In what situation might a one-pass approach for defoliation be sufficient?

A one-pass approach for defoliation can be sufficient when dealing with drought-stressed plants. In this situation, the lack of moisture can lead to reduced leaf production and a decrease in overall vigor of the cotton plants, making them more susceptible to defoliation techniques. This is because drought-stressed plants typically have fewer leaves, which means that a single application of a defoliant can effectively remove the remaining leaves without needing a follow-up treatment.

In contrast, heavy rainfall can lead to lush growth and will often require multiple passes for effective defoliation, as the plants may not respond well to an initial application due to the excess moisture. Over-fertilized plants may also experience vigorous growth that complicates defoliation, often necessitating a more comprehensive strategy to manage excessive foliage. Low insect pressure usually indicates that the plants are healthy and would again typically require more than a one-pass approach to ensure thorough defoliation. Thus, drought-stressed conditions create an optimal scenario for a one-pass strategy to be effective.