General Conditions: Program cotton fields are in better shape after most have been irrigated. The hot, dry conditions have continued this last week which has continued to limit dry-land production both in overall growth and square set. Growth ranges from 5-7 true leaf to bloom with square set from 70 to 95 %, depending upon planting date and available moisture. Insect pressure is still very low over the two-county area, however, there are imminent changes on the horizon.

Boll Weevil Numbers: Program trap numbers are non-existent. One would assume that cotton is attracting weevils in high numbers and , in previous years, this would be true. However, program cotton in 2001 has shown very little activity which is encouraging . All fields still need to be scouted on a regular basis to ensure that no infestations are being established ; either feeding or egg-laying punctures should be apparent if weevils are present.

Grasshoppers have not been reported or seen as a problem in program fields this last week.

Beet Armyworm Larvae are still being seen in cotton and pumpkins. Egg masses have been noted but survival rates are extremely low. A major factor in this reduced survival seems to be due to the high numbers of Crab spiders. BAW moth trap catches have increased again slightly over the last week but the next peak moth flight is a few days down the road .

Cotton Fleahoppers, Cotton Aphids,and Cotton Bollworms have all been reported in program fields but all have been sub- economic to this point. Heliothis moth traps are showing increased activity at this time and should pick up even more over the next week. Small bollworms can be found in all program fields, or at least a small amount of damage to squares, however, there have been no economic infestations reported in the two-county area. Moderate to heavy egg-lay has been reported south of Cone in some non-program cotton that Robert Carter is checking. Lubbock and counties to the south are reporting increased bollworm activity with numbers high enough to approach management decisions. A good, slow two-inch rain would certainly make decision-making easier at this point. Growers with bollworm treatment decisions need to weigh heavily the choice of chemical as Cotton aphids can be found in most fields as well. The pyrethroids are excellent bollworm materials , but, flaring aphid problems can be an unwanted side effect. Fleahoppers are still being seen in most fields but have not posed a real problem in program cotton.

Beneficial Insects are still in relatively high numbers with Crab spiders, Orius and Big-Eyed Bugs the three top leaders in program fields this week.