Suhas Vyavhare, Extension Cotton Entomologist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
We have a wide range of cotton out in the field. Early
planted fields are in bloom while some of the late or replanted cotton is a little
behind. Overall, insect pest pressure remains light. Cotton fleahopper wouldn’t
be an issue post bloom, however, the younger cotton should continue to be monitored
for fleahoppers.
I haven’t come across any significant worm activity in
the region yet. However, with the cotton blooming and the recent rain putting on
some new extra growth, bollworm moths can be attracted to it. With so much talk
going around with bollworms breaking Bt shields in south Texas and other parts
of country, we need to be more vigilant. Treatable levels of headworms
(bollworms) have been spotted in some of the sorghum fields around, which also warns
of a potential threat in cotton.
I wouldn’t rush with insecticide application just seeing
egg lay or the smaller (<1/4 inch) worms in Bt cotton; worms first need to feed
on plant for the technology to show its effect. Similarly, I wouldn’t pull the
trigger in non-Bt cotton based upon egg lay because natural control often helps
keeping bollworm numbers in check. Give the technology (Bt traits) and the
predators a chance to work their magic first.
