General Conditions: Program cotton growth is bloom/boll to cut out with most new growth being shed unless water has been plentiful.

Boll Weevil Numbers: None reported in program cotton fields or program traps this last week.

Beet Armyworm Larvae are not being reported in cotton and pumpkins this week. Moth trap numbers are decreasing and instances of larval occurrence in the field are none.

Cotton Bollworms have been and remain sub- economic in program cotton. Populations ranging from 1000 to 2500 small worms per acre in irrigated cotton with very few eggs per acre being noted. Very little damage has been noted and especially the " Bt" cotton varieties have shown no damage from these "nickel and dime" populations of the last three weeks. This combined with high beneficial populations has done the trick. Heliothis moth traps continue to show reduced activity at this time. .

Beneficial Insects are still in cotton and pumpkins but are starting to "cycle" out except in very lush fields that still tend to have some flower feeders such as thrips. Good " bugs" have been a big help this year but don't see them hanging on much longer.

Pumpkins are doing well after irrigation and the showers that have occurred lately. Insect populations ,mainly Squash Bugs, will continue to be a hindrance throughout the remainder of the season but have been managed quite well with "Capture" insecticide.

This will be the last regularly scheduled Update for the 2001 season unless something unforseen occurs which necessitates a special edition. The following bulletin board sites may be utilized as sources of Texas Cooperative Extension announcements :

Crosby County:
Crosby County Fuel – Crosbyton, Ralls, Lorenzo
Associated Cotton Growers – Crosbyton, Cone,
Robertson and McAdoo
Owens Coop Gins ; Lorenzo Coop Gins ; Mt. Blanco Gin ; Pleasant Hill Coop Gin ; and, Caprock Gin.

Floyd County:
Producers Coop Farm Store – Floydada , Dougherty
South Plains Gin ; Lockney Coop Gin ; McCoy Gin ; Barwise Elevator and Farm Store ; D and J Gin ; Floydada Coop Gin ; Providence Farm Supply; Consumers Fuel Association ;and, Sandhill Elevator.

Remember, "walk-ins", phone calls and e-mail are always welcome.