Data Collection

COTMAN requires summary information for each farm/experiment and field/treatment that is monitored. That information is used to set up the program for data collection. The SQUAREMAN component is run pre-flower and the BOLLMAN component is run post first-flower. It is not necessary to run SQUAREMAN in order to run BOLLMAN.

Data can be collected on paper forms or on PDAs.

SQUAREMAN Data:

• Stand Density
• First Fruiting Node
• SquareMap (height and 1st position square retention)

BOLLMAN Data:

• NAWF
• Daily Temperatures

Sample Site Selection

• Select sites where plants represent those that the grower will use to make management decisions.
• Samples should represent the predominant growing conditions in each field.
  • Stand density
  • Soil type
• Avoid these areas unless they represent a large portion of the field.
  • Spot applications
  • Random physical injury (e.g. hail damage)
  • Chronic field conditions (sand blows, low spots)
• If the field is irrigated, always stay inside the irrigated area.
• If sites selected for sampling vary greatly, the field should be divided into two or more fields and samples taken in each field.
• Samples should be taken in the same general areas, in the same order from the field each time it is sampled, but avoid sampling the same plants each week.
• Sample sites should be located no less than 100 feet from the edge of the field and separated by at least 150 feet.
• If areas of the field are bordered by known insect habitats, take at least one sample from each of these areas.
• In fields larger than 40 acres add one additional sampling site for each additional 10 acres over 40.

Collection Guidelines

(View the printable COTMAN Pocket Field Guide)

WHAT data are collected ?

WHEN is the data collected?

SAMPLING GUIDELINES

Stand Density

Download the Stand Density Collection Form

Once per season after the plant stand is well established

Use a T-stick to determine # of plants in 3 row feet from 24 consecutive rows.

First Fruiting Node  (FFN)

Download the FFN Collection Form

Once per season at the time of the first SquareMap data collection

Count from the cotyledons (node “0”) up to the first sympodial branch to determine FFN. Record the average FFN on 10 plants at 4 locations in the field

Plant height, Squaring Nodes, and Square Retention (SquareMap)

Download the Squaremap Collection Form

Once or twice per week from the time squares first become visible. Stop collecting SquareMap data when ten plants at a site can be found with a first-position white flower.

Repeat the following procedure in 4 different locations in each field:

1. Measure the average plant height (in inches) from soil to  terminal.
2. From 5 consecutive plants in one row:
   • Start at the first fully-expanded true leaf in the terminal.
   • Check for the presence or absence of 1st position squares.
   • Record a “1” if a square is present and enter a “0” if the square has shed.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 on the adjacent row.
   

See Mapper Tips

Nodes Above White Flower (NAWF)

Download the NAWF Collection Form

Once or twice per week when ten plants at a site can be found with a first-position white flower. Note: When the crop is just starting to flower, you may have to “swim” down the row to find 5 plants with white flowers. Stop collecting BOLLMAN data when the field averages a NAWF value of 5 (cutout) or when latest possible cutout date has been reached.

Repeat the following procedure in 4 different locations in each field:

1. From 5 consecutive plants in one row:
   • NAWF: Count the number of nodes above the uppermost 1st position white flower.
   • When counting, stop at the uppermost unfurled leaf in the terminal. (Do not count a leaf that has not yet unfurled)
2. Turn and repeat on the adjacent row.

Weather

Daily, beginning at cutout and continuing until defoliation.

Obtain high and low temperatures (°F) from a reliable local source