Tropical Storm Isaac is Cause for Delayed Defoliation

As Tropical Storm Isaac bears down on the Gulf Coast region, Arkansas Extension Agronomist Tom Barber says the storm could adversely affect the Mid-South cotton crop. Current weather projections show the storm making landfall on the Louisiana and Mississippi coastlines on Tuesday and moving north from there throughout the week.

In a statement issued Monday, Barber advised cotton growers to withhold their defoliant applications at least until Wednesday, as cotton leaves can provide some protection against boll rot in periods of sustained rainfall.

“This cotton crop will withstand the heavy rains and winds much better with the leaves on, which will provide some protection for both open and unopened bolls,” Barber says.

Click here to see Barber’s entire statement.