Systems Agronomic and Economic Evaluation of Transgenic and
Conventional Varieties in the Texas High Plains
February, 2001
Dr. Randy Boman, Extension Agronomist-Cotton
Mr. Mark Kelley, Extension Assistant-Cotton
Mr. Alan Helm, Extension Assistant-Cotton
Texas Agricultural Extension Service
Lubbock, TX
Low Weed Control Input Site
Rickey Bearden Farm, Tokio (Yoakum County)
Clean-tillage following soybeans
Irrigation: low elevation spray, straight rows
Plot Size: 12 40-inch rows/plot
Area: Variable (1.1 to 2.2 Acres/Plot), 3 replications of each variety
Planted: May 25, 2000 at 18 lb seed/Acre
Harvest aid program: October 5 – 1.25 pt/acre Prep + 5 oz/acre Ginstar (no follow-up application of Cyclone
was required due to freeze)
Harvested: November 30, 2000 (after significant weathering due to rainfall occurred)
Blanket Herbicide Program: $9.66/acre
Dominant weed species: silverleaf nightshade, prairie sunflower, johnsongrass
Due to lack of significant weed pressure at this site, a conventional herbicide program was used on all varieties. No post applications were necessary, and minimal hoeing and spot spraying was required. The herbicide program consisted of 1 pt/acre Treflan applied preplant incorporated. An additional 4 oz/acre of Treflan and 8 oz/acre of Caparol (broadcast basis, but applied on a 10-inch band, in other words, the treated area on the band received 16 oz/acre Treflan and 32 oz/acre Caparol). The total cost for this herbicide program was $9.66 per acre (Table 3). One uniform cultivation was performed across all varieties.
Moderate beet armyworm pressure was observed at this site, and two applications for control of that pest were made during the growing season. This site was located in a boll weevil eradication zone.
Varieties planted at this site included:
1. Paymaster HS 26
2. Paymaster 2326RR
3. Paymaster 2326BG/RR
4. Paymaster 2200RR
5. Paymaster 2280BG/RR
6. All-Tex Atlas RR
7. Stoneville 4892BR
8. Stoneville BXN 47
9. Fiber Max 989
10. AFD 2050
11. Deltapine 237B
