When Fields Turn Yellow: The Critical Timing of Cotton Harvest

A critical transition point has arrived for Georgia cotton producers as this year's crop races toward harvest readiness. With 51% of bolls already opening—well ahead of the five-year average—growers face important decisions about defoliation timing, irrigation termination, and pest management that will impact both yield and quality.

The UGA Cotton Team dives into the unusual weather patterns affecting this year's crop, including September's surprisingly dry conditions that have necessitated more irrigation than typical for this time of year. For late-planted cotton approaching cutout, specialists recommend careful assessment of soil moisture before making irrigation termination decisions, as one final watering may prevent yield losses in fields with inadequate moisture reserves.

A significant focus of this episode centers on the emerging cotton jassid challenge and its potential impact on defoliation effectiveness. Dramatic field observations reveal stark differences between treated and untreated areas, with untreated cotton showing concerning red leaf symptoms that could compromise harvest preparation if not addressed promptly. The team emphasizes defoliating jassid-affected fields while leaves are still green or red, as waiting until they turn brown may create serious harvest quality issues.

Regional variations in boll rot present another management consideration, with middle and east Georgia experiencing significantly higher incidence than the Tifton area. This pattern appears linked to August's rainfall distribution and cloud cover, demonstrating how microclimates within the state can dramatically affect cotton development and quality.

Safety concerns take center stage as harvest approaches, with detailed discussions about cotton picker hazards, maintenance requirements, and operator vigilance. The team stresses the importance of appropriate harvest timing based on humidity conditions rather than pushing for extended operating hours that increase accident risks.

Perhaps most concerning for Georgia agriculture's future is the shifting crop balance, with cotton acreage falling to its lowest level since 1993 and being surpassed by peanuts. This disruption to traditional rotation patterns threatens the equilibrium that helps manage pests, diseases, and soil health across the state's farming systems.

Want to make better harvest preparation decisions? Connect with your local UGA Extension agent for field-specific recommendations on defoliation timing, pest management strategies, and irrigation decisions tailored to your situation.

Chapters

• 0:00 Podcast Introduction and Weather Update
• 2:08 Crop Progress Report and Harvest Timing
• 4:29 Boll Rot Issues Across Georgia
• 8:00 Late-Season Irrigation Decisions
• 15:15 Cotton Picker Safety Concerns
• 22:04 Defoliation Strategies and Jassid Observations
• 33:58 Cotton's Place in Georgia Agriculture
• 42:05 Final Thoughts and Recommendations