Evaluation of on-farm tests indicates better value per acre for D&PL varieties

The best strategy for nematode-infested fields this year is to put down a proven insecticide or seed treatment for the soil-borne pests and plant top-performing cotton varieties from Delta and Pine Land Company (D&PL).

Based on an extensive evaluation of on-farm variety test locations completed by D&PL Technical Services, the new D&PL cotton varieties — DP 445 BG/RR and DP 455 BG/RR — out-performed ST 5599BR in fields with above-threshold levels of both reniform and root knot nematodes.

D&PL Technical Services researched more than 200 on-farm test locations from across the United States to locate trials that compared these varieties on fields that had above-threshold levels of both nematode species. For this comparison, abovethreshold level for root knot was determined to be 150 nematodes per 150 cc of soil,
and above-threshold for reniform was determined to be 500 nematodes per 150 cc of soil. There were 14 locations with DP 445 BG/RR versus ST 5599BR planted on fields with above-threshold levels of root knot, and 17 locations planted on fields with above-threshold levels of reniform nematodes. For DP 455 BG/RR versus ST
5599BR, 11 locations were found planted on fields with above-threshold levels of root knot, and 13 locations were found planted on fields with above-threshold levels of reniform nematodes.

The comparisons showed the new D&PL stacked-gene varieties delivered better value per acre due to higher average lint yields and better average fiber quality across the locations. The average crop value for DP 445 BG/RR at root knot locations was $678 per acre, 8.2 percent greater than ST 5599BR. At reniform locations, the average crop value of DP 445 BG/RR was $547 per acre, a staggering 13.4 percent greater than the competitor. The average crop value of DP 455 BG/RR was $606 per acre at the root knot locations and $523 per acre at the reniform locations, a 2.9 percent and 6.1 percent advantage respectively over ST 5599BR.

“ST 5599BR is marketed as being tolerant to root knot nematodes, but the data shows the D&PL varieties out-performed ST 5599BR in test locations planted in above-threshold levels of reniform and root knot nematodes,” points out Ken Lege, Technical Services Regional Director for D&PL. “DP 445 BG/RR and DP 455 BG/RR graded better than the competitor and offered higher yield potential averaged over these locations. The fact that these two D&PL varieties performed so well at locations with high nematode pressure suggests they may have some tolerance to the pests.”

DP 445 BG/RR is an early- to mid-maturity variety with semi-smooth leaves and fair storm resistance. It has demonstrated outstanding potential for both high yield and premium fiber quality in testing across the U.S. Cotton Belt. DP 455 BG/RR is a midmaturity variety with smooth leaves and very good storm resistance. This variety has also demonstrated outstanding potential for both high yield and premium fiber quality. It has been in particularly strong demand in Texas after good performance last season.

Because of their maturities, both DP 445 BG/RR and DP 455 BG/RR make great companion products to the leading D&PL cotton varieties, DP 444 BG/RR and DP 555 BG/RR. For producers who want strong potential for high yields and premium grades in 2006, both DP 445 BG/RR and DP 455 BG/RR are excellent choices.

“Before deciding how to approach the worst nematode-infested fields this year consider the facts: both DP 445 BG/RR and DP 455 BG/RR have demonstrated excellent performances in situations where root knot and reniform nematodes were a problem,” Lege says.

D&PL cotton seed is packaged in standard bags containing a minimum of 250,000 seeds, and 8-million-seed Boll Box bulk delivery systems. To place seed orders, call Customer Service at 1-888-511-SEED (7333).

Delta and Pine Land Company is a commercial breeder, producer and marketer of cotton planting seed, as well as soybean seed, in the Cotton Belt. For almost 90 years, the company has used its extensive plant breeding programs, drawing from a diverse germplasm base, to develop improved cotton varieties. Delta and Pine Land
Company (NYSE: DLP), headquartered in Scott, Mississippi, has offices in eight states and facilities in several foreign countries.

D&PL and Deltapine are registered trademarks of Delta and Pine Land Company. “Yield. Fiber. More.” is a trademark of Delta and Pine Land Company.
Bollgard®, Roundup Ready® and Bollgard II® are registered trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC and used under license.