The leaffooted bug, Mozena obtusa, is a common insect throughout the Texas High Plains. Populations often build on mesquite trees during early summer, and under heavy infestations the insects can be observed in large numbers on a variety of plants.
We experienced a notable outbreak of this insect in Hockley
County during 2022. Large numbers of adults and nymphs were found on mesquite
trees and eventually moved into adjacent cotton fields. Despite the high
populations observed in squaring cotton, we did not detect any associated
square loss or reduction in fruit retention.
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| Mozena leaffooted bug adult and nymphs |
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| Mozena leaffooted bug nymphs |
We are again seeing higher-than-normal populations this year, and the insects can be found on numerous plants, including cotton, particularly in areas near mesquite trees. Because M. obtusa has not been shown to cause economic damage to squaring cotton in our observations, it is important not to rush into insecticide applications based solely on its presence. When scouting fields with leaffooted bugs, pay close attention to fruit retention and evidence of actual plant injury rather than insect numbers alone.
In some situations, exceptionally large populations may move
into cotton fields and cause enough feeding pressure to justify a foliar
insecticide application, particularly along field margins where infestations
are concentrated. However, finding a few insects in a field is not a reason to
panic and does not justify treatment.
Results from our 2022 insecticide efficacy trial showed that
pyrethroid insecticides (e.g. bifenthrin, zeta-cypermethrin) provided the most
effective control of leaffooted bugs. However, pyrethroids can also negatively
impact beneficial insects and other natural enemies. Therefore, these products
should be used only when justified, and if treatment is necessary, targeting
field edges rather than making a whole-field application will often be
sufficient.
