GENERAL

Boll Weevil traps are being monitored throughout the High Plains/Caprock Counties and the overwintering site survey is well under way. Dr. Jim Leser, area cotton entomologist, states that so far "the site survey has indicated a significant reduction in the number of weevils in overwintering sites as compared to last year". However, Jim further states this is preliminary information as all the numbers have not been gathered to this point and no conclusions can be drawn. Greg Cronholm, Hale county IPM agent, has reported catching a very low number of weevils in traps on April 9 and 12. Crosby/Floyd traps are being placed this next week to monitor the early "suicidal emergence" which will take place for the rest of this month and early May. With no viable reproductive host plant present, the weevils emerging now will not survive.

PECANS

The Pecan Nut Casebearer will be a topic for pecan growers soon. Bill Ree, IPM Pecan specialist at College Station, reminds us that pheromone traps for these moths should be placed around May 1st in order to forecast the egg lay for first generation moths. If you have cut open the pecans lying on the ground beneath your trees, the larvae inside will be

developing into the pupae stage readying themselves to emerge as viable adults. Bill has included several addresses to locate and purchase these traps. Should you be interested, contact your local county extension office for address and phone number information. He further states that these traps should be in place approximately thirty (30) days prior to an average spray date. It would be advantageous if pecan producers would utilize traps to properly monitor adult emergence related to egg-lay rather than utilizing a scheduled spray date which may be a waste of time and money since case bearers don't pay attention to calendar dates. Casebearer egg masses can usually be found within 7 to 10 days after the moths are found in traps with an additional 7 to 14 days window of application of pesticides. This process requires time and observation but should be fairly easy once the adults are spotted. A little time devoted to scouting will save a lot of money over the long haul. Emergence, egg lay, egg hatch and feeding are all governed by temperature and humidity and these factors should be considered when scouting your trees. There are a few traps, some bait and pecan pest bulletins available in our office. These are on a first-come, first-served basis and will require the sharing of information from these traps to be utilized in future newsletters. I would appreciate any and all inputs from Crosby/Floyd pecan producers in this endeavor.

Several cotton, sorghum, sunflower and pumpkin producers have indicated their desire to be a part of the scouting program this year which is encouraging. However, a large percentage seem to be in the "maybe" category as they have asked for more information on the sign-up cards. If you seek more information regarding price per acre, the answer will not be forthcoming until the IPM Steering Committee meets on April 25, 2001. Those growers requiring more information in other matters may address their questions to the office when time permits. I know everyone is busy at this time trying to get field work done in preparation for planting and, for this reason, I will be calling individuals at night to hopefully answer some questions, but I don't have an answer yet regarding cost/acre to the grower participants.

RESULT DEMONSTRATION HANDBOOKS

The result demonstration handbooks are ready. If you would like one come by the County Agent's office and pick one up.

Steve Davis
Extension Agent-IPM
Crosby/Floyd Counties