Bollgard II "natural refuge" has immediate ramifications

Jeremy Greene, South Carolina Extension Cotton Specialist, pointed out this morning that the approval for "natural" refuge for Bollgard II cotton has implications for anyone who's been delayed with cotton planting.

"The approval for natural refuge is effectively immediately, so growers who have not planted or may be replanting may choose to plant Bollgard II without a structured cotton refuge," Greene said in a memo. "The other potential ramification...would be that, where they currently have the 5% unsprayed or embedded option for their Bollgard II, they are no longer required to manage it as refuge. This not-Bt cotton may now be managed (treated) as the growers see fit.

"Please note that the natural refuge applies ONLY to Bollgard II and that planting Bollgard still requires a 20% sprayed, 5% embedded or 5% unsprayed non-Bt cotton refuge to be planted."

As Greene noted, there are additional regional restrictions, mainly relating to areas in Texas.

For the complete Monsanto announcement with regional restrictions, click here.