A Cotton Focus on Fungicides

Haylie Shipp

Is it time for a fungicide in your cotton? Robert Kemerait, Professor and Extension Specialist with the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Georgia…

“Twenty years ago, we didn’t talk about fungicides being used on cotton except for in-furrow applications in Georgia. And that’s changed a lot. We still depend a lot upon in-furrow fungicide applications, either seed treatments or sometimes in-furrow, to protect against seedling disease. But in that 20-year period we’ve become much more aware of two foliar disease, specifically target spot and now Areolate mildew, also known in some places of the world as Ramularia leaf spot.”

Both diseases are challenges, robbing some crops of yield potential, but how do you know when to say “go” when it comes to a fungicide application?

“Pay attention to what’s going on in the field. Pay attention to what’s going on with your growth stage. Basically cotton before the third week of bloom, we don’t worry too much about it. And after about the sixth week of bloom or when we’re within a month into foliation, we don’t worry about it.”

Look at the growth stage, look at the environment, and be proactive in scouting for the disease…

“It can make a huge difference when it’s needed. It’s an unneeded expense when it’s not needed.”

Robert Kemerait, Professor and Extension Specialist with the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Georgia.