Texas Cooperative Extension Service
The Texas A&M University System
PEST MANAGEMENT NEWS
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. 13
THE INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER
FOR THE LOWER ROLLING PLAINS
August 24, 2001
Cotton Conditions

Temperatures in the mid to lower 90's and light rains (0 to 2 inches) have fallen across the area in the past week. These rains may help the cotton plants that are still trying to fill bolls, but for the most part, it is too, little too late to improve yields. One benefit of this rain is that harvest aids may be more effective if enough rain falls to improve the health of the plants.

Many of the fields have open bolls and some fields are nearing 70% open bolls. Thus, most fields are well past the damage windows for most insect pests. Aphids will be the pest to watch for in the coming weeks.

In fields that are susceptible to bollworm, worm numbers remain very low (0-2000 per acre). Other pests are not being found in damaging populations. Beneficial insects are still around in relatively high numbers (34-240 per 100 plants).

Defoliation Trials

I am currently looking for sites for defoliation trials. This is a good way for us to find out what's new and what is working this year. If you have any "special" treatments that you want to see in the trials, give me a call.

Turn Row / Gin Meetings

We will not have anymore turn-row/gin meetings this year. In the coming weeks I will hold meetings at the locations of the defoliation trials and at crop tours.

Important Dates:

Mitchell County Crop Tour
September 18, 2001

 

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

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Table 1. Heat Units Accumulated from
Selected Dates Through August 7, 2001
From
Thru
Total Heat Units
(60/95 degrees F)
5/01
8/22
2,313.5
5/10
8/22
2,217.5
5/20
8/22
2.043.5
6/01
8/22
1,871
6/10
8/22
1,699
6/20
8/22
1,476.5
7/01
8/22
1,236
7/10
8/22
1,038
7/20
8/22
792
Table 2. 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 3. 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 4. Projected Dates of Crop Growth Landmarks for Various Planting Dates Based on Table 3
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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