OLD VERSUS NEW: DO NEW COTTON TECHNOLOGIES PROVIDE MORE RETURN TO ALABAMA FARMERS?
Burmester, C. H.1; Monks, C. D.2; Reed*, T. D.3; Schavey E. T.41Extension Agronomist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Belle Mina, AL, 35615
2Extension Agronomist and Professor, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Auburn University, AL, 36849
3Extension Entomologist, Alabama Cooperative Extension system, Belle Mina, AL, 35615
4Regional Extension Agronomist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Belle Mina, AL, 35615
Abstract:
This study was conducted to determine if cotton farmers’ net returns were affected by growing transgenic or conventional cotton varieties. The study utilized a split-split block experimental design at 2 irrigated locations in north and central Alabama in 2008 and 2009. Cotton varieties were the main plot variable and included Stoneville 4554 B2RF, Phytogen 485 WRF and a conventional variety, CT 210. Phytogen 440 W replaced Phytogen 485 WRF in 2009. The study also compared the response of these varieties to pre-emergence weed control versus no pre-emergence weed control and no heliothines (worm complex) control versus heliothine control each season. ST 4554 B2RF had the most consistent yields and returns over the two years of the test and yields were not influenced by a late-season pyrethroid application. The Phytogen varieties were also high yielding, but cotton yields were increased by a late season pyrethroid application both years. In 2008, the CT 210 conventional cotton variety produced lower yield than the two transgenic varieties due in part to heavy heliothine pressure. In 2009 with reduced heliothine pressure CT 210 had yields and net returns similar to the transgenic varieties. This data indicates that net returns were very similar with both transgenic varieties in 2008 and 2009 and conventional cotton in 2009. Net returns for conventional cotton were more variable due to seasonal insect pressure. Under heavy heliothine pressure in 2008, conventional cotton yields were much lower than transgenic cotton and net returns for CT 210 were also correspondently much lower.