March 2012 Agriculture Newsletter

Don't miss out! Click the following link and stay informed about the latest agriculture news! Contact our office with any questions you may have. Have a great day!
http://uvalde.agrilife.org/files/2011/08/Mar2012.pdf

February 2012 Agriculture Newsletter

Please click on the following link to view the February 2012 Agriculture Newsletter and stay informed with the latest news!

http://uvalde.agrilife.org/files/2011/08/Feb-2012-Ag-Newsletter.pdf

Section 18 Exemption Approved for Topguard Fungicide

Texas Department of Agriculture has been granted approval by the Environmental Protection Agency to issue a Section 18 exemption allowing the use of flutriafol (Topguard) for the control of cotton root rot in Texas. Cotton is the primary crop in Texas and cotton root rot causes significant economic losses most years in Texas. Depending on the growing conditions, this product has the potential to have an enormous impact on cotton yields and profitability across Texas. Producers are very excited about this product and the economic benefits it can provide.

The news release from the Texas Department of Agriculture indicated that producers can obtain additional information at their local AgriLife Extension office. Agents should be aware of the details related to this Section 18 exemption and be familiar with the product label. Dr. David Drake, AgriLife Extension Agronomist, provided a list of important points that are written into the exemption and the label. These are things to keep in mind as you visit with clientele.

• It can only be applied as a “T band” at planting.
• The rate range is 16 – 32 fluid ounces.
• The higher rate is the maximum per year and there is a limit of one application per year.
• It can NOT be put through any irrigation system.
• Read carefully the fine print about careful placement, need for a rain or irrigation to activate and it not working in dry conditions.
• 180 day replant restrictions of non-labeled crops.
• There is a restriction of 288,000 acres in Texas.
• Section 18 labels have the same user restrictions as restricted use pesticides.

Dr. Tom Isakeit, AgriLife Extension Plant Pathologist, and Rick Minzenmayer, Extension Agent –IPM in Runnels and Tom Green counties, began the research on this product and its effect on cotton root rot. They were also very instrumental in the Section 18 exemption for this product and we hope to see a full label in the near future.

We appreciate the efforts of other agents and specialists across the region and state in providing the needed research and educational programs related to flutriafol and cotton root rot control.

Written by Marvin Ensor West Region RPD

February 2 Multi- County Cotton Workshop

Jan 15, 2012

Multi-County Cotton Workshop slated for Feb. 2 in Uvalde

Paul Schattenberg

Contact: Bryson Dalrymple, 830-278-6661. jbdalrymple@ag.tamu.edu

UVALDE -- The Uvalde, Medina, and Bexar County AgriLife Extension Offices will host a Cotton Workshop at the Texas AgriLife Extension and Research Center located at 1619 Garner Field Road in Uvalde from 9 a.m.-4:40p.m. February 2.

Workshop registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with presentations to start at 9. All presentations will take place the main conference room of the center.

“Throughout the day we will have various experts from Texas AgriLife and other noteworthy local and state organizations and associations speak about a range of issues important to the cotton industry,” said Bryson Dalrymple, AgriLife Extension agent, Uvalde County.

Workshop topics will include optimizing cotton genetic potential thought balanced fertility, a fertilizer market update, agronomical laws and regulations, current water conditions and availability, applied cotton agronomy research, new technologies, cotton root rot control, Kurtomathrips morill thrips, new insecticide chemistries and a boll weevil eradication update.

“This workshop is geared to help producers keep abreast of the new and changing technologies in the cotton industry, enabling them to make educated decisions in their overall business plans,” Dalyrmple said.

Seven Texas Department of agriculture continuing education units for private pesticide applicators are offered -- four general, one integrated pest management and two laws and regulations.

Registration is $10, which includes lunch and break refreshments courtesy of cotton industry sponsors. Payment may be made on site with checks payable to “Uvalde Crops Committee” or checks may be made out to the committee and sent in advance to Texas AgriLife Extension Service, P.O. Box 1708, Uvalde, TX 78802-1708.

Attendees are requested to RSVP by January 25 to the AgriLife Extension office Uvalde County at 830-278-6661 to ensure an accurate meal count.