coming. Easy to find fields where the middle crop has dropped. Still think yield potential is there.