Arkansas Agricultural Research Articles

Registration of soybean germplasm R11‐7999 with high seed protein content and high yield

AbstractThe conventional (non‐genetically modified) soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] germplasm line R11‐7999 (Reg. no. GP‐436, PI 691646) was released by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station in 2018 because of its high seed protein content and high yield potential. R11‐7999 is an F4 selection from the cross between the Tennessee cultivar ‘5002T’ and the Arkansas advanced breeding line R00‐2097. Trial testing results of over 30 environments in Arkansas and other southern states shows that R11‐7999 is well adapted and exhibits high yield performance. R11‐7999 has a relative maturity of 5.7, determinate growth habit, purple flowers, tawny pubescence, and a tan pod wall at maturity. Seed of R11‐7999 has yellow cotyledons with dull yellow seed coat and brown and black hilum. It is resistant to stem canker and moderately resistant to frogeye leaf spot. R11‐7999 has a seed protein content of 439 g kg−1 (dry weight), which combined with the seed oil (202 g kg−1) content produces 50.7% protein in the meal fraction. The high yield and high protein content of R11‐7999 will make it a valuable cultivar for animal feed and protein isolate.

Registration of ‘UA 5715GT’ Soybean Cultivar

‘UA 5715GT’ (Reg. No. CV‐529, PI 688605) soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivar was developed by the University of Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and was released as a late maturity group (MG) V high‐yielding glyphosate‐tolerant cultivar in 2015. UA 5715GT is an F5 single plant selection from the cross between ‘Lonoke’ and ‘Hutcheson‐RR’. The parent Hutcheson‐RR is the Roundup Ready version of the cultivar Hutcheson, which carries the GTS 40‐3‐2 transgene from Monsanto Co. In extensive field trials, UA 5715GT has shown good adaptation and performance in Arkansas and other southern states. In the Arkansas yield trials over 7 yr in 28 environments, UA 5715GT yielded 4053 kg ha−1, on average, compared with the mean yield of 4322 kg ha−1 for the MG V checks, and it contains 395 g kg−1 protein and 220 g kg−1 oil on seed dry weight. In the 2014 Uniform Test for MG V, it yielded 3524 kg ha−1 compared with MG V checks that yielded 3878 kg ha−1. Plants of UA 5715GT are on average 81 cm tall, with high resistance to lodging and shattering. UA 5715GT is also resistant to stem canker and frogeye leaf spot. UA 5715GT is not subjected to utility patents either for the herbicide transgene or the cultivar itself. This, in addition to its high yield potential, makes UA 5715GT a suitable alternative for farmers who want to grow and save seeds of glyphosate‐tolerant soybean cultivars.

Registration of Arkot 0611, Arkot 0617, and Arkot 0712 Cotton Germplasm Lines

Arkot 0611 (Reg. No. GP‐1035, PI 687864), Arkot 0617 (Reg. No. GP‐1037, PI 687866), and Arkot 0712 (Reg. No. GP‐1036, PI 687865) are conventional germplasm lines of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) released by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AAES) in April 2018. The lines were released as part of an ongoing effort to develop improved genotypes with enhanced yield, yield components, earliness, host plant resistance, and fiber properties. They share one common parent, DX25105N, a privately developed line made available to AAES by a Memorandum of Agreement. All three lines produced equal or higher lint yields than ‘DP 393’ and ‘UA48’ over 4 yr and at four test sites in Arkansas. Over all test sites, Arkot 0611 produced 10 and 22% higher lint yields than DP 393 and UA48, respectively. Both Arkot 0617 and Arkot 0712 produced 12% more lint than UA48. Lint percentage, seed per hectare, fibers per seed, and fiber density of each line were greater than UA48 and equal to or greater than DP 393. Compared with the check cultivars, all three lines were earlier maturing, but Arkot 0611 and Arkot 0617 tended to have taller plants. All three lines produced more dense leaf pubescence and bract trichomes than either check cultivar. Fiber quality of Arkot 0611 was inferior to either check, and fiber quality of Arkot 0617 and Arkot 0712 was higher than DP 393 but lower than UA48. The DX250105N parent of these lines increases the genetic diversity with the AAES cotton breeding program and broadens the available cotton germplasm pool.

A Description of the Professional Identities of Arkansas Agriculture Teachers

After decades of research in agricultural education on teacher knowledge, needs, behaviors, satisfaction, and attrition, calls for additional research and reform have remained fairly consistent. One potential factor influencing the rate at which these challenges are overcome is teacher professional identity, which shapes how teachers interpret and respond to knowledge delivered through professional development. Shoulders and Myers (2011) suggested the unique circumstances of agricultural education lead teachers to maintain a professional identity different than that of other educators, but little research has been conducted with regard to the professional identities of agriculture teachers. Using the theories of constructivism and planned behavior, this study utilized a researcher-adapted survey to describe the professional identities of Arkansas agriculture teachers. Findings indicated teachers identified as agriculture teachers more so than agriculturalists or educators, the professional identity of the agricultural educator was significantly different than that of the educator or the agriculturalist, and length of teaching experience was not related to professional identity score. We recommend teacher educators include the development of professional identity as a component of all professional development experiences. Recommendations for further research include qualitative investigation into the ways in which agriculture teachers’ professional identities manifest in the agriculture program.

Phenology of Five Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) Populations Grown in Northern Indiana and Arkansas

AbstractPalmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeriS. Watson) is a problematic weed encountered in U.S. cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.) and soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] production, with infestations spreading northward. This research investigated the influence of planting date (early, mid-, and late season) and population (AR, IN, MO, MS, NE, and TN) onA. palmerigrowth and reproduction at two locations. All populations planted early or midseason at Throckmorton Purdue Agricultural Center (TPAC) and Arkansas Agriculture Research and Extension Center (AAREC) measured 196 and 141 cm or more, respectively. Amaranthus palmeriheight did not exceed 168 and 134 cm when planted late season at TPAC and AAREC, respectively. Early season plantedA. palmerifrom NE grew to 50% of maximum height 8 to 13 d earlier than all other populations under TPAC conditions. In addition, the NE population planted early, mid-, and late season achieved 50% inflorescence emergence 5, 4, and 6 d earlier than all other populations, respectively. All populations established at TPAC produced fewer than 100,000 seeds plant−1. No population planted at TPAC and AAREC produced more than 740 and 1,520 g plant−1of biomass at 17 and 19 wk after planting, respectively. Planting date influenced the distribution of male and female plants at TPAC, but not at AAREC. Amaranthus palmerifrom IN and MS planted late season had male-to-female plant ratios of 1.3:1 and 1.7:1, respectively. Amaranthus palmeriintroduced to TPAC from NE can produce up to 7,500 seeds plant−1if emergence occurs in mid-July. An NEA. palmeripopulation exhibited biological characteristics allowing it to be highly competitive if introduced to TPAC due to a similar latitudinal range, but was least competitive when introduced to AAREC. AlthoughA. palmerioriginating from different locations can vary biologically, plants exhibited environmental plasticity and could complete their life cycle and contribute to spreading populations.

Registration of ‘UA114’ Cotton Cultivar

‘UA114’ (Reg. No. CV‐137, PI 685639) is a conventional cultivar of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) released by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station in April 2017. The cultivar was released as part of an ongoing effort to develop improved genotypes having enhanced yield, yield components, earliness, host plant resistance, and fiber properties. UA114 expressed earlier maturation than ‘DP 393’, which is considered a short‐season cultivar. Over Arkansas strain tests (four locations and 4 yr), UA114 produced 7.4 and 18.0% higher lint yield than DP 393 and ‘UA48’, respectively. UA114 is widely adapted and can produce high yields in contrasting environments. In the 2014 Regional Breeders Testing Network Test, UA114 produced lint yields equal to the highest‐yielding line (of 30 entries) at 10 of the 11 locations, as well as when evaluated over all locations. UA114 displays high resistance to bacterial blight and is similar to DP 393 in its response to most other diseases and to tarnished plant bug. Fiber quality of UA114 is similar to that of ‘UA222’. Its quality score value exceeded DP 393 but was lower than UA48. In most tests, UA114 produced longer fiber length, higher length uniformity, higher strength, and higher elongation than DP 393. UA114 displays an uncommon combination of high yielding ability, host plant resistance, early maturity, and high fiber quality.

Registration of Arkot 0705 and Arkot 0711 Cotton Germplasm Lines

Arkot 0705 (Reg. No. GP‐1033, PI 685636) and Arkot 0711 (Reg. No. GP‐1034, PI 685637) are conventional germplasm lines of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) released by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station in April 2017. The lines were released as part of an ongoing effort to develop improved genotypes having enhanced yield, yield components, earliness, host plant resistance, and fiber properties. Both Arkot 0705 and Arkot 0711 produced equal or higher lint yields than ‘DP 393’ and ‘UA48’ over 4 yr and at four test sites in Arkansas. Over all test sites, Arkot 0705 and Arkot 0711 produced 10.7 and 12.0%, respectively, higher lint yields than DP 393, and both produced over 20% more lint than UA48. Arkot 0705 has less dense stem pubescence and bract trichomes, higher lint percentage, higher lint index, and more fibers per seed than DP 393. Arkot 0711 differs from DP 393 having more dense leaf pubescence, less dense stem pubescence, lower bract trichome density, being earlier maturing, and having higher lint percentage, lint index, fibers per seed, and fiber density. Both lines displayed high resistance to bacterial blight and were similar to DP 393 in their response to other diseases and tarnished plant bugs. Fiber quality of the two lines was slightly lower than DP 393 and considerably lower than UA48.

Evaluation of Chemical Termination Options for Cover Crops

AbstractCover crop acreage has substantially increased over the last few years due to the intent of growers to capitalize on federal conservation payments and incorporate sustainable practices into agricultural systems. Despite all the known benefits, widespread adoption of cover crops still remains limited due to potential cost and management requirements. Cover crop termination is crucial, because a poorly controlled cover crop can become a weed and lessen the yield potential of the current cash crop. A field study was conducted in fall 2015 and 2016 at the Arkansas Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Fayetteville to evaluate preplant herbicide options for terminating cover crops. Glyphosate-containing treatments controlled 97% to 100% of cereal rye and wheat, but glyphosate alone controlled less than 57% of legume cover crops. The most effective way to control hairy vetch, Austrian winterpea, and crimson clover with glyphosate resulted from mixtures of glyphosate with glufosinate, 2,4-D, and dicamba. Higher rates of auxin herbicides improved control in these mixtures. Glufosinate alone or in mixture controlled legume cover crops 81% or more. Paraquat plus metribuzin was effective in terminating both cereal and legume cover crops, with control of cereal cover crops ranging from 87% to 97% and control of legumes ranging from 90% to 96%. None of these herbicides or mixtures adequately controlled rapeseed.

Registration of ‘UA107’ Okra‐Leaf Cotton Cultivar

‘UA107’ (Reg. No. CV‐136, PI 685638) is a conventional open‐canopy cultivar of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) released by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station in February 2017. The cultivar was released as part of an ongoing effort to develop improved genotypes having enhanced yield, yield components, earliness, host plant resistance, and fiber properties. UA107 expressed earlier maturation than ‘DP 393’, which is considered a short‐season cultivar. When evaluated over years and locations in Arkansas, lint yields of UA107 were higher than DP 393 and ‘UA48’ except at Keiser, where its yields were equal to DP 393. Lint yields of UA107 were associated with greater lint index, more fibers per seed, fewer seed produced per area, and higher fiber density. Across the 12 locations of the 2015 Regional Breeders’ Testing Network, UA107 produced the second‐highest lint yield of 28 entries, which suggests that it is widely adapted. UA107 displays high resistance to bacterial blight and Fusarium wilt but is more sensitive than DP 393 to tarnished plant bugs. UA107 exhibited longer fiber length and lower micronaire than DP 393. These fiber qualities are positively related to better spinning performance. UA107 displays an unusual combination of high yielding ability, very early maturity, high fiber quality, and host plant resistance traits. UA107 is a very early maturing, widely adapted, conventional cultivar that produces good fiber quality.

Cover Crops Suppression of Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) in Cotton

AbstractWith the recent confirmation of protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO)-resistant Palmer amaranth in the US South, concern is increasing about the sustainability of weed management in cotton production systems. Cover crops can help to alleviate this problem, as they can suppress weed emergence via allelochemicals and/or a physical residue barrier. Field experiments were conducted in 2014 and 2015 at the Arkansas Agricultural Research and Extension Center to evaluate various cover crops for suppressing weed emergence and protecting cotton yield. In both years, cereal rye and wheat had the highest biomass production, whereas the amount of biomass present in spring did not differ among the remaining cover crops. All cover crops initially diminished Palmer amaranth emergence. However, cereal rye provided the greatest suppression, with 83% less emergence than in no cover crop plots. Physical suppression of Palmer amaranth and other weeds with cereal residues is probably the greatest contributor to reducing weed emergence. Seed cotton yield in the legume and rapeseed cover crop plots were similar when compared with the no cover crop treatment. The seed cotton yield collected from cereal cover crop plots was lower than from other treatments due to decreased cotton stand.

Registration of R10‐5086 and R11‐6870 Soybean Germplasm Lines with Exotic Pedigree

Initial narrow genetic base and selective breeding have produced a genetic bottleneck in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr]. In an effort to increase the genetic diversity among the parents used for breeding in southern US breeding programs, the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station released the soybean lines R10‐5086 (Reg. No. GP‐408, PI 682131) and R11‐6870 (Reg. No. GP‐409, PI 682132) in February of 2017 as conventional maturity group (MG) V germplasm because of their high yield potential and exotic germplasm in the pedigree. R10‐5086 has 25% of its pedigree from PI 290126 B and R11‐6870 carries 25% of PI 594208. R10‐5086 and R11‐6870 were evaluated in 49 and 31 locations, respectively, in Arkansas and other southern states including Tennessee, Kansas, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Virginia, from 2012 to 2016. Based on results from the United Soybean Board Southern Diversity Yield Trials, the USDA preliminary MG V test, and the University of Arkansas Soybean Breeding Program yield trials, R10‐5086 yielded between 3848 and 4373 kg ha−1 (99 to 103% of commercial check yield). Similarly, R11‐6870 yielded between 4134 and 4467 kg ha−1 (101 to 106% of commercial check yield). Because of the high‐yield potential, wide adaptability, and good agronomic characteristics, such as lodging and shattering resistance, R10‐5086 and R11‐6870 can be used as parents to introduce novel “yield” genes in any public or private breeding program for cultivar development.

States ban dicamba herbicide

In response to escalating concerns about alleged misuse of the herbicide dicamba, Arkansas and Missouri have halted the sale and use of the chemical. The states received hundreds of complaints this year from farmers who say dicamba spray drifted onto their property from neighboring fields and damaged their soybeans that have not been genetically engineered to tolerate the herbicide. On July 7, the Missouri Department of Agriculture banned the sale and use of all dicamba products labeled for agricultural use in the state, effective immediately. Also on July 7, the Arkansas Agriculture Department halted the sale of dicamba for agricultural use in that state for 120 days, effective on July 11. Chris Chinn, director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture, says Missouri’s ban will be lifted once companies, the state, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency agree to new restrictions to be printed on dicamba product labels. Dicamba (3,6-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid)

Registration of ‘UA 5814HP’ Soybean with High Yield and High Seed‐Protein Content

‘UA 5814HP’ (Reg. No. CV‐522, PI 679957) soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] was developed and released by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station in 2014 as a high‐yielding and high‐protein late maturity group V conventional cultivar adapted to Arkansas and other southern states. UA 5814HP is an F4 selection from the cross of ‘R95‐1705’ and ‘S00‐9980‐22’. In the 2013–2014 Regional Quality Traits Tests for maturity group V, UA 5814HP was tested in 15 environments and yielded 4277 kg ha−1, which is comparable to the check (‘5601T’, ‘5002T’/‘Ellis’, and ‘Osage’) mean across 2 yr, 4374 kg ha−1. In the 2015 State Variety Tests conducted in Arkansas and other southern states (31 environments), UA 5814HP had an average yield (3723 kg ha−1) similar to that of ‘REV 57R21’ (Terral Seed) (3798 kg ha−1). In the Arkansas Soybean Breeding trials (12 environments; 2011–2015), UA 5814HP had higher seed‐protein content (455 g kg−1) than the check cultivars, ‘AG 5606’ (415 g kg−1, 2011–2013) and ‘AG 5831’ (395 g kg−1, 2014). UA 5814HP has a determinate growth habit, purple flowers, tawny pubescence, tan pod walls, and brown seed hilum. It is resistant to stem canker, frogeye leaf spot, and charcoal rot and is susceptible to races 2 and 5 of soybean cyst nematode, southern root‐knot nematode, and reniform nematode.

Registration of Arkot 0502ne, Arkot 0504ne, Arkot 0506ne, and Arkot 0517HG Germplasm Lines of Cotton

Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production may be enhanced by incorporating host plant resistance traits into improved lines. Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station has released four germplasm lines of upland cotton, designated as Arkot 0502ne (Reg. No. GP‐1007, PI 677330), Arkot 0504ne (Reg. No. GP‐1008, PI 677331), Arkot 0506ne (Reg. No. GP‐1009, PI 677332), and Arkot 0517HG (Reg. No. GP‐1010, PI 667333), which were bred to improve the efficiency of yield production. Arkot 0502ne, Arkot 0504ne, and Arkot 0506ne are nectariless lines that were derived from crossing Arkot 9608ne with JAJO 1145ne, Arkot 9314, and Arkot 9513, respectively. Arkot 0517HG, derived from a cross of Arkot 9304b with Arkot 9513, possesses the high‐glanding trait. The nectariless trait infers some resistance to tarnished plant bugs, while the high‐glanding trait infers some resistance to lepidopterous insect pests. All four lines were compared to ‘DP 393’ and ‘UA48’ over 5 yr and four test sites in Arkansas. Over all test sites, lint yields of the four lines were equal to DP 393 and exceeded UA48. The lines differed with respect to yield components and other morphological traits. All four lines displayed high resistance to bacterial blight and were equal to or more resistant to Verticillium wilt and tarnished plant bug than check cultivars. Fiber quality scores of all four lines exceeded that of DP 393 but were lower than UA48. All four lines generally displayed high yielding ability, specific host plant resistance traits, early maturity, and acceptable fiber quality.

Registration of ‘UA 5014C’ Soybean

‘UA 5014C’ soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] (Reg. No. CV‐141, PI 675648) is a high‐yielding early maturity group (MG) V conventional cultivar, developed and released in 2014 by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station. UA 5014C is adapted to Arkansas and other southern states. It was developed by conventional breeding from a cross between two high‐yielding cultivars, ‘Ozark’ and ‘Anand’. The plant population was advanced from F2 to F4 using a modified single‐pod descent method. The F4:5 line was selected and bulk harvested for further agronomic evaluations. Before release, UA 5014C was tested in 125 environments in Arkansas and other southern states from 2006 to 2014 for yield and other agronomic traits, where it had a yield potential comparable to conventional and Liberty Link cultivars of similar maturity. Plants of UA 5014C have determinate growth habit, purple flowers, tawny pubescence, and tan pod walls. Seeds have yellow cotyledons with a dull yellow coat, and black hila. UA 5014C is resistant to southern stem canker [caused by Diaporthe phaseolorum (Cooke & Ellis) Sacc. var. meridionales F.A. Fernandez] and moderately resistant to frogeye leaf spot (caused by Cercospora sojina) and sudden death syndrome [caused by Fusarium solani (Mart.) Sacc. f. sp. glycines].

Registration of Arkot 0403ne, Arkot 0409, and Arkot 0410HG Germplasm Lines of Cotton

Efficiency of producing yields in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) may be improved by enhancing specific yield components and by augmenting host plant resistance. Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station has released three germplasm lines of upland cotton, designated as Arkot 0403ne (Reg. No. GP-996, PI 674469), Arkot 0409 (Reg. No. GP-997, PI 674470), and Arkot 0410HG (Reg. No. GP-998, PI 674471), which were bred to improve efficiency of yield production. Arkot 0403ne is nectariless and was derived from a cross of Arkot 9608ne and Arkot 9208. Both Arkot 0409 and Arkot 0410HG possess nectaries and share one common parent, Arkot 9203-17. The other parent for Arkot 0409 and Arkot 0410HG was Arkot 9111 and Arkot 9314, respectively. Arkot 0410HG possesses the high glanding trait. All three lines were compared to ‘DP 393’ and ‘UA48’ over 4 yr and four test sites in Arkansas. Over all test sites, lint yields of Arkot 0403ne and Arkot 0410HG were equal to DP 393 and exceeded UA48. Fiber quality of Arkot 0403ne and Arkot 0410HG were equal to DP 393 but lower than UA48. Arkot 0409 differed from Arkot 0403ne, Arkot 0410HG, and the two check cultivars by producing higher lint yields but lower fiber quality. The lines differed with respect to yield components, plant height, maturity, and relative trichome density on leaves, stems, and bracts. All three lines displayed high resistance to bacterial blight [caused by Xanthomonas citri ssp. malvacearum (ex Smith 1901) Schaad et al. 2007]. Arkot 0403ne displayed resistance to tarnished plant bug higher than Arkot 0409, Arkot 0410HG, and the check cultivars. Arkot 0403ne, Arkot 0409, and Arkot 0410HG generally displayed high yielding ability, favorable yield components, specific host plant resistance traits, early maturity, and acceptable fiber quality.

× Polifreda ‘Lindstrom’, a Cross Between False Aloe and Mexican Tuberose

× Polifreda ‘Lindstrom’ was developed at the University of Arkansas to increase the range of perennials available to horticulture in the American South. The cultivar was selected from 14 viable seedlings produced by crossing Manfreda virginica (L.) Salisb. ex Rose (male) and Polianthes tuberosa L. (female) via controlled pollination. Specimens have been grown at the University of Arkansas Agricultural Research Station in Fayetteville, Arkansas (USDA Zone 6b) since 2005 and propagated by either division or micropropagation. Desirable characters inherited from P. tuberosa include two flowers per node, a pleasant fragrance, and heat and drought tolerance. Characteristics resembling M. virginica include finely-denticulate leaf margins, a scapose raceme inflorescence type, and tolerance of winter temperatures as low as −25C (−11F). The intergeneric hybrid represents the first cultivar of the nothogenus × Polifreda. The cultivar epithet ‘Lindstrom’ was chosen to honor the contribution to horticulture of the late Jon T. Lindstrom, who was the instigator of the breeding program and a former associate professor at the University of Arkansas. It is proposed that × Polifreda ‘Lindstrom’ would be suited to either perennial borders or rock gardens, situated in full sun or partial shade.

Registration of Arkot 0111, Arkot 0113, and Arkot 0114 Germplasm Lines of Cotton

Arkot 0111 (Reg. No. GP-974, PI 664925), Arkot 0113 (Reg. No. GP-975, PI 664926), and Arkot 0114 (Reg. No. GP-976, PI 664927) are noncommercial breeding lines of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) that were released by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station in December 2011. The three lines were derived from crosses to a common parent, Arkot 9111. The second parent for Arkot 0111, Arkot 0113, and Arkot 0114 was ‘FM 958’, Arkot 9101, and Arkot 9108, respectively. All three lines were evaluated in replicated tests at four Arkansas sites from 2007 through 2010. Compared with ‘DP 393’, Arkot 0111 produced lower lint yields but had enhanced fiber quality; Arkot 0113 and Arkot 0114 produced higher lint yields and had similar fiber quality. Each line possessed favorable yield components. Maturity of the lines was similar to DP 393. Trichome density associated with leaves, stems, and bracts for Arkot 0111 and Arkot 0113 was greater than DP 393. Compared with DP 393, Arkot 0114 had higher leaf trichome density but lower trichome density on stems and bracts. All three lines expressed resistance to bacterial blight. All three lines were equal to SG 105 in response to tarnished plant bug, but Arkot 0111 and Arkot 0114 were more sensitive than Arkot 0113 or DP 393. The relative yield and line-specific host plant resistance traits make these lines valuable to cotton breeding programs.

Registration of ‘UA103’ Cotton Cultivar

‘UA103’ (Reg. No. CV‐131, PI 664928) is a conventional open‐canopy (okra‐leaf) cultivar of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), that was released by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station in July 2011. The cultivar was released as part of an ongoing effort to develop improved genotypes having enhanced yield, yield components, earliness, host‐plant resistance, and fiber properties. UA103 expressed earlier maturation (as indicated by the percentage of open bolls rated after first defoliation) than ‘DP 393’, which is considered a short‐season cultivar. When evaluated over years and locations, lint yields of UA103 were equal to those of DP 393, but lint yields of UA103 were lower than DP 393 at Keiser and Marianna. The lower yields at Keiser may be related to the very early maturity of UA103. Lint yields of UA103 were the result of greater lint per seed but fewer seed per area. Lint yields of UA103 in tests outside of Arkansas were highly variable, which may be related to its maturity. UA103 displays high resistance to bacterial blight [caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. malvacearum (Smith) Dye] but is more sensitive than DP 393 to tarnished plant bug [Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois)]. UA103 exhibited longer fibers and lower micronaire than DP 393. These fiber qualities are positively correlated with better spinning performance. UA103 displays a specific combination of high yield ability in certain environments, very early maturity, high fiber quality, and host‐plant resistance traits.

Delta Empire: Lee Wilson and the Transformation of Agriculture in the New South

Which was the biggest cotton plantation of them all? The Delta Pine and Land Company of Mississippi may have been more famous, but Robert E. “Lee” Wilson's empire in Mississippi County, Arkansas, actually had greater acreage as of the 1920s, as one learns in this wide-ranging plantation biography by Jeannie Whayne, a professor of history at the University of Arkansas. Whayne has previously written on Arkansas agriculture (A New Plantation South, 1996) and explains that she had abandoned plans to study the Wilson plantation because, seemingly, no company records survived. The chance discovery by repairmen in the 1990s of a false wall and a room full of records and correspondence induced Whayne to reconsider. The project was suggested by Mike Wilson, a descendant of the founder and then head of the company, but the independence of Whayne's perspective is evident throughout. As with conventional biographies, the mode imposes certain constraints on the narrative, so that the book does not offer a definitive treatment of any one historical event or development. The powerful personality and drive of Robert Wilson dominate the first seven chapters, conveying a vivid sense of his roots as the son of a pioneering but middling (four hundred–acre) planter, family hardships, and relentless land acquisitions, timbering, and swamp drainage activities that paid off handsomely. But it is often difficult to determine whether the Wilson plantation stands as an archetype for emerging trends in southern business and technology or as the great exception to prevailing norms. For example, in 1935 Wilson was accused by the Southern Tenant Farmers Union of changing from a sharecropping to a day-labor system, throwing hundreds of families on relief. But the available records do not allow Whayne to determine the truth of the accusation (pp. 204–5).