Source: AgriLife Today
Cotton fields in the High Plains and Rolling Plains of Texas are experiencing browning or bronzing of the foliage, often accompanied by premature defoliation, experts are reporting. Dr. Jason Woodward, plant pathologist in Lubbock, said he’s had more phone calls from farmers in the last 10 days to two weeks on this issue than any other before.
“We are seeing the issue primarily in the southern High Plains – Lubbock and north into the Amarillo area and into the Vernon area,” Woodward said. “I’ve seen samples, and it is widespread and quite obvious.”
He said the primary cause, alternaria leaf spot, is seen every year at low levels, but “the extremely wet conditions we’ve seen the last 10 days to two weeks is what has caused the acceleration this year.”
For more information, go to https://agrilife.org/texasrowcrops/ and https://cotton.tamu.edu.
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