Click on “Download PDF” for the PDF version or on the title for the HTML version.

If you are not an ASABE member or if your employer has not arranged for access to the full-text, Click here for options.

Cotton defoliation is practiced for a variety of reasons including to reduce lint trash content, for late season insect control and as a means of crop termination. In sensitive areas defoliation by conventional means may not be desirable. This study attempted to adopt a thermal defoliation device designed for viniculture to cotton. Desiccation was successful, but leaf drop was minimal. Dry steam thermal defoliation was compared to no treatment (picked green). No statistically significant difference in trash content or fiber properties was found. Seed germination was reduced 3 percent. HVI color improved slightly. More research is required before any conclusions can be drawn.