Managing Late Planted Cotton in 2025
The 2025 cotton crop in Georgia is certainly off to a start. We have cotton ranging from just planted to entering peak bloom, and sometimes those fields might be right next to each other. There was quite a bit of replanting done across the state, particularly on cotton planted after Mother’s Day. But now many are wondering what we do, especially on some of this later cotton. So below are a few thoughts to consider for this later crop:
- MINIMIZE “UH-OHS” – This year is not the year for mistakes, and a later planted crop makes that all the more true. When time is of the essence, mistakes cannot happen, which is the case with much of our 2025 crop. Make sure sprayers are cleaned out, the correct chemicals are at the mixing station, neighbors are on the same page, and trust your scouting. Anything that can delay maturity needs to be avoided with this later planted cotton.
- REDUCED N RATES – In an attempt to hasten maturity, we need to think about reducing our nitrogen rates in this later planted crop. UGA recommends N rates based on realistic yield goals. The “realistic” part of that is often forgotten, but as many of you know, certain farms and fields are only going to produce so much. Some fields have 3 bale potential, while others only have 1.5 bale potential. Fertilize these fields appropriately!! Below is the table containing recommended N rates and corresponding yield goals:
Again, be realistic!! If we are dealing with late planted situations let’s think about cutting back 25% (or more) if we don’t have the potential.
- MORE AGGRESSIVE PGR – Dr. John Snider has worked extensively with PGRs as part of his research program and has demonstrated that PGRs in cotton do two things: keep plants short and hasten maturity. Anything else that people may say PGRs do are a result of these two things. In his studies, an aggressive approach (prebloom application, followed by application at first bloom then peak bloom) can shorten your season a week. And when talking about late plantings, a week in October can mean a lot. While we are on the subject of PGRs, the 6X formulation of mepiquat chloride is becoming more and more common – make sure you are using the right rate of the right product!!!! I have already gotten a few calls about what happens when you put 6 oz/acre of 6X on squaring cotton as opposed to the regular mepiquat chloride. This is not the year to do that!
There is a long way to go with this crop. A grower in North Georgia told me a year ago that cotton can make the most with the least, and the least with the most. Just because the cotton is planted later than we may want, doesn’t mean to give up on it. We can still make great cotton planted in June. Just have to avoid mistakes and be intentional with our management.
Stay in touch with your local UGA County Extension Agent – things will certainly change after this newsletter is distributed and we will try to stay up to date with what is going on in the field. As always, if you ever need anything don’t hesitate to reach out!