Defoliation, Sanitation, and Mystery Seeds

Howdy,

Sprouting Cotton in Wharton County
Photo: Ben Crumley

  We've gotten a good bit of rain here recently, and while it's been good for our pastures, it has put a damper on harvest. There have been a few scattered reports of cotton sprouting scattered around in places that have stayed wet.
  Defoliation time is approaching, and I've seen a few spots already started in all three counties. You can find cotton defoliation information here:

https://agrilife.org/texasrowcrops/2019/08/02/east-and-south-texas-cotton-harvest-aids-the-art-and-science/

https://news.utcrops.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/W376_2019_.pdf

https://wharton.agrilife.org/2017/08/09/2017-cotton-harvest-aid-rating/

Mystery Seeds from China
Washington State Department of Agriculture

  Reports of mystery seeds coming in the mail have been on the news lately, and we've received reports of it occurring in Texas. There is concern that these could be invasive species, and have unknown consequences if any of the plants establish. They may be noxious weeds and could cause problems for our agriculture industry. If you get seeds in the mail, please do not plant them or throw them away. Please report the package to USDA-APHIS. All incidences of these packages in Texas should be reported to Carol Motloch, USDA-APHIS' Texas Plant Protection and Quarantine state operations coordinator. Their phone lines are busy, so email is preferred. If you send an email, include: a description of the package information, a photo of the label and material if possible, and your contact information (email and phone number).

 USDA-APHIS contact:
Phone: (512) 916-5241

Email for Carol Motloch:
carol.m.motloch@usda.gov


  This year the quarantine lines for the Texas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation have changed. Wharton, Jackson, and Matagorda county are all in the functionally eradicated (blue) zone. This information is important if you're moving equipment out of the quarantined zone or from the functionally eradicated zone to the eradicated zone. Please check out their flyer below, and give them a call if you have questions.

Stay dry out there, and as always contact our office if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Kate Crumley