Texas Agricultural Extension Service
The Texas A&M University System
Jones Mitchell
Nolan
Scurry
Stephen Biles
Extension Agent - IPM
P.O. Box 558
Sweetwater, TX 79556
Office: (915) 236-9011
Fax: (915) 236-9018
e-mail: biles-sp@tamu.edu
Website: http://nolan-ext.tamu.edu/ipm
Vol. 4, No. 8
THE INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER
FOR THE LOWER ROLLING PLAINS
July 12, 2001
Cotton Conditions

Cotton fields vary from pin-head square to bloom. Rainfall continues to be a major point of concern. Although most fields are still not experiencing much drought stress, we will need a rain soon to maintain higher yield potentials.

Cotton Fleahoppers are being found in fields but their numbers seem to be dwindling with a few exceptions. (0-71 per 100 plants). Most fields are past the economic damage window and have more than 3 or 4 fruit per plant.

Bollworm eggs continue to be found (0-14 eggs per 100 plants). Some eggs are surviving to the worm stage (0-4 small worms per 100 plants), but the large number of predators in the fields seem to be providing adequate control.

In fields with a bunch of small worms, less than1/4 inch, wait 3 days and scout the field again. If the worms are still there at levels above threshold levels, then make the decision to treat. Waiting for three days should not be a problem and may save you an insecticide treatment.
Table 1. Moth Trap Captures for July, 2001
(Moths/day).
County
Bollworm
Budworm
Jones
n/a
n/a
Mitchell
9
2
Nolan
182
6
Scurry
6
0
     

Beneficial insects remain in high numbers with populations exceeding 100 predators per 100 plants.

Turn Row Meetings

July 16 Roscoe- Co-op Gin Office

July 17 Hoyle Farm - South side of I-20 between Lasky Rd. and Lucas Rd.

July 18 Perry Farm - Hwy. 180 at FM 644

July 19 Nauert Farm - FM 704, 1 mile east of Hwy. 6

All meetings will begin at 8:30 a.m.
1 hour CEU in IPM will be available at all meetings.

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.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating

1

 

Table 2. Heat Units Accumulated from
Selected Dates Through July 2, 2001
From
Thru
Heat Units Accumulated
5/01
7/02
1,130.5
5/10
7/02
1,218.5
5/20
7/02
1,032
5/31
7/02
886.5
6/10
7/02
713
6/20
7/02
475.5
6/30
7/02
281.5
Table 3. Accumulated Heat Units Required for Different Stages of Cotton
Growth Stage
From Emergence
From Previous Stage
1st True Leaf
16
16
Pin-head Square
455
439
Match-head Square
560
105
1/3 Grown Square
770
210
First Bloom
1064
294
First Open Boll
1641
577
95% Mature Bolls
2271
630

 
Table 4. Estimated Time Sequence of Growth and Development Stages in the Cotton Plant.
Planting Date
 --
1st Square 32 Days
--
1st White Bloom 23 Days
--
1st Open Boll 55 Days
--
30% Open 15 Days
--
60% Open 10 Days
--
85% Open 20 Days
--

 

Table 5. Projected Dates of Crop Growth Landmarks for Various Planting Dates Based on Table 4
Planting
Date
1st
Square
1st White
Bloom
1st Open
Boll
30%
Open
60%
Open
85%
Open
5/01
6/02
6/25
8/19
9/03
9/13
10/03
5/10
6/11
7/04
8/28
9/12
9/22
10/12
5/20
6/21
7/14
9/07
9/22
10/02
10/22
6/01
7/03
7/26
9/19
10/04
10/14
11/03
6/10
7/12
8/04
9/28
10/13
10/23
11/12
6/20
7/22
8/14
10/08
10/23
11/02
11/22
* Keep in mind that these dates are estimates, warmer and cooler temperatures will hasten and delay crop maturity, respectively.

 


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