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Field and Forage Crops |
Although cotton planting is currently underway throughout North Carolina, it is still a little early to get an appreciation for the abundance of upcoming thrips populations. The potential for thrips damage in the coming weeks will also be influenced by temperature and soil moisture. A return to higher temperatures and better moisture levels will enhance the uptake of granular at-planting insecticides and seed treatments and result in faster seedling grow-off. Don't overlook the possibility of a well-timed foliar spray at about the first true leaf stage if thrips are becoming established on the undersides of expanded cotyledons and/or on the newly-developing first true leaf, particularly if insecticide uptake conditions are poor. Rapping several seedlings against an index card or using a hand lens will help with these inspections.
No reports of cutworm damage to cotton have been received, though we are still early in the season. For producers who do not use a pre- or at-planting cutworm insecticide on their conservation tillage cotton (certainly most), cutworms are a potential problem. Weekly stand inspections for cut off or wilted seedlings can be used to detect a possible cutworm infestation. If cut off or wilted seedlings are found, more thorough scouting for a potentially damaging cutworm infestation is recommended. For information about scouting for cutworms, see the April 19, 2002 issue of the North Carolina Pest News, Cotton Information, or the Cotton Insect Scouting Guide.
Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.
Last modified on April 29, 2002 by Stephen J. Toth, Jr.
