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County Impact Statements - Phillips County
Extension Cotton - Integrated Pest Management
With the boll weevil eradication program removing the boll weevil as a
concern to cotton farmers, the control of the bollworm and tobacco budworm shows
added importance. This is complicated by heavy resistance of tobacco budworms to
insecticides that control bollworms. Producers have to know which species is
present in their fields when selecting insecticides. Using an insecticide that
will not control the species is very expensive and can lend to crop loss.
The larvae of both the bollworm and tobacco budworm look very similar. The
moths, however, are very easy to distinguish.
During the 2001 cotton growing season, 17 bollworm and 17 tobacco budworm
traps were placed throughout Phillips County to monitor moth flights. The traps
were checked three times per week and the results faxed to 22 locations
including producers, consultants and agri businesses. Agri businesses posted the
results for their customers to see and use.
Moth flight results in 2001 showed fairly continuous flights of both species
of moths. This meant that producers had to use insecticides in most cases that
would control both insects.
Although these insecticides were more expensive, they controlled both insect
species and prevented expensive crop loss.
The moth trapping program has become a vital part of the cotton pest
management program in Phillips County for all concerned with cotton insect
control. Moth trapping will be continued in the 2002 cotton season.
Moth trap site at cotton verification field.
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Impacts
- 17 bollworm and 17 tobacco budworm moth traps placed throughout Phillips
County.
- Trap counts recorded three times per week.
- Information transmitted to 22 locations by FAX. Posted in agri
businesses.
- Producers, consultants, etc. used information to determine pest species
present and which pesticide to use for maximum effect and control.
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