Stephen J. Toth, Jr. and Thomas A. Melton, editors
Volume 18, Number 21, September 5, 2003

The information and recommendations in this newsletter are applicable to North Carolina and may not apply in other areas.

Field and Forage Crops

From: Jack S. Bacheler, Extension Entomologist

Insects on Cotton

When only bolls remain on cotton plants (no matter how small), female moths no longer find cotton an attractive host for egg laying. Additionally, the few caterpillars resulting from the eggs or egg masses laid on this cotton typically have a very difficult time becoming established without tender terminals, squares or blooms. As a general rule at North Carolina's latitude, when flowers and square production has stopped, cotton plants are generally free of further caterpillar and stink bug damage.

Even in later or wetter cotton fields that are still producing squares and blooms, thresholds for bollworms, stink bugs, and fall armyworms should be raised according to the levels of large bolls present, sometimes 3 to 6-fold.

The Potential of Insect Damage Declining Rapidly

Light trap counts of bollworms are now low for the most part, but isolated traps in various parts of the state had 2-night counts in the 100+ range on September 5, showing that local concentrations of bollworms can still lay high levels of eggs in late-maturing cotton fields. Fortunately these fields are becoming fewer in number. Fall armyworms and European corn borers and their damage continue in some cotton fields, but generally at low levels. We are now into the early September period when small fall armyworms cannot seem to get a foothold, probably victims of disease resulting from cooler nights and heavier dews.

Light Trap Protection

For county Extension agents and volunteers operating light traps, please bring them into a shed, garage or other area protected from the fall and winter weather. Our project will continue to fix and/or refurbish these traps during the 2004 January to March cotton production meetings. Your efforts in running these traps and reporting the insect counts are appreciated.

The information presented in this newsletter is for educational purposes only and represents the opinions of the respective authors. Any reference to trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service is implied. Use pesticides safely. Read and follow all label directions.

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 8, 2003 by Stephen J. Toth, Jr.