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Texas
Agriculture Archive
June 7, 2002
Tech Tips
Texas cotton production guide now available
Cotton production information has became a lot more accessible, thanks to a new publication from Texas Cooperative Extension.
The book, "Texas Cotton Production—Emphasizing Integrated Pest Management," offers all the latest information needed to grow cotton in the Lone Star State.
Dr. Chris Sansone, Extension entomologist and one of the authors, said the book is designed to help cotton producers, consultants and agribus-inesses optimize yields and maximize profits.
"This guide is the first-ever compilation of information about all aspects of cotton production in Texas," said Sansone. "The book addresses soils, weeds, insects, fertilizers, weather, plant diseases and irrigation systems. We wrote the book to cover the whole year's production cycle, all the way from pre-plant to post harvest.
"The book is organized according to the various stages of the cotton season. It gives the reader an overview of all the factors that should be considered during any given seasonal period."
Sansone was joined in the effort by Thomas Isakeit, Extension plant pathologist in College Station; Robert Lemon, Extension agronomist in College Station, and Billy Warrick, Extension agronomist in San Angelo.
"We offer the reader research-based information that, if followed, should make any cotton operation as profitable and environmentally sound as possible," Sansone said. "In the past, it's been time consuming and often frustrating to collect information on research-based happenings in the cotton patch. We as authors have done the legwork for the reader. All that's left for him or her to do is sit down and quickly find what is needed from this single source.
"The information is all there, whether the reader is a 50-year cotton farming veteran, a chemical salesman or a 4-H'er starting an ag career as a bug scout."
Topics covered in the book include variety selection, planting and replanting decisions, irrigation systems, diseases and natural enemies in cotton, soil fertility, harvest aids and timing, tillage systems and disease, insect and weed control.
The 76-page, spiral-bound volume was produced with funds from the Texas Department of Agriculture's Integrated Pest Management Grant Program. Cost of the book is $15 each for orders less than 50 volumes. Orders over 50 are $10 per book. Shipping and handling are included.
For more information, contact Sansone at (915) 653-4576. The book can be obtained through Texas Cooperative Extension, Distribution and Supply, P. O. Box 1209, Bryan, TX 77806. Those placing credit card orders may call toll free (888) 900-2577. When ordering, specify publication B-6116.
