If you had an economic problem with escape
bollworms on 2 gene cotton in 2017 and anticipate the problem in 2018, consider
a 3 gene variety. Select one with similar maturity and yield potential as those
you've been planting. This reduces acres scouts/consultants must focus on
escape worms.
When planting 2 gene cotton in 2018, monitor
for bug and sucking pests and only make in-season foliar sprays when economic
damage is found. This will conserve beneficial insects and reduce escape
bollworms.
If monitoring 2 gene cotton in 2018, take
note of the corn planting window in your area. This plays a large role in the
emergence & movement of corn earworm (bollworm) moths to cotton in July
& Aug. The more corn planting is spread out, the wider the emergence window
of bollworms.
Bollworm moth activity isn't constant
throughout the season. Instead it occurs in cycles especially through July. By
August, generations of bollworms & tobacco budworms overlap. Fieldmen
should detect the start of these peaks by focusing on eggs & newly hatched
larvae in terminals/white blooms.
Based on my observations during the Bt cotton
era of the past 20 plus years, escape bollworm larvae do not feed on or damage
as many fruiting sites per worm as they did in the pre Bt era.
Scouting intervals for bollworms should be
reduced to 3-4 days during critical windows on 2 gene cotton in 2018. Fieldmen
may monitor select sentinel fields of similar variety and planting date to
detect increased activity.
When monitoring for bollworm larvae or eggs
on 2 gene cotton in 2018, be more concerned about detecting population
increases early, and reacting if necessary, than quantifying exact numbers--
for example: 18 vs. 28 per whatever.
Fieldmen should consider damaged fruit on 2
gene cotton in 2018, but treatment decisions will be more timely if primary
focus is on eggs and/or newly hatched larvae.
In order to stay on schedule in 2018,
fieldmen should consider only staying in a field long enough to make a
confident treat or not treat decision.
Pest Patrol Updates on crop insects in
Alabama available again in 2018. These alerts, sponsored by Syngenta, are beginning
their 10th consecutive season. University entomologists discuss current
conditions and advise on insect management.
To sign up for the Syngenta Pest Patrol
Updates for Alabama, register online at http://www.syngentaus.com/pestpatrol
or register via text message by texting pestpat11 to 97063.
