Overall, the cotton situation seems sporadic and with all the heat we are getting, the crop is maturing really fast. We have received a few reports of leaf-footed bugs in fields, but spider mites remain the primary focus of phone calls. In most cases, spider mites are being found in fields near or at “the end.” Based on research from the Mid-South, spider mites are unlikely to cause injury once cotton reaches 2 nodes above white flower (NAWF). There may be very specific scenarios where we are more aggressive and treat beyond that, but in normal situations, we don’t need to worry about spider mites once the crop reaches NAWF2.
Cotton jassids have a similar distribution to this time last
year (image below: blue=2025; orange=2026), however, they have been found in a
few more northern counties at this point. Thankfully, although cotton jassids
are detectable in fields, they have not reached economic levels in many fields so
far. Overall reports of insecticide applications for jassids have been sporadic
and almost exclusively contained in the oldest fields in the area that were beginning
to crack bolls. For now, our recommendation is to scout and protect cotton
until it reaches 20% open (threshold = 1 jassid per leaf). Cotton jassid can
defoliate cotton in as little as two weeks, so we cannot walk away too soon. As
the oldest cotton begins cut out, jassids will likely move to the late planted
crop. This is where we will likely have the greatest economic concerns. Just
because things have been manageable so far this year does not mean we can relax.
Cotton prices have been as high as $0.92 over the last couple days. We need to
protect it and maximize our yields as best as possible.
To see an up-to-date map on cotton jassid detections across
the Cotton Belt, you can check out the Stop two-Spot Cotton Leafhopper
(Stop2SCL) website here (https://stop2scl.org/cotton/)
As always, if we can ever be of any help, or if you would
like to provide input on the situation in your area, please don’t hesitate to
reach out to your local Extension Agent or myself (Scott Graham: 662-809-3368)
and Ron Smith (334-332-9501). For more information on thresholds and
insecticide recommendations, visit the Alabama Cotton IPM Guide (IPM-0415). To stay up-to-date on the Alabama cotton insect situation,
subscribe to the Alabama Cotton Shorts Newsletter,
Alabama Crops Report Newsletter and Podcast,
and the Syngenta Pest Patrol Hotline.
