GENERAL SITUATION: This week was a hot and occasionally wet in some spots. Some irrigated fields had hindered field operations, but others still were being irrigated. More rain, in spots, were being predicted for this weekend and early next week. Insect activity was light, but changing.

Bollworm Egg Counts Up

Bollworm activity increased slightly this week. Egg counts increased and worms, mostly medium size, were reported from some fields. Egg counts ranged from 0 to 20 per 100 plants. Worm counts ranged from 0 to 6 per 100 plants. Damaged green squares ranged in number from 0 to 4 per 100 plants. The current weather pattern is favorable for egg and small worm survival and fields could see increased worms in the next few days.

Eggs were observed to be have been laid in several locations on the plants. The terminals, square brachts and even on the main stems of the plant were all locations for eggs. When the field conditions are dry and hot, moths often move down inside the plant canopy to lay their eggs. And, the worms that hatch from the eggs on stems are often the most difficult to detect until large squares have been damaged. Watch for them.

Boll Weevil Puncturing More Squares

Boll weevil activity was reported to have increased slightly in the last week. Punctured square counts were reported to be increasing along field margins in some fields. Most fields around the LRGV did not have reported weevil punctured squares this week. The rainy conditions, whether rain fell on a given field or not, improved boll weevil grub survival. These "Boll Weevil Showers" are enough to allow for survival and to wash off any insecticide which may have been applied for weevil or other pest control. Thus, just like with bollworms, growers are encouraged to be alert for some rapid increases in weevils activity in the next few days to weeks.