P-141 - Economic Analysis of Different Cotton Row Spacings and Planting Patterns and How They Affect Areolate Mildew

Areolate Mildew (ARM) caused by Ramulariopsis spp. is a reemerging foliar cotton disease that causes premature defoliation, which can cause yield loss. Objectives of this research were to investigate ARM in different cultural management practices through field trials, and conduct a partial net returns analysis of these practices. Field trials were carried out in West Tennessee in 2023 and 2024 consisting of different row spacings and planting patterns. The trial included 4 replications and plots were 8 feet by 30 feet and were planted with Delta Pine 2038. Main plot had row spacings of 30 or 38 inches, and subplot had different planting patterns: straight or 2-1 skip. In 2023, when there was adequate moisture for the disease to progress, there was significantly more ARM in the 38-inch row spacings. Less disease was observed in 2024 due to drought conditions, and we did not see any significant treatment effects in 2024. An economic analysis was conducted to determine the partial net returns of different planting patterns and ARM management in cotton production. Partial net returns analysis examines differences in revenue and costs between management practices. For example, seed cost is one of the inputs that different planting patterns can affect the upfront cost of seed. Sensitivity analysis will determine the influence of input prices on partial net return outcomes. This research provides applicable information on ARM that can be applied in future management decisions as well as contribute to the understanding of how the pathogen interacts in different production settings.