Web Site: http://entowww.tamu.edu
Vol. 30, No. 3

COTTON

Cotton ranges from two true leaves to 1/3 grown square stage. Many fields are now in the "pinhead" to "match head" square stage. Some of our early squares (1st position) have been lost due to adverse environmental conditions. Some of this loss may be attributed to the high winds over the last few weeks, which blew sand particles that damaged both foliage and squares. So far cotton fleahopper and Lygus bug infestations have been light. Currently Lygus bugs are more common than fleahoppers.

Cotton aphids continue to be found in area cotton, but remain very light and scattered. Furadan 4F has been registered under a section 18 for control of cotton aphids in cotton again this year. Two applications at a rate of 8 oz/acre can be applied to each field for cotton aphid control. Closed loading systems and posting are again required. Please read the label guidelines, before making an application since there are many specific restrictions which must be followed. All of our aerial applicators will have the most current information on this product.

Centric and Intruder are two new products which control cotton aphids. Test by Dr. Jim Leser have shown them to be very effective for aphid control in cotton.

Grasshoppers have been found infesting cotton, corn and sorghum, but so far damage has been confined to small areas. In some cases grasshoppers have spread out over a field, which reduces damage in the areas where initially found.

Thrips infestations remain in area cotton, but recent damage to new growth is minimal. After cotton reaches 8 true leaf stage we are not usually concerned with thrips problems.

Collections of cotton boll weevil by the TBWEF remain relatively light. They continue to treat fields for weevils as the fields reach pinhead square and weevils are found. For the week ending in June 16, 8,138 acres were treated for weevils in the Northern High Plains Zone.

CORN

Southwestern corn borer trap collections of adults are low at this time. Foliage feeding observed in corn has not been due to this pest, but is from the corn earworm.

Banks grass mites continue to be observed in a few fields and remain confined to the lower leaves when found.

SORGHUM

Corn leaf aphids are abundant in some sorghum fields, but damage remains light in most cases.

SUNFLOWER

Painted Lady butterfly larvae have been observed feeding on sunflower foliage but defoliation is light at this time.

PUBLICATIONS/VIDEOS

Enclosed is an order form for publications and videos related to cotton. I have viewed all of them and they are excellent for reference or training employees. If you have any questions, contact your local County Extension Agent or Extension Agent-IPM.