FARM ADVISOR AND SPECIALIST VARIETY TRIALS IN THE SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY

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1 University of California California Cotton Review The Newsletter of the UC Cooperative Extension Cotton Advisors Volume 53 January 2000 In This Issue Farm Advisor and Specialist Trials in the San Joaquin Valley Trial Information / UCCE Cotton Web Site Winter Cotton Production Meeting Announcement Conservation Tillage Meeting Announcement Visit our web site at: cottoninfo.ucdavis.edu Cooperative Extension FARM ADVISOR AND SPECIALIST VARIETY TRIALS IN THE SAN JOAQUIN VEY Bob Hutmacher, Ron Vargas, Bill Weir, Steve Wright, Bruce Roberts, Dan Munk, Brian Marsh, Mark Keeley, Raul Delgado The variety picture for CA cotton certainly became much more complicated for the 1999 season, with relatively large acreages planted with Approved Acalas, Approved Pimas, CA Uplands, CA Pima and experimental varieties. This first full year of such broad options also meant a much more complex set of variety trials. We will attempt, in this issue of the California Cotton Review to summarize results from the trials in which the University of CA has a primary role. There certainly is additional data also available from the seed companies, as well as individual growers who were doing their own comparisons this past year. All available sources of information should prove useful in making informed and reasonable choices on how much of your acreage to devote to each variety. Approach Used in Determining Entries in Trials. Approved Acala Trials. These tests were conducted by UCCE Farm Advisors and Extension Specialist and staff to provide continuing large-scale evaluations of some varieties already approved by the San Joaquin Valley Cotton Board (SJVCB). Tests were supported by a grant from the State Support Committee of Cotton Incorporated. It is important to note that not all varieties currently approved for the SJV are in these approved trials. In Acala tests, entries included varieties newly-approved by SJVCB for the current year, varieties released last year that are in their second year of testing, plus the top 6 or 7 previously-approved varieties (in terms of planted acreage). New varieties are the focus of tests, but only remain in the tests for the first two years following release unless the variety moves into the top 6 or 7 varieties in planted acreage. Some exceptions to this rule were made based upon recommendations of individual seed companies that some varieties are for limited markets or varieties they see as of declining interest. For some of these reasons, you will not see recent yield results for varieties such as DP-6100, CPCSD-NemX, CPCSD Acala Royale or Germain s GC-510. In each case, more recently-released varieties have been substituted in the tests even if actual planted acreage is smaller. After consulting with some grower representatives of the Cotton Incorporated State Support Committee, we decided to also include two CA Upland varieties (DPL- Nucotton-33B and Stoneville BXN-47) in the Approved Acala tests in order to provide more locations for comparison of specific CA Upland varieties with Approved Acalas. Approved Pima Trials. The approach for Pima varieties has been similar, but fewer entries are retained in the tests than in Acala trials. Some varieties have lower long-term yield performance (such as S-6) and have been excluded from most tests to avoid yield losses in grower fields. Other varieties (such as Conquistador and Oro Blanco) are grown on such limited acreage, they were not retained in 1999 tests in order to keep experiment size manageable for the very limited funds available for these tests. California Upland Trials. A testing program was initiated in 1999 (with financial support from participating seed companies). Two specific testing programs were initiated: (1) a multi-county

2 (6 location) study with large field plots in grower fields (hereafter referred to as the CA Upland Large-Scale test), and (2) a smaller-scale study (3 locations, small field plots feet in length) for screening purposes (hereafter called the Advanced Strains CA Upland test). Seed companies were allowed a maximum of 2 entries per company in the Large-Scale trials, and 3 entries in the Advanced Strains trials. The choice of varieties entered was made by the seed companies. For comparison purposes, two Acala varieties (CPCSD Maxxa and Phytogen-33) were included in these tests. Measurements and Sampling. All plots were machine harvested for yield measurements, with six pound seedcotton samples ginned at Shafter REC. Fiber samples were sent to the USDA Classing Office for HVI fiber quality analyses. Twentyfive plants were evaluated per replication in several varieties in each test for presence/absence of vascular streaking and leaf discoloration as an index of incidence of Verticilium wilt. Although incidence of Verticilium wilt was very limited in the Approved Acala and most CA Upland tests in 1999, these evaluations were still done. Since the Verticilium wilt tolerance of non-acala Uplands is either not known or less than in most Acala varieties, evaluations were also done on BXN-47 and Nucotton-33B. This data has also not yet been summarized. The incidence of Verticilium wilt was generally quite low in these test locations, but additional comments will be withheld until evaluations from each site are fully analyzed. This information, plus lint quality HVI data, and information on soil types, location and management at all test sites will be available in mid-february at the University of CA Cooperative Extension cotton website "cottoninfo.ucdavis.edu" (see Announcement on the last page of this publication). UCCE Approved Acala Trials Ten approved Acala varieties plus two California Upland varieties (for comparison) were planted in "Approved Acala" tests in Varieties included are shown in Table 1. California Upland varieties included in all but one test location (Kings County) were DPL Nucotton- 33B and Stoneville BXN-47. Tests were located in each of the six San Joaquin Valley cotton-producing counties, plus the Shafter and West Side Research and Extension Centers of the University of CA. Tests in grower fields were large, with individual entries grown in 6 to 8 row width plots averaging 1000 to 1300 feet or more in length. Studies had 4 replications in randomized complete block designs. Studies at West Side and Shafter locations were smaller, with plots 4 rows in width by 300 feet length. Planting dates, soil type and management practices varied across the locations and with grower differences in inputs and management approach. Lint yields in the Approved Acala variety trials in 1999 averaged 1552 lbs/acre (in the 7 locations with all 12 entries). In comparing across recent years in the UCCE Approved Acala trials, 1999 averages were 42% higher than the 1092 lbs/acre average of 1998, 66% higher than the 1995 average (935 lbs/acre), 15% higher than the 1996 average (1353 lbs lint/acre), and 2% higher than the 1997 average (1525 lbs/acre). The average yields across farm locations in these variety trials is almost 280 lbs/acre higher than the USDA estimates for statewide average yields (about 1272 lbs/acre in CDFA/USDA estimates of December 17. Statistical separation of variety yields is indicated by the LSD (least significant difference) test results. Lint yields and gin turnouts which are separated by the amount shown in the LSD column (or more) were statistically different. Acala Varietal Performance and Comparison with Two CA Uplands. Looking across the 7 locations where there was a CA Upland / Acala comparison, and the 8 locations comparing Acala entries, two varieties had statistically higher yields than Maxxa (Table 1). BXN-47 yields were 6.0 percent (93 lbs/acre) higher than Maxxa, while GTO Maxxa yields were 3.7 percent (58 lbs/acre) higher than Maxxa. GC-500 was 2.2 percent (34 lbs/acre) higher, DP-6207 yields were 1.7 percent (26 lbs/acre) higher than average Maxxa yields, and Phytogen-33 yields were 1.0 percent (15 lbs/acre), but these were not statistically different. All other varieties produced 94 to 99 percent of Maxxa yields. Compared with the relative yield performance of several CA Upland varieties (relative to Maxxa and other Acalas) in the 1998 trials (when some CA Upland entries outyielded Acala standards by 10 to 30 percent), the yields of the two CA Upland entries in these 1999 tests were within +/- 6 percent of the Maxxa standard Acala variety in Gin turnouts were moderate compared with recent years, with an average over locations and varieties being 34.9 percent in 1999 versus 32.6 percent (1998) and 36.2 percent (1997). California Cotton Review Page 2

3 Table 1. Lint yields, gin turnouts, statistical analyses in 1999 Acala Approved Trials (10 Approved Acala entries plus two CA Upland varieties (DPL-Nucott-33B and BXN-47 for comparison) at only 7 of the original 8 locations). Data shown for Acala entries is for all 8 locations, and statistics shown are for the 12-variety tests, with the exception of Kings County. Seed Company 40 Shafter 40 West Side 40 Kern 40 Kings 38 Tulare 38 Fresno 30 Madera 30 Merced Lint (lbs /ac) Lint Mean Gin T.O. CPCSD Maxxa CPCSD GTO Maxxa Phytogen Phy Delta Pine &Land DP CPCSD SJ Germains GC CPCSD C Delta Pine DP Buttonwillow BR CPCSD C Delta Pine &LandCo Nucott- 33B **(not in test) ** (not calc.) site ave 32.4 Stoneville Seed BXN **(not in test) ** (not calc.) site ave **1538 (7-site) LSD (7-site) C.V. (%) P LSD = least significant difference between yields required to be significantly different at the 5% level of signficance; C.V. = coefficienct of variation; P = probability VARIETY by LOCATION (for yields): (LSD 0.05 = 136; C.V. (%) = 6.3; P = 0.000) ** no DPL Nucotton-33B or Stoneville BXN-47 at Kings site, therefore, no overall average calculated, just 7-site average for % of Maxxa yield Long-Term Evaluations and Comparisons. In order to keep yield data in perspective, it is useful to look at the long term, relative yield performance of varieties. Table 2 shows lint yields Maxxa standard) during the period from 1994 through 1999 using combined data from UCCE Farm Advisor trials plus San Joaquin Valley Cotton Board tests (see Table caption for more information). In addition, available yields (shown as % of Maxxa yield) over the 1994 through 1999 period are shown in Table 2 with data separated into averages for south SJV (Shafter, Kern and Tulare data), central SJV (Fresno and Kings data), and north SJV (Madera and Merced data). Although this grouping is somewhat arbitrary, this analysis still indicates that the relative ranking of varieties can vary across the SJV, and growers may want to look carefully at location differences in evaluating variety performance data from UCCE and the San Joaquin Valley Cotton Board (SJVCB). Earlier copies of Approved trials and SJVCB results can be reviewed to provide actual yield data by locations. California Cotton Review Page 3

4 Table 2. Lint yields of Approved Acala varieties ( ) Maxxa yield). Values were determined from data from 7 to 8 locations per year in either Farm Advisor trials or SJVCB trials. Values shown in italics and outlined are from San Joaquin Valley Cotton Board tests in years prior to approval of variety. All other values shown were determined in multi-location "Approved Acala" variety trials of the University of CA Cooperative Extension Farm Advisors and Specialist. "Blank" areas in the table indicate that the varieties were not included in tests (either because they were not yet released (more recent varieties) or because acreage was limited and earlier testing had been done (older varieties) Lint s 1995 Lint s 1996 Lint s 1997 Lint s 1998 Lint s 1999 Lint s Shafter, Kern & Tulare County s WSREC Fresno & Kings County s Madera and Merced County s Maxxa GC * 93 * 89 * 93 * Royale * 97 * 91 * 96 * SJ Phytogen- 33 All Sites s GC * 99 * 92 * 97 * DP * 97 * 89 * 96 * DP * 103 * 98 * 103 * DP * 104 * 101 * 104 * DP * 95 * 88 * 93 * CPCSD C-141 GTO Maxxa * 103 * 95 * 100 * * 107 * 98 * 104 * GC * 97 * 96 * 98 * GC * 97 * 90 * 95 * El Dorado * 98 * 89 * 95 * GC * 95 * 88 * 93 * GC * 98 * 93 * 97 * BR * 98 * 95 * 98 * CPCSD C * 91 * 93 * 94 * CB-305 ** * 101 * 99 * 102 * CPCSD Prema * 92 * 87 * 91 * DP * 100 * 82 * 90 * Kings Acala * 92 * 86 * 91 * in tests - in lbs lint/a California Cotton Review Page 4 * = less than 6-years test results; ** = variety no longer available

5 UCCE Approved Pima Tests Objectives of Pima studies were also to evaluate approved varieties under different environmental conditions and management. The number of test locations was expanded considerably in 1998 and 1999 in response to increasing Pima plantings and the need for a broader base of information on varietal performance. Pima variety trials had limited financial support in 1999, supported largely from general research funds of UCCE Specialists and Farm Advisors, and in part through grants from the California Crop Improvement Association. Two test locations (Shafter and West Side Research and Extension Ctrs. of the Univ. of CA) were used with 8 varieties in the 1999 trials, plus four additional locations where growers agreed to include 6 varieties. The four large-scale test sites were on grower-cooperator locations in Kern, Kings, Fresno and Merced counties. Approved Pima varieties included in the tests are shown in Tables 3 and 4. The Fresno County site is separated in the results due to the test location at a a site with significant soil salinity problems, and the large differences across replications within that test (note high C.V. (Coefficient of Variation) at that test location, Table 4). Results for the six varieties grown at five locations are shown in Table 3, data for the eight varieties at two locations in Table 4, and yields at the Fresno County saline site are in Table 4. Table 3. Lint yields (in lbs/acre) by test location and average gin turnout for each variety in 1999 Pima Approved Trial (5 locations with 6 varieties evaluated). Seed Company Shafter REC West Side REC ** Kern ** Kings Merced Lint (lbs lint / acre) Lint (as % of S-7) Gin Turnout ( % ) Public S Delta Pine & Land Company Buttonwillow Research DP-HTO CH Phytogen Phytogen Delta Pine & Land Company University of Arizona DP-White Pima UA LSD C.V. ( % ) P VARIETY by LOCATION interaction (for yields): (LSD 0.05 = 159; C.V. (%) = 8.9; P = 0.000) ** = includes first and second picks at these sites Across all locations and varieties, 1195 lbs of lint per acre were produced in the Pima Approved Trials this year, compared with 791 lbs/acre (1998), 1703 lbs/acre (1997) and 1256 lbs/acre in 1996 trials. Planting dates in 1999 trials ranged from April 12 to April 27, and plants in most locations suffered from delayed development and flowering due to cool conditions that prevailed into mid-june. Pest problems (lygus in some locations, spider mites in three sites) were causes of moderate early and mid-season losses in at least three locations. Data from multiple years should be considered in making variety choices, as one year s data may not represent long-term performance. For instance, CH-252 performance in yield tests has been similar to S-7 in many locations and numerous years prior to 1999, but 1999 yields were significantly lower. More complete comparisons of varietal yield performance across different years (1992 through 1999) will be available later in February, 2000 at the University of CA cotton web site previously mentioned. California Cotton Review Page 5

6 Table 4. Lint yields (in lbs/acre) by test location and average gin turnout for each variety in 1999 Pima Approved Trial at West Side REC and Shafter REC (2 locations with 8 varieties evaluated) plus Fresno County location (saline site with 6 varieties evaluated). Seed Company Shafter REC West Side REC * Mean Lint (lbs lint / acre) Ave. Lint (as % of S-7) Gin Turnout ( % ) Fresno County Lint (lbs / acre) Fresno Gin Turnout ( % ) Public DeltaPine & Land Co Buttonwillow Research S DP-HTO CH Phytogen Phy Delta Pine & Land Co DP-White Pima University Of Arizona UA Phytogen Conquistador Public S LSD C.V. ( % ) P VARIETY by LOCATION interaction (for yields at Shafter and WSREC sites): (LSD 0.05 = NS; C.V. (%) = 11.0; P = 0.118) * = first and second picks included at this site UCCE CA Upland Tests Objectives in these trials were to begin to develop a University of CA data base on yield performance and quality characteristics of CA Upland varieties now available to CA growers. The purpose of the two tests ( CA Upland Large- Scale versus Advanced Strains tests) and for including two Acala entries (CPCSD Maxxa and Phytogen-33 ) in the tests was to get a broad range of varieties in replicated tests, continuing and expanding the comparisons initiated by the San Joaquin Valley Cotton Board in the 1998 so-called Barn-Burner tests. In reviewing the data, it is important to take note of several things: (1) this is one-year data for the 1999 season; (2) data in Table 5 is from the Large Scale trial, with large tests in grower fields; (3) data in Table 6 is from the Advanced Strains tests (small plots at only three locations). As stated previously, until more is known regarding long-term yield performance, quality characteristics and Verticilium resistance, some caution should be exercised in interpreting this year s yield data, and growers should also consult other available sources of data on these varieties. We felt it was important to include data from both Large Scale and Advanced Strains trials this year, since any of these varieties could be brought into CA if seed companies make them available. Although relative performance of varieties (yield ranking relative to other varieties) was fairly consistent across locations in many entries in the Large California Cotton Review Page 6

7 Scale test, it is worth noting the great variability in relative ranking of varieties (by yield) in the Advanced Strains trials, where Acala entries were near the bottom in yield ranking at two of the sites, but at the top at the third site. More complete comparisons of varietal yield performance across different years (1998 in SJVCB trials versus 1999) will be available later in February, 2000 at the University of CA web site previously mentioned. Table 5. Lint yields (in lbs/acre) by test location and average gin turnout for each variety in 1999 California Upland LARGE SCALE Trial (6 locations with 1 Acala variety ( and 17 California Upland varieties, with 2 additional varieties (Phytogen-33 (Acala) and GC-204 (CA Upland) missing from one location each. Company / Kern Kings *** Tulare ** Fresno Madera Merced *** Mean Lint (lbs lint / acre) Mean Lint (as% of Mean Gin Turnout ( % ) CPCSD Maxxa Phytogen *** *** not calc site avg AgrEvo Fiber-Max AgrEvo ACSI IF AgriPro AP AgriPro AP Stoneville BXN Olvey & Assoc.. OA Buttonwillow BR-C Buttonwillow BR-C Paymaster PM-1560BG Phytogen PSC Phytogen GA Delta Pine NuCotton 33-B Delta Pine 448-B Suregrow SG Suregrow SG Helena Cotton HCR Helena Cotton HCR Germains GC-400BG Germains GC *** *** not calc (no Phy-33) (no GC-204) site avg LSD 0.05 (6 county aver.) C.V. ( % ) (6 county aver.) ** this location includes first and second picks *** no Phy-33 at Kings location, no Germains GC-204 at Merced site, therefore, no overall average calculated, just 5-site average for % of Maxxa yld.variety by LOCATION interaction (for yields): (LSD 0.05 = 126; C.V. (%) = 11.3; P = 0.002) California Cotton Review Page 7

8 Table 6. Lint yields (in lbs/acre) by test location and average gin turnout for each variety in 1999 California Upland Advanced Strains Trial (3 locations with 2 Acala varieties [Maxxa and Phytogen-33] and 26 California Upland varieties). Seed Company Shafter REC West Side REC Merced County Site Lint (lbs lint / acre) Lint Maxxa ) Shafter West Side Merced 3- loc. REC REC Avg. Gin Turnout CPCSD Maxxa Phytogen Phy AgrEvo ACSI Expo AgrEvo ACSI Expo AgrEvo ACSI Expo AgriPro APX AgriPro APX AgriPro AP Olvey & Assoc OA Olvey & Assoc OA Buttonwillow BR Buttonwillow BR Buttonwillow BR Paymaster PM-1560 BG/RR Phytogen PSC Phytogen HS Phytogen PSC Delta Pine Topaz Delta Pine Pearl Suregrow SG Suregrow SG Helena Cotton HCR Helena Cotton HCR Helena Cotton HCR Germains GC Germains GC Germains GC Pure Genetics VT LSD 0.05 NS ( % ) C.V. ( % ) 3-county analysis VARIETY by LOCATION interaction (for yields): (LSD 0.05 = NS; C.V. (%) = 13.4; P = 0.571) California Cotton Review Page 8

9 Information on San Joaquin Valley Cotton Board Results and Lint Quality Information on all 1999 Trials Another issue of the California Cotton Review will be published during the month of February, It will include information on several important topics that would not fit into this variety trial issue, including: trial results from the San Joaquin Valley Cotton Board (both Pima and Acala tests) Lint quality (HVI data) on the variety trials covered in this January issue (Approved Acala, Approved Pima, and CA Upland variety trials) 1999 Growing season review (weather and crop yield summary, pest assessment, acreage figures) Some of this information scheduled for the February issue will be available also on the new University of CA cotton web site (cottoninfo.ucdavis.edu) as early as mid-february (see ANNOUNCEMENT section below). ANNOUNCEMENTS VARIETY TRIAL INFORMATION / UCCE COTTON WEB SITE. trial information from this year s Approved Acala, Approved Pima and CA Uplands trials will be some of the first information to be put on the new University of CA cotton web site. The basic yield information presented in this issue of the CA Cotton Review should be available starting about February 10, with the HVI quality information following within about a week or less. UCCE staff intend to develop this site over the course of the year to include more information and updates useful to growers / PCA s. It already has recent issues of the CA Cotton Review, Field Check, and Quick Check posted: The web site address is: cottoninfo.ucdavis.edu Please call Brian Marsh (661) or Bob Hutmacher (661) with questions. WINTER COTTON PRODUCTION MEETING FEBRUARY 16. The CA Cotton Growers Association Annual Meeting will again be held in conjunction with the University of CA Cooperative Extension Winter Cotton Production Meeting on Wednesday, February 16 th at the Visalia Convention Center. Please contact your Farm Advisor for details, or register by FAX to the CCGA office (FAX: (559) ). See you there! CONSERVATION TILLAGE MEETING focus is on Conservation Tillage Success Stories from around the U.S. Speakers from industry and research in CA as well as many other states. Thursday (Feb. 10), 8:30 4:00 (West Side REC, Five Points) Ph: (559) Friday (Feb. 11), 8:30 4:00 (Western Ctr. For Agric. Exper., Davis) Ph: (530) SPECIAL THANKS to the many growers, seed companies and others who helped in these variety trials and our other field studies in The variety trials took up a lot of space and required our cooperators to change many Support for this publication is provided by California Cotton Growers through their Cotton Incorporated State Support Program. California Cotton Review Page 9

10 Disclaimer Discussion of research findings necessitates using trade names. This does not constitute product endorsement, nor does it suggest products not listed would not be suitable for use. Some research results included involve use of chemicals which are not currently registered for use, or may involve use which would be considered out of label. These results are reported but are not a recommendation from the University of California for use. Consult the label and use it as the basis of all recommendations. The University of California Cooperative Extension Cotton Advisors and Specialists Web site: cottoninfo.ucdavis.edu Any individual requiring accommodations should contact the advisor in advance. Statewide Bob Hutmacher (661) Area Pete Goodell (559) Fresno Dan Munk (559) Kern Brian Marsh (661) Kings Bruce Roberts (559) Madera Ron Vargas (559) Merced Bill Weir (209) Tulare Steve Wright (559) Glenn Doug Munier (530) The University of California, in accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, medical condition (cancer related), ancestry, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran or special disabled veteran. The University also prohibits sexual harassment. Inquiries regarding the University s nondiscrimination policies may be directed to the Affirmative Action Director, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 1111 Franklin Street, 6th Floor, Oakland, CA