Weeds AR Wild S6 Ep5: Cotton and Peanut Programs (6-15-26)
Cotton and peanut producers in Arkansas are navigating a complex landscape of shifting acreage, volatile prices, and persistent weed challenges — with cotton acreage likely to dip below last year’s half-million mark despite a brief price spike to 84 cents a pound in May. Dr. Zachary Treadway, the state’s cotton specialist, confirms that while the crop is generally in good condition, a delayed planting window due to wet weather forced some fields to be replanted, creating a 'two-start' crop. The real battleground now is weed control, especially glyphosate-resistant Johnson grass and volunteer soybeans, with growers increasingly relying on strategic herbicide combinations like Liberty + glufosinate and post-emergence applications of paraquat with Ultra Blazer and Basagran. For peanuts, the focus is on early, layered weed control — particularly with group 15 herbicides — and monitoring for failed inoculation, which can be rescued with a nitrogen 'spoon feed' of 100–150 units. Despite limited post-emergence options, the key to success remains a strong pre-emergence foundation. A field day is tentatively scheduled for August 5th in Newport, Arkansas, to showcase progress and offer growers a chance to learn and enjoy a meal together.
Cotton acreage in Arkansas is projected at ~400,000 nationwide, but likely to decrease from last year’s 500,000 acres due to price volatility and delayed planting.
Post-emergence control of Johnson grass requires glyphosate-resistant strategies: use Liberty or glufosinate plus Roundup for best results.
Volunteer soybeans are best managed with Invoke at 0.15 oz/acre after cotton reaches five true leaves, but avoid overuse due to plant growth regulator effects.
For peanuts, a strong pre-emergence program with Valor, Outlook, and break combinations is critical — failure to establish this foundation makes post-emergence control nearly impossible.
Check for failed peanut inoculation 4–5 weeks after planting by inspecting taproots for 15–25 pinkish-red active nodules; if absent, apply 100–150 units of nitrogen as a rescue shot.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Cotton Acreage and Crop Condition Overview
Tom Barber welcomes Dr. Zachary Treadway to discuss cotton acreage projections, crop condition, and the impact of price spikes and wet planting weather on this year's crop.
Cotton Planting Delays and the 'Two-Start' Crop
Due to wet weather in mid-April, many cotton fields were replanted, creating a 'two-start' crop. Despite this, the crop is now in good to good-plus condition across most of the state.
Nitrogen Management and Sprayer Contamination
Dr. Treadway advocates for split nitrogen applications to avoid excess nitrogen and defoliation complications. He also highlights the growing issue of sprayer contamination from mixed chemicals and improper cleaning.
Weed Control: Volunteer Soybeans and Johnson Grass
“For me, a Liberty or Glufosinate plus a Roundup or glyphosate combination has been uh some of the best things we've used to to knock some of that out”
Residual Herbicide Strategies at Lay-by
While ideal to apply Zidua or Anthem Flex with a lay-by rig, applying Peroxa Cell phone on fertilizer is a viable alternative to get residual control in the middles of fields.
“And so, yes, we're going to try to bribe people with food to get them in to listen to the peanut program.”
“Just because it hasn't been confirmed here is no need to not be vigilant. Stay on top of our scouting, be looking for those indicator plants.”
“All this rescue shot does is get some yield there, period. Just to keep us from not having anything at all.”
Host
Guest
Dr. Zachary Treadway
person
Tom Barber
person
Invoke
product
Liberty
product
Roundup
product
Glufosinate
product
Peroxa Cell phone
product
Paraquat
product
ProXidion Calcium
product
USDA
organization
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1h 10m • 6/1/2026
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46m • 6/8/2026
Ento Update 5-29-2026: Rice Water Weevils, Cotton Jassid, Thrips
12m • 6/2/2026
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