Volume XXVII No. 8 May 10, 2002 The recently passed Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 is awaiting President Bush's signature. The National Cotton Council is conducting a series of meetings across the Cotton Belt to provide members with the latest information regarding the provisions of the bill and identify the issues that should be addressed as USDA begins implementation. The National Cotton Council will hold a meeting in the Lower Rio Grande Valley on the new Farm Bill on Friday, May 24th at the Hoblitzelle Auditorium at the Texas Agricultural Research and Extension Center at Weslaco. The meeting will start at 9:00 am. The National Cotton Council is encouraging all who have an interest in the farm legislation to attend the meeting if at all possible. Remember: Friday, May 24th, Weslaco. GENERAL SITUATION: Cotton and grain sorghum fields were a mixed bag of possibilities this week. Most of the dryland cotton and grain appeared to be in serious jeopardy due to the dry weather. Very few dryland fields appear to be headed toward anything remotely resembling a normal production season. Irrigated fields, on the other hand, looked very good considering the very dry weather conditions the LRGV has experienced since mid-October. Blooming cotton and grain sorghum fields were more common this week than last week. Insect activity was light, but increases in some fields were possible. Irrigated fields were holding well, but in dryland cotton fields, many were blooming out of the top with Nodes Above White Flower (NAWF) ranging from 0 to 4. Five (5) NAWF is often referred to as cut-out, meaning the cotton plant in such a condition has stopped further fruit production. The low NAWF readings also points to no recovery for fields with such conditions even if it rains immediately. Aphids on the Increase Cotton aphids were increasing in some fields this week. Aphid infestations ranged from 1 or 2 per plant to 1000's per plant, depending on the spots in fields examined. High numbers of winged aphids were present indicating a possibility of rapid population expansion and increases in infestations. Beneficials Increasing Beneficials like lady beetles were also on the increase in those fields with increasing aphid populations. Natural control of the aphids appeared to be possible in some fields, but others may need an insecticide spray to prevent the debilitation of already struggling cotton plants. No signs of the natural fungus which often attacks aphids was observed this week. Since the aphid population has been very light until just recently, both beneficials and the fungus may be slow to build as well. Therefore, scout each and every field as often as possible to determine when and if any control of pests are required.

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PEST CAST continued

Spider Mites Like the Weather

Spider mites were reported in many fields this week, but in very light numbers. The current weather conditions have been very favorable for both aphids and spider mites because both pests seem to prefer cotton under stress. Even in irrigated fields, the heat stress and in many cases rapidly lowering field moisture levels have added to the stress on cotton. Thus, any field could be a target for these normally early season pests. Watch for them.

Watch for Beet Armyworms

Beet armyworms (BAW) were reported in a couple of fields across the LRGV this week. One field was reportedly sprayed for the worms. The very dry and hot weather conditions along with the very skippy stands in some fields could be of benefit to the BAW, so check your fields carefully for the pests.

Bollworm Damage Light

A couple of reports of some worm damaged squares laying on the ground were received this week. However, actual worm counts were extremely light indicating a very low overall worm population at this time.

Cotton Fleahopper Numbers Down

Cotton fleahopper infestations were much reduced this week. Counts ranged from 0 to 10 per 100 plants. Fields which have yet to bloom should be monitored closely for fleahoppers. Most other fields which have begun to bloom likely are past any significant damage from fleas unless their numbers become huge.

Boll Weevils Scarce-for now

Boll weevil trap counts were near zero in most of the traps. Thus, we will cease trapping for the time being. We likely will start running the traps again in July when weevils will be moving around.

Overwintered boll weevil sprays should already be completed by now. Any additional sprays now would likely increase secondary pests such as aphids and worms.

Cornleaf Aphid Populations Heavy

A few reports of cornleaf aphid infestations in irrigated sorghum were received this week. Some damage from the cornleaf aphids was observed including reddish streaking in some leaves. Most fields probably will have minimal damage, if any, since cornleaf aphids are not usually a threat to grain sorghum. However, watch fields closely now because the stress from the heat and dry weather also favor aphids in general and could make an otherwise weak pest into a more serious one.

Other aphids like greenbugs also could be a threat and any sorghum field should be carefully examined to determine if greenbugs are present and causing reddening of spots on leaves or whole leaves. Once again, aphids, particularly cornleaf aphids can assist in increasing natural enemies of aphids and other pests in sorghum and other crops like cotton. So, in order to help manage possible secondary pest problems in cotton do not treat sorghum for aphids unless significant damage appears imminent.

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