Efficacy of EMD Crop Bioscience products on cotton stand and yield M. S. Reddy, R. Bowman and R. Osburn Dept. of Entomology & Plant Pathology, Auburn University, AL & EMD Crop Bioscience, Milwaukee, WI EMD Crop Bioscience, Milwaukee, WI

Objective : The objective of this study was evaluate the effect of several EMD CropBioScience LCO treatments, applied on seed, in-furrow and foliar, for their affect on emergence, plant growth and yield.The objective of this study was evaluate the effect of several EMD CropBioScience LCO treatments, applied on seed, in-furrow and foliar, for their affect on emergence, plant growth and yield. In particular, this evaluation focused on the LCO seed treatment Bolt in comparison to other modes of application and LCO productsIn particular, this evaluation focused on the LCO seed treatment Bolt in comparison to other modes of application and LCO products

What is Bolt is a patented LCO ( Lipo-chitooligosaccharide) promoter technology for seed application on cotton. It is a naturally occurring signal molecule that initiates and enhances cell division and growth in both root and shoot, immediately and independent of soil conditions. When applied to cotton seed, the LCO molecule enhances growth processes, resulting in a strong, early start. This effect lasts season-long, ultimately resulting in end of season lint yield.

Field Trials Site: Wiregrass Research Station, Headland, AL during 2006 and 2007 Field Site History: Corn – Cotton - Corn rotation Sandy Loam Soil Overhead Irrigation Auburn University Experimental Station Agronomic Practices

Experimental Plan: Products supplied by EMD Crop Biosciences Products treated on site to seed or in-furrow or foliar as required Bolt treated to seed at the rate of 4 fl oz/100 lb seed 4 Replications, RCBD Each Plot: 4 Rows, 25 ft. long Mechanically 4-5 seeds/ft Cotton Seed Variety: Round-Up Ready, DPL 555

During 2006: Planted cotton DPL 555 B/RR and applied 5lbs/ac Temik in-furrow Sprayed 1 qt/ac Roundup Applied 90 lbs/ac N +90 lbs/ac K +20 lbs/ac S Sprayed 1 oz/ac Aim Sprayed 1oz/ac Aim + 1 pt/ac Crop Oil Concentrate Picked cotton

During 2007: Cotton Planted: 04/23/2007 Picked: 10/22/2007 Agronomic Practices similar to 2006

Control Control Bolt Cotton Vigor under field conditions during 2006

Control Bolt Cotton Boll Count in 2006

Stand & Growth Measurements 2006 Treatment Stand Count 25 ft Vigor(1-5) Shoot Fresh Weight (g) Root Fresh Weight (g) Control Bolt 89.7* 89.7* 4.0* 4.0* * 2.5* LSD P =

2006 Height & Boll Counts TreatmentHeight/plant Avg. 10 plants Boll count/plant Avg. 10 plants Control Bolt 56.7* 56.7* 32.5* 32.5* LSD P =

2006 Cotton Yields Treatment Yield/P lot (lbs) Seed Cotton (lb/A) Lint Cotton (lb/A) % Diff from Control Control Bolt LSD P =

Stand & Growth Measurements 2007 TreatmentStandCount 25 ft Vigor(1-5) Root Fresh Weight (g) Shoot Fresh Weights (g) Control Bolt58.3*4.0* LSD P =

2007 Height & Boll Counts Treatment Boll Count/Plant Avg. 12 plants Control fl oz/cwt 45.7* LSD P =

Treatment Yield (lb/A) Seed Cotton Yield (lb/A) Lint Cotton % Change from control Control Bolt *1141.3*18.6 LSD P = Cotton Yields

Summary: The use of Bolt™ as a seed treatment on cotton has shown a positive affect on early season growth parameters essential in stand establishment and plant health prior to fruiting. In these studies, the increase in plant growth significantly contributed to increases in yield. Bolt™ shows promise for further study. The use of Bolt™ as a seed treatment on cotton has shown a positive affect on early season growth parameters essential in stand establishment and plant health prior to fruiting. In these studies, the increase in plant growth significantly contributed to increases in yield. Bolt™ shows promise for further study.