Project Number: 6235-41000-006-03
Project Type: Trust

Start Date: Apr 01, 2002
End Date: Dec 31, 2004

Objective:
The overall project goal is to develop an alternative defoliation method for special cotton production needs such as organic, late season spot insect control or growing near urban areas. The object of this study is to compare defoliation (leaf drop) using a self propelled thermal defoliator to defoliation resulting from a conventional tank mix of desiccant, defoliant and boll opener and to no treatment (green picked) in three cotton varieties in three states. Insect mortality and seed and fiber properties for each treatment will be contrasted. Fuel consumption, field efficiency and other economic data will continue to be collected. We expect favorable publicity to continue, as well.

Approach:
A two-row defoliator will be constructed such that its 15 foot long towed passageways, burner and air handling system are suspended beneath a self-propelled vehicle platform. An on-board propane tank will supply a 2.5 million BTU/hr propane burner. Fans will force heated air into the crop canopy through one inch diameter nozles at 2450 ft/min . Air will be recirculated to reduce fuel consumption. Various burner set point temperatures and ground speeds will comprise a central composite experimental design. Two control treatments will be used to gage defoliation effectiveness, both green pick (no treatment) and chemical defoliation. We anticipate trials and demonstrations in several fields in several states. It will also be tried in two varieties of chile peppers.

Project Team

Funk, Paul

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003