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Field and Forage Crops |
As of September 13, the 2002 insect season is all but behind us. For many of North Carolinas cotton producers, this may go down as a year to forget (regarding both insects and yield and quality). Others, who were dealt more generous rainfall patterns during July and August, should fare quite well with their yields, given a good fall for harvesting.
Thrips were a headache to producers again in 2002, with western flower thrips adding to control difficulties in some areas of the state. Bollworms appeared very early and in high numbers, causing significant boll damage for some producers. This was a dramatic change from the previous year that witnessed late and low bollworm levels. Beet armyworms, a migratory species and only rarely a pest in the Carolinas, also occurred at very high levels in a number of cotton fields throughout the state.
On the positive side, stink bug damage to bolls in Bollgard cotton was significantly less than was the case in the last two growing seasons, and European corn borers continued extended their string of very low statewide boll damage to about seven years. Bollgard cotton also generally stood up well to the high bollworm pressure.
Cotton aphids occurred at moderate to high levels in scattered areas throughout the state again this year, but between aphid mummy parasites, the fungus and the new chloronicotinoid insecticides like Intruder, Centric, and Trimax, few outbreaks became serious.
All in all, most of the state's cotton producers are looking for a more kind weather and insect year in 2003. The odds certainly favor it.
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 September 16, 2002 by Stephen J. Toth, Jr.