Cotton > Year-Round IPM Program > Early Squaring > Monitoring Cotton Growth

Cotton

Monitor Cotton Growth—Early Squaring

Arrangement of branches and fruiting positions on a cotton plant.

Plant monitoring (or mapping) provides a system to evaluate the growth and development of cotton plants throughout the season. You can use this information to fine tune management practices for the current crop stage. Many pest management decisions must be made at specific growth stages, and plant mapping helps you time them precisely. Plant measurements and calculations for making management decisions change as the plant develops.

Plant monitoring during early squaring focuses on plant vigor and square retention. Measure:

For more information about making these measurements and for recording forms, ask your local farm advisor. You can also check the UCCE Cotton Production Information site for details on how to apply monitoring information for:

  • Plant growth regulator applications
  • Lygus treatments
  • Irrigation decisions

Important links

Related Information

Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
All contents copyright © 2013 The Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved.

For noncommercial purposes only, any Web site may link directly to this page. FOR ALL OTHER USES or more information, read Legal Notices. Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual solutions to specific pest problems. See our Home page, or in the U.S., contact your local Cooperative Extension office for assistance. /PMG/C114/m114scmonctngrth.html revised: May 17, 2013. Contact webmaster.