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Field and Forage Crops |
So far thrips levels appear to be on the high side. This is most easily observed in individual rows or situations in which a Temik tube or hopper box has become clogged. Even damaged cotyledons have been easy to pick out where this has occurred.
At present, thrips damage to cotton is more likely over much of the central cotton growing area of the state where our continued warm dry weather favors high levels of migrating adult thrips from cultivated and wild hosts tha are drying down. Better moisture levels over some of eastern and southeastern North Carolina counties and in scattered areas elsewhere in the state should result in quicker seedling growth and better insecticide uptake if good soil moisture levels continue.
It is probably a good bet that most of our acreage planted with treated seed will require at least one foliar insecticide application. Be sure not to overlook the possibility of a foliar treatment at the first true leaf stage, the time of maximum seedling vulnerability to thrips damage. For cotton planted after about May 15, either treated seed, the 3 pound rate of Temik, or a reduced rate of Di-Syston or Thimet can sometimes provide adequate thrips control due to quicker seedling growth and generally lower thrips levels by that time.
The potential for caterpillar damage over the next two to three months will also depend largely on weather and planting date (usually the earlier the planting date, the better). Already, budworm levels in tobacco are higher than average in North Carolina, and bollworm and beet and fall armyworms are high in other crops in Georgia for this early in the season.
With any luck, we are still at least several weeks away from having to contend with cotton aphids. Fortunately, if cotton aphids or beet armyworms do become a problem in the coming weeks or months, effective insecticides are now available to control these pests. Plant bugs will not be a potential problem until after squaring has begun.
In the meantime, for both reasonably manageable insect levels and for good yield potential, let's hope for good soil moisture this coming growing season. We should get a much more accurate indication of insect pest populations in the coming weeks.
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 May 13, 2002 by Stephen J. Toth, Jr.
