Soil moisture continues to be in good shape across most of the area. Much of the cotton crop is in the ground up to the 4-5 true leaf stage.

Thrips are not being found in numbers high enough to cause concern. In addition to this, the weather conditions that we are experiencing favors plant growth that can sustain the feeding of the thrips.

It is important to note that isolated fields may encounter damaging thrips populations.

Aphids are also being found in some fields at numbers ranging from 0 to 30 per leaf. These early populations of aphids will probably be reduced by beneficial insects such as lady beetles but should be monitored to see if a population increase occurs.

As with thrips, the current trend of warm weather will keep the cotton plants growing at a sufficient rate to reduce any injury caused by the aphids below economic levels. It is difficult to justify treating for aphids in seedling cotton.

What are the goals of IPM for agriculture?
Ensure abundant, high quality food and fiber
Increase net profits
Maintain or improve environmental quality
Reduce production risks

How has IPM benefitted Texas crop producers?
IPM has helped producers increase net profits while reducing pesticide use and reducing production risks. Following are examples of results of evaluations conducted:

Feedback from participating farmers indicates wide support for this IPM Program. In 2001, 57% of farmers in Jones, Mitchell, Nolan and Scurry Counties reported reduced pesticide use as a result of the use of IPM. Forty-five percent reported increased yields and 58% reported increased profits due to the use of IPM.

Farmer Comments:

- IPM is the lowest cost program for effective pest control.
- I am pleased and delighted with the program. It is an important tool in my management of all my crops.
- I like the turn-row meetings.
- We are very fortunate to have this IPM Program here. It is very informative and helpful to know what's going on in the fields throughout the county.

Educational programs conducted by the Texas Agricultural Extension Service serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, handicap or national origin. The information given herein is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Cooperative Extension Service is implied. We will seek to provice reasonable accomodations for all persons with disabilites for all extension programs. We request that you contact Mr. Stephen Biles (915/236-9011) as soon as possible to advise us of the auxiliary aid or service that your require.

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Here is a little information about early season cotton plant growth. Cotton is a perennial shrub in its native habitat and can live for many years. Therefore, by planting and harvesting each year, cotton producers are forcing a perennial plant to perform as an annual.

Cotton plants will limit fruit production unless all their needs for survival are being met. To produce acceptable yields, you must make sure that the cotton plants' basic needs for nutrients, water, temperature and sunlight are satisfied so that the plant can produce squares and bolls.

Cotton plants grow slowly at emergence (the lag phase) because of the plants' limited leaf area, cooler temperatures early in the season and pests.

The first leaves that emerge are the cotyledon or seed leaves, the only leaves on the plant that grow directly opposite each other. Cotyledon leaves are primarily storage tissues; they have minimal ability to produce photosynthates (food).

Through the process of photosynthesis, leaves produce carbohydrates that the plant uses to survive, grow and produce fruit. A leaf's ability to produce carbohydrates is closely related to its age. Leaves that are 16 to 25 days old are prime producers and exporters of carbohydrates to other parts of the plant. After this age, they become less able to supply photosynthates. A 60-day-old leaf is unable to supply food reserves for developing fruit.

During the early stages of plant development, the roots grow faster than the plant parts above ground. A young taproot may extend six inches into the soil by the time the first true leaf is visible. Soon after the first true leaf appears, the roots begin developing an extensive lateral system.

Mitchell Co.
Producers COOP Gin - Colorado City,
Mitchell County Economic Development Board,
Colorado Feed and Seed,
First National Bank - Colorado City,
City National Bank - Colorado City

Scurry Co.
Scurry County Board of Economic Development,
Scurry County Cotton Producers Board.

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