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Articles by Tyson Raper
Defoliation update for cooler temperatures
Defoliation update for 24 Sept 2026 Fall has arrived. Now that things have cooled off considerably, our defoliation concoction should be adjusted. In the YouTube video linked in this blog, I provide an update on what is working and what I’ll be using moving forward. I HAVE BEEN running 2 ounces of thidiazuron, 4 ounces Folex, 12 ounces of Terminate and 12 ounces of Prep as either a single shot or as the first shot of a two shot mix.
Cotton Tour Today, WEDNESDAY Feb 9th beginning at 8AM @WTREC
The 2026 Cotton Tour is today! Content this year will cover information on cultivar water use efficiency, seedling diseases, defoliation recommendations for 2026, new findings from the weed control team, and updates on insect control, just to mention a few. We will have Cajun Cookers close the event with lunch. Come join us at the West Tennessee Research and Education Center (605 Airways Blvd Jackson, TN 38301) Sept. 9th (later today) from 8AM-12PM.
Cotton Tour Sept. 9th; thoughts on defoliation
The ‘turn’ this year wasn’t much of a turn at all- it was more like a crash. In this blog, I give a few last minute thoughts on the crop, provide the preferred concoction that I would use on our earliest planted acres that will receive harvest aids, and highlight content we will cover in depth at the upcoming Cotton Tour Sept. 9 (next Wednesday). As I mentioned in my last crop condition blog, retention has been abnormally high.
Agenda set for Cotton Tour, Sept 9th
The tentative agenda for the 2026 Cotton Tour has been set! Content this year will cover information on cultivar water use efficiency, seedling diseases, defoliation recommendations for 2026, new findings from the weed control team, and updates on insect control, just to mention a few. We will have Cajun Cookers close the event with lunch. Come join us at the West Tennessee Research and Education Center (605 Airways Blvd Jackson, TN 38301) Sept. 9th from 8AM-12PM.
2026 Wheat OVT data now available; update on program
The typical trial data release post on this blog contains little narrative. This post is not a typical one. In addition to providing the links to the 2025-2026 Tennessee Wheat Official Variety Trial Publication, I also recognize the efforts of both Dr. Dennis West and Mr. David R. Kincer for their combined 90+ years of service to Tennessee growers. Additionally, I briefly share the future plans for the program. Unfortunately, Dr. Dennis West passed away earlier this spring. Mr. David R.
Heat unit accumulation as of August 5th
As we approach the historical last effective bloom dates later this month, I thought it might be appropriate to look at Tennessee’s 2026, relative to the past ten years. In this blog, I briefly cover our season and make some comments on what to expect in the coming weeks. An early start . . . for some The 2026 season started earlier for most, with soy and corn planting wrapping-up for many well-in-advance of the typical finish.
Thoughts on plant growth regulation July 9th
Scattered rains have accumulated over the past week, with many receiving several inches or more. With even more rain in the forecast and many of our acres quickly entering their second and third week of bloom, the question of the week has been what to do with plant growth regulators.
Cotton plant growth regulator guide, variety classification publications now available
The MidSouth Cotton Specialists’ Working Group has just released the 2026 Cotton Variety Guide for Plant Growth Regulation and a more in-depth publication entitled Plant growth regulator use in Mid-South Cotton. The in-depth publication includes a relatively new breakdown to managing plant growth that considers variety responsiveness; current and expected growing conditions; and plant size, measured by nodes.
Page Title Episode 59 - Preparing for Planting: Seeding Rates, Seed Quality, and Planter Prep
Camp Hand is an assistant professor and Extension cotton specialist at the University of Georgia in Tifton. His research and Extension programs focus on cotton agronomics in Georgia, and his goal is to work with the UGA county agents and growers to answer questions that will help Georgia growers remain sustainable and economical. Camp received his BS and MS degrees at Auburn University in horticulture while minoring in agronomy. His graduate work at Auburn was conducted under Dr. Wheeler Foshee.
When to move on the replant - UT Crops News
I planted my first cotton trial this year on April 13th. That trial protocol specifically requested an early plant date into adverse conditions. But with the temperatures and general lack of rainfall in the forecast through the second and third weeks of April, we continued planting. Here on the 14th day of May, my crew has only a few small and large plot trials remaining before we get to our late-planted trial work, slated for the first week in June.
Cotton Focus presentations now available - UT Crops News
Below I have linked the presentations from this year’s Cotton Focus. Many, many thanks to each of the speakers for delivering what many reported was the most valuable program we’ve had in recent memory.
Survey on deer damage to row crops, specialty crops, turfgrass, and nurseries - UT Crops News
We are inviting you to participate in a study conducted by University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture focused on estimating the economic impact of deer damage to row crops, specialty crops, turfgrass, and nurseries. We tried to make the survey only long enough to collect the data we need to measure the economic impact. We are not asking for any personal information. The findings of this study will be presented to stakeholders and participants in a report and presentations.
tentative agenda set for Cotton Focus Thursday, Feb. 19th - UT Crops News
The tentative agenda for the 2026 Cotton Focus is now available. This event will be held at the West Tennessee Research and Education Center on Thursday, Feb. 19th. Our program will begin at 8 and end with lunch at noon. I look forward to seeing you there!
Cotton Focus scheduled for Feb. 19th at WTREC in Jackson - UT Crops News
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2025 Tennessee average cotton yields fall near 860 lb per acre, comments on USDA NASS estimates - UT Crops News
In this post, I’ll provide data supporting what I have penciled to be an ~860 lb per acre average lint yield for Tennessee. I’ll also provide a little background on how the USDA NASS numbers are generated and what we can do to make sure these estimates are improved when data is being collected by USDA NASS. Acreage My surprise with the USDA NASS numbers started early this year. The USDA NASS June 30th acreage report estimated Tennessee acres to be 260,000.
Complete 2025 Tennessee Cotton Variety Trial Results now available - UT Crops News
The 2025 Tennessee Cotton Variety Trial Results (PB 1742) publication is now available online. Included within these results are fourteen large strip trials (CSTs) and six small plot trials (OVTs) testing 40 experimental and commercial varieties. Special thanks to all of the agents and producers who helped generate this data. Additionally, thanks to the USDA Classing Office in Memphis for assisting with this effort.
2025 University of Tennessee Cotton Variety Testing average tables now available - UT Crops News
Below you will find three average tables from the 2025 University of Tennessee Cotton Variety Testing Program. The first link contains the averages from the 40 entries planted at six official variety trial locations. The second link consists of two tables, the first table containing the averages from 13 XtendFlex varieties planted at eleven county standard trial locations and the second table contains averages from 6 Enlist varieties planted at seven county standard trial locations.
Cotton defoliation update for October
We are close to the end but a few still have acres left to defoliate. Others are considering applying another application to remove small amounts of leaf. Generally, most all of the harvestable bolls are open. Yields are off, in many areas considerably more than expected. At this point, we need to consider what we have in the field and what we might gain from another defoliation application. Most acres loosely break out to either 1,000+ lb per acre or far less than 1,000 lb per acre.
New Midsouth Defoliation Guide available
Defoliating the 2025 crop just became more difficult. While you wait for your fields to dry, I’ve got a document that I believe may come in handy over the next few weeks. Each year, the MidSouth Cotton Specialists’ Working Group generate a defoliation guide. This document is a collaborative effort between Dr. Bradley Wilson (Missouri), Mr. Tyler Sandlin and Dr. Joshua Lee (Alabama), Dr. Brian Pieralisi (Mississippi), Dr. Shelly Kerns (Louisiana), and Dr. Zachary Treadway (Arkansas).
General thoughts on defoliation as conditions change
I’ve had a flurry of calls wondering what should change as we move into slightly cooler and *possibly* wetter conditions. I’ve also had several questions about why we’ve seen different responses to our concoctions this year than in years past. In this short blog, I list a few points to keep in mind. One shot or two? Many have called to ask about my concoction for a single shot. After, they ask about my concoction for my first shot in a planned double shot approach.
Cotton Tour THIS WEDNESDAY at WTREC, starting at 8AM
The agenda has been set for the 2025 UT Cotton Tour 8AM THIS WEDNESDAY, Sept. 10 at the West Tennessee Research and Education Center (605 Airways Blvd, Jackson, TN 38305). Two private applicator points and four commercial points will be available (C01, C10, and C12). CCA points are also available. Cajun Express will be frying catfish for lunch. Agenda can be found by clicking here. Look forward to seeing each of you there!
2025 Cotton Tour coming up Wednesday, Sept 10th
The 2025 UT Cotton Tour is Sept. 10 at the West Tennessee Research and Education Center (605 Airways Blvd, Jackson, TN 38305). Pesticide recertification and CCA points will be available. Cajun Express will be frying catfish for lunch. Agenda to follow next week. Look forward to seeing each of you there!
Episode 55 - Mid-South Crop Update
Drs. Shelly Pate-Kerns (Louisiana State University), Brian Pieralisi (Mississippi State University), Zachary Treadway (University of Arkansas), Tyson Raper (University of Tennessee), and Bradley Wilson (University of Missouri) join host Camp Hand (University of Georgia) to discuss the status of the Mid-South Cotton Crop. Discussions include planting conditions and planted acres, current situation, and the crop outlook.
Observations, thoughts and expectations
I’ve spent several days over the past week making my way through much of Tennessee’s cotton. In this blog, I share a few observations, several thoughts on where we are, and attempt to set expectations for the 2025 crop. In the past week, I’ve attempted to do a relatively large circle through West Tennessee and chat with individuals in areas that I’ve been unable to see.
Tennessee cotton faces leaf spot complex surge
Foliar fungicides are effective at reducing the foliar incidence and foliar severity of the leaf spot complex, but use of foliar fungicides to combat the leaf spot complex does not result in a yield increase. University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture At a Glance High rainfall has caused early appearance Foliar fungicides are not recommended Monitor target spot and areolate mildew The leaf spot complex is having a heyday.
Cotton foliar spots appearing mid-July
The leaf spot complex is having a heyday. In this blog, Dr. Kelly and I explain why we may be seeing a relatively high level of incidence this year and what you should do about it. Spoiler alert, the best action for it is, fortunately, inaction. Several across the area have shared images of mainstem leaves with relatively high levels of leaf spots. Agronomists commonly lump several of the diseases which generate leaf spots together and refer to them as the ‘leaf spot complex’.
2025 Cotton Variety Guide for Plant Growth Regulation
The 2025 Cotton Variety Guide for Plant Growth Regulation was released by the MidSouth Cotton Specialists’ Working Group early last week. This information was constructed based on the MSCSWG’s experience with each of the varieties, company ratings, and discussions with other agronomists. To access a pdf of the document, click the above image.
One Big Beautiful Bill: NCC Meeting Sept. 11th 3PM @ WTREC, cotton specialist podcast
There has been uncertainty around the impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill. I’m posting today to highlight a recent Cotton Specialists’ Corner podcast which covers this topic and let growers know about an upcoming meeting hosted by the National Cotton Council at the West Tennessee Research and Education Center (605 Airways Blvd Jackson, TN 38301). Information on the meeting hosted next Thursday, Sept. 11th at 3PM can be found by clicking here. You can listen to the podcast by clicking here.
Estimating the yield penalty from 2,4-D injury and managing injured cotton
Several in the Midsouth are dealing with cotton injured by exposure to 2,4-D. Dr. Gaylon Morgan (Agronomist with Cotton Incorporated), Dr. Bradley Wilson (Cotton Specialist for the University of Missouri), Dr. Zachary Treadway (Cotton Specialist for the University of Arkansas), and I have walked a considerable number of acres in the Midsouth over the past week. In this blog, we tackle many of the questions we’ve been asked concerning yield potential and management after injury.
Increasing a cotton seed’s chance of success in a wet spring
This has been a tough week, with many walking cotton planted in mid to late May to find stands thinner with more gaps than acres planted in April. The number of cotton acres within the state appears to be decreasing despite several growers still planting. Subsequently, in the past few days, I’ve had calls complaining about seedling vigor of every commercial cultivar.
Step Two Of The Cotton 'Cost-Cutting Challenge'
Author: , and 1 Comment Many in the area are just now in the thick of planting. For those who have not yet put seed in the ground, please check my post from last week on seeding rate. For those that were able to capitalize on our April window, you’ve already properly selected seeding rate and now you are looking at possibly a thrips spray or your first post application for weeds.
Step One Of The Cotton 'Cost Cutting Challenge'
I started planting trials looking at seed treatments and seed quality April 16th. While I don’t think that is necessarily a wise decision for those NOT trying to stress their cotton, I had plants emerged by the 23rd of April and most treatments are quite healthy. Many in the area started last week.
Step two of the cotton ‘cost-cutting challenge’
Many in the area are just now in the thick of planting. For those who have not yet put seed in the ground, please check my post from last week on seeding rate. For those that were able to capitalize on our April window, you’ve already properly selected seeding rate and now you are looking at possibly a thrips spray or your first post application for weeds.
Step one of the cotton ‘cost-cutting challenge’
I started planting trials looking at seed treatments and seed quality April 16th. While I don’t think that is necessarily a wise decision for those NOT trying to stress their cotton, I had plants emerged by the 23rd of April and most treatments are quite healthy. Many in the area started last week.
Cutting Input Costs Without Sacrificing the Top-End
PDMR submission guidelines are available online. LEARN MORE Plant Health Progress is a peer-reviewed multidiciplinary, online journal of applied plant health. LEARN MORE
How Growers Across the Belt are Making it Work in 2025
Extension Cotton Specialists Drs. Ken Lege (Texas A&M Agrilife), Tyson Raper (University of Tennssee), and Mike Jones (Clemson University) join host Camp Hand (University of Georgia) to discuss ways that growers across the cotton belt are adjusting production strategies with the difficult economic situation facing the farm in 2025.
Cotton Focus THIS COMING TUESDAY, Feb 11th
The 2025 Cotton Focus meeting will be TUESDAY, Feb 11th from 8AM-1PM at the West Tennessee Research and Education Center. We have several special guests joining us, including Dr. Travis Faske with the University of Arkansas, Dr. Bradley Wilson with the University of Missouri, and Mr. Will Rutland from Mississippi State University.
Auxin injury on cotton, II: Effects on yield components
2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid FB + 2WK 2 weeks after first bloom MHS matchhead square 1 INTRODUCTION Integrated weed control practices for control of troublesome weed species are necessary for extending the lifespan of currently available herbicides to allow for effective weed control in production systems.
Interpreting the 2024 TN Cotton Variety Trial Results
I usually release variety trial results with little to no narrative, just a few sentences indicating results are now available. But this year, there are several points of emphasis that warrant more. In this post, I try to explain what happened in 2024 as a way to guide interpretation of the variety trial results. It is a long post, but I believe this is a must read for those who intend to use the 2024 TN Variety Trial Results in their variety selection decisions for 2025.
2024 Tennessee Cotton Variety Trial Results now available
The 2024 Tennessee Cotton Variety Trial Results (PB 1742) are now available online. Included within these results are eight large strip trials (CSTs) and six small plot trials (OVTs) testing 48 experimental and commercial varieties. Special thanks to all of the agents and producers who helped generate this data. Additionally, thanks to the USDA Classing Office in Memphis for assisting with this effort.
Heat Unit Use and Refinement in U.S. Cotton
PDMR submission guidelines and schedule information are available online. LEARN MORE Plant Health Progress is a peer-reviewed multidiciplinary, online journal of applied plant health. LEARN MORE
Defoliating the last of our 2024 crop
Here we are, at the end of one of the more challenging seasons we’ve experienced in the past 10 years. Although some have reported disappointing yields, many have been pleasantly surprised and I believe our best crop may just now be beginning to be harvested. Still, margins remain thin. Based on our current temperatures, we have an opportunity to shave a few cents off the budget in our last few defoliation applications.
Cotton Tour NEXT WEDNESDAY, Sept 11, agenda now available
The 2024 UT Cotton Tour is NEXT WEDNESDAY, Sept. 11 at the West Tennessee Research and Education Center (605 Airways Blvd, Jackson, TN 38305). Pesticide recertification and CCA points will be available. Tulum will be catering lunch for us. We will be spraying a defoliation demo tomorrow at the experiment station that will be along the tour route.
Thoughts on terminating irrigation and defoliating our early acres
I’ve spent the better part of the past three days walking cotton throughout West Tennessee, and while I’m pleasantly surprised by our earliest planted acres, I’m concerned the crop in many areas may fall well-short of what we might have expected at the end of July. In this blog, I briefly share my thoughts on how I would approach terminating irrigation in 2024 and what I believe may be our best first-shot blend for defoliating our earliest acres.
2024 MidSouth Cotton Defoliation Guide now available
The 2024 MidSouth Cotton Defoliation Guide is now available online. You can access the guide by clicking the above image or any of the embedded links within this post. This guide was compiled and is updated yearly by Extension Cotton Specialists from throughout the Mid-South.
Considerations for PGRs and fungicides in an abnormally cool July
A drastic change in weather pattern has brought cooler temperatures and rainfall into the forecast for the remaining days of July. Recent calls have questioned how we might need to change our approach to plant growth regulation and fungicides, given this abnormal forecast. In this blog, I highlight a couple of things to consider as we move into next week. I think it best to begin this discussion by recognizing that it is fairly difficult to describe the ‘average’ TN cotton acre.
Irrigation termination has the potential to improve cotton yield and quality on different soil types
CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT The authors declare no conflicts of interest. REFERENCES , , , & (2019). Progress and perspective on drought and salt tolerance in cotton. Industrial Crops and Products, 130, 118–129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2018.12.070 , , , , , & (2020). Determining optimum irrigation termination periods for cotton production in the Texas High Plains. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, 63(1), 105–115. https://doi.org/10.13031/trans.13483 , & (2018).
TAPA Annual Meeting- July 22-24th- book rooms now!
TAPA Meeting Registration : https://tapa.tennessee.edu/meetings/ The Lodge at Pickwick Landing Below is the direct URL for attendees to book through. Group code is good through June 21! You are welcome to call directly at 731-689-3135 x 0 or the call center at 888-867-2757 use code 25213. Pickwick Landing State Park — Tennessee State Parks (reseze.net) Thank you, Julie Julie ReevesResearch Associate University of TN Dept. of Plant Sciences WTREC, Jackson, TN 731-415-0418
Nitrogen Management in Cotton
Bhupinder Farmaha (Clemson University), Tyson Raper (University of Tennessee), Brian Arnall (Oklahoma State) and Katie Lewis (Texas A&M) join host Steve Brown to discuss N management in cotton. The session addresses: Are we using too much N in some areas? Why do many N studies across the Belt show limited or even no response to N? If that is the case, where does the N come from? How much N is actually required to make a bale of cotton (and the associated seed, etc.)?
Yield potential and management of late planted cotton
In almost every cotton-related conversation I had during early May, the conversation quickly turned to our excellent early planting window- a window which opened earlier in 2024 than any of recent memory. Since then, most have fought to find an opportunity to mud in any acres and many are now considering shifting some farms to soybeans.
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