There are still fields which need to be watched carefully over the next few weeks due to the lateness of the field, or prolonged heavy irrigation. These are generally fields which cut-out after August 10th. To-date cotton fields which cut-out prior to August 9th have accumulated 350 heat units since cut-out, which should make it safe from cotton boll weevils. Fields which cut-out prior to August 1st have accumulated over 550 heat units since cut-out and should be safe from both cotton boll weevils and larvae pest. The past week an average of 17 heat units per day were generated. This may allow you to project when your fields are safe from insects. Also, it is estimated that 900 heat units are needed to prepare the cotton crop for a harvest aid. As an example in the scouting program a few fields cut-out on July 27th and they have accumulated 634 heat units to-date from cut-out. If we continue to receive about 17 heat units per day for a few more weeks then it will take 16 days (September 14th) to set it up for a harvest aid application. A majority of fields cut-out from August 1st through August 7th. They could be ready for a harvest aid sometime between September 20th and 28th. The point being, if you have in your mind that you will not be using a harvest aid this year just realize that the cotton will be ready by the end of September first of October. It could be a long wait for a killing freeze.

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