Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) impacts on yield, harvesting, and ginning in dryland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)

The impact of Palmer amaranth on mechanical harvesting, ginning, and fiber quality in dryland cotton was documented. Only the highest Palmer amaranth density (3,260 weeds/ha) reduced lint and seed yields. However, all weed de nsities increased harvesting time 2- to 3.5-fold. Two factors increased the time required for stripper harvesting: slower ground speeds due to large w eeds and work stoppages that required hand removal of weed stems lodged in the harvester. Ninety-eight percent of the weedy plant material was discard ed in the field by the harvester, and the remaining 2% was successfully rem oved in ginning and lint-cleaning processes. Weed infestations did not resu lt in any differences in moisture content of seed cotton, ginning time, fib er quality, or the percentage of cleaned lint.