General Conditions: Program cotton fields are in fair shape overall after irrigation. Lepidopterous pests (bollworm, budworm and beet armyworm) may have more of a chance of survival with the increased humidity in the plant canopy at this time. Growth ranges from pin-head to bloom/boll with fair square and boll set , however, fruit retention is questionable. Insect pest pressure is still relatively low over the two-county area.

Boll Weevil Numbers: Program trap numbers are almost non-existent. All fields still need to be scouted on a regular basis to ensure that no new infestations are being established .

Grasshoppers have not been reported or seen as a problem in program fields this last week. Lush, recently irrigated cotton next to pasture borders needs to be watched for potential migration.

Beet Armyworm Larvae are not being seen in cotton and pumpkins this week as was anticipated . Egg masses have not been noted even though moth trap catches have been on the rise for a period of about two weeks . The true West Texas weather is an excellent natural control measure this year. BAW moth trap catches are erratic but increasing with all showing at least a % rise over last week.

Cotton Bollworms have been reported in program fields but have been sub- economic to this point. Populations ranging from 2400 to 3600 per acre in irrigated cotton with approximately the same number of eggs per acre are being noted. Heliothis moth traps are showing sporadic activity at this time.

Primarily, those irrigated fields that are approaching or that have reached peak bloom will be the ones at greatest risk for potential egg-lay and worm numbers. Dry-land program cotton has not been attractive to many insects.

Beneficial Insects are still in cotton and pumpkins in relatively high numbers but Crab spiders seem to be cycling as the large adults are few . There are still a large number of spiders in most crops even though they are small in stature. Big-Eyed Bugs and Minute Pirate Bugs are still present and seem to be feeding primarily in blooms where thrips and fleahoppers tend to congregate.

Pumpkins seem to be doing well with very few insect pest problems . A relatively large population of Squash Bugs could be found earlier but they don't seem to be surviving well this year. No incidents of disease symptoms have been reported to date.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Managers and staff of Floydada and Lockney COOP gins and The Ralls Independent School District for allowing the cotton update meetings that were held on July 23. Also, thanks to those producers who attended and participated in the Cooperative Extension Educational program. I was unable to attend but have heard that Dr. Jim Leser presented extremely informative programs and answered many questions posed by producers . Special thanks to Jim for his expertise and J.D. Ragland and Steve Young, County Extension Agents - Ag, for their assistance with the programs.