During the past 30 days, rainfall has been over 200 percent of normal in the North China Plain, which is a very unusual weather pattern for July. The three large cotton-producing provinces of Shandong, Henan and Hebei experienced rather heavy precipitation this week across.
In Henan Province, a major storm hit the cotton-growing belt of Linying early in the morning on July 22. The storm was severe, producing over 100 mm of rain (more than 5.0 inches) and was followed by light rain on July 23. Low-lying areas were flooded and cotton flowers and buds were stripped from plants. Growers across Hebei Province are reporting that rain and cooler temperatures have impaired pollination and have likely damaged yield potential. Insect problems are also a major issue -- stinkbugs, bollworms and aphids. Private estimates of yield potential across the province are being scaled back. Similar problems in sections of Shandong Province have also been reported. Shandong, Hebei and Henan are the largest cotton-growing provinces in East China.
In Shandong, heavy rain has plagued a large area of the province's cotton belt, causing bollshed. Cotton growers have been busy between storms applying additional fertilizers in hopes of stimulating additional boll growth. Another round of heavy rain hit the province on July 23. Temperatures have also been below normal, with daily highs of 21-degrees or below Celcius, which has damaged pollination.
A wet August would create a serious situation for the cotton crop, accelerating bollshed, bollrot and increasing yield loss. The North China Plain needs a period of hot, sunny weather.
In Henan Province, a major storm hit the cotton-growing belt of Linying early in the morning on July 22. The storm was severe, producing over 100 mm of rain (more than 5.0 inches) and was followed by light rain on July 23. Low-lying areas were flooded and cotton flowers and buds were stripped from plants. Growers across Hebei Province are reporting that rain and cooler temperatures have impaired pollination and have likely damaged yield potential. Insect problems are also a major issue -- stinkbugs, bollworms and aphids. Private estimates of yield potential across the province are being scaled back. Similar problems in sections of Shandong Province have also been reported. Shandong, Hebei and Henan are the largest cotton-growing provinces in East China.
In Shandong, heavy rain has plagued a large area of the province's cotton belt, causing bollshed. Cotton growers have been busy between storms applying additional fertilizers in hopes of stimulating additional boll growth. Another round of heavy rain hit the province on July 23. Temperatures have also been below normal, with daily highs of 21-degrees or below Celcius, which has damaged pollination.
A wet August would create a serious situation for the cotton crop, accelerating bollshed, bollrot and increasing yield loss. The North China Plain needs a period of hot, sunny weather.
