PCA Exam Defoliants Defoliation|Latest Update

PCA Exam Defoliants Defoliation|Latest Update Defoliation Leaf loss or leaf absicisson. In cotton production, it usually refers to leaf loss associated with application of a chemical that injures the leaf. Defoliation can also occur through natural leaf maturation and senessence, particularly with cooling weather after boll development Desiccation acclereated drying of plant tissue Harvest Aid Chemical chemicals with various modes of action that facilitate machine harvest by influencing boll opening, reducing the ammount of foilage retained on plants at harvest, speeding tissue dessication, and controlling regrowth List reason for using harvest aids -Prepare cotton for harvest in a more predictable and timely manner -Help straighten lodged plants for better drying and picking -Reduce the number of high-moisture-content green leaves, which otherwise would lower fiber grade -Can stimulate and enhance boll opening and increase yield and quality -can reduce leaf trash and other impurities at harvest and in the gin -improve the uniformity of boll opening and maturity required for mechanical harvested cotton -reduce the chances of fiber damage due to high water content in modules of harvested cotton -Reduce lint losses associated with excessive need for cleaners during ginning when cotton has higher trash content -Promote a more uniform preperation and condition of cotton that can improve the speed of ginning -Improve efficency in use of labor and equipment for harvest -Allow havrest during more favorable conditions -Reduce the amount of time lint is exposed to late season insect pests, under certain conditions -Allow more time to prepare the ground and equipment for the subsequent crop Advantages of manipulating harvest timing -Works around growers schedule