Northwest
Plains
Pest Management News
| Volume 1 Issue 4 |
Bailey
and Parmer Counties
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July
5, 2002
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Northwest
Plains
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Current Crop Conditions Most area cotton is on the verge of blooming. A few fields had a bloom by the 4 th of July. Square set continues to be very good, which will increase water and nutrient needs quickly. Current daily water demand for squaring cotton is .20 to .27 inches. Many corn fields have tasseled and have started pollinating. The current break in the temperature is perfect for good pollination. Corn is using .36 inches of water per day. Grain sorghum is progressing well. Weeds appear to be of most concern currently. Keeping sorghum clean now will pay big dividends later. Current water usage is .20 inches per day. Many fields of dry beans, green beans, and black-eyed peas have been planted and are progressing well. The current break in temperature will help these crops go into bloom before a sufficient plant structure is developed. Remember 80% of the water used by these crops comes from the top 18 inches of soil. Daily water demand is .12 to .20 inches. Southwestern Corn Borer Second generation southwestern corn borer moth flight is expected mid to latter July. |
Once the flight starts
moths will deposit eggs on leaves. About three-fourths of these eggs are
laid on the upper surfaces of the middle seven leaves — the ear leaf,
two leaves above and four leaves below the ear leaf. Eggs are laid singly
or in masses of two to three or more. Eggs overlap like fish scales or
shingles. Freshly laid eggs are creamy white. One day later, three red
bandsappear across each egg. Eggs hatch in about 5 days. Small larvae
feed behind leaf collars and ears and beneath the shucks of the primary
ear. Older |
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Spider Mites Small spider mite colonies continue to be found in corn. Current weather has slowed their progress but keep a close eye on them, they can get out of hand quickly, especially if an insecticide treatment has been made. When looking at mite colonies look for thrips among the colonies, these thrips are actually feeding on the spider mites. These thrips can have a significant impact on mite populations. Plant Bugs
Beneficial of the Week |
Monti Vandiver |
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| Educational programs
conducted by Texas Cooperative Extension serve people of all ages regardless
of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, handicap or national
origin. The information given herein is for educational purposes only.
References to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding
that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Texas Cooperative
Extension is implied.
The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture,
and the Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
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larvae boreinto the stalk and continue feeding. Mature cornborer larvae
reach 1 to 1 ½ inches in length. They are dull white and have a
regular pattern of raised black dots over the body. Insecticide should
be applied when 20 to 25 percent of the plants are infested with eggs
or newly hatched larvae. Check for egg masses to determine the potential
infestation and the correct timing of insecticide application. 
Lygus
are still a problem in some fields, but pressure has diminished some
what. Cotton adjacent to alfalfa continues to be infested after each
cutting. Once cotton begins to bloom, fleahoppers should not be a concern,
unless square set has been poor to this point. 
Lady
bugs are abundant. Adults range in size from 1/8th to 1/4th inch. Larvae
are from 1/16th to ½ inch long. Larvae and adults feed primarily
on aphids,
but they will
also feed on scales, eggs of caterpillars and other soft-bodied insects
and mites.Adults disperse seeking feeding and reproduction sites.
