General Information
Helpful Links:
- Insect Control Recommendations for Field Crops (PB 1768)
- Cotton Insect Identification (narrated PowerPoint presentation)
Planting Tips to Reduce Risk of Insect Injury:
- Destroy weeds or other pre-plant vegetation by tillage or herbicide application three or more weeks in advance of planting.
- Plant during the recommended window when possible (April 20 – May 10).
- Use short or medium maturing varieties.
- Use Bt cotton varieties and at least some acres to reduce risk.
Scouting:
- Scout each field a minimum of every seven days and more frequently during periods when insect injury is likely to occur.
- Additional scouting information.
NAWF (Nodes Above White Flower): NAWF is the number of fruiting branches (nodes) above the uppermost first-position white flower of a plant. Counting from the top, the first node has an unfolded leaf the size of a quarter. NAWF is a useful measure of plant maturity and can be used to help make insect management decisions. NAWF=5 is referred to as cutout.
Calculating Heat Units (DD60s): Use the maximum and minimum temperature for a 24-hour period to determine the average temperature for the day. Subtract 60 degrees from the average. The remainder is the number of heat units (DD60s) accumulated for that day. Add these daily units to obtain the cumulated total.
When Applying Insecticides: Read and follow label directions carefully before you buy, mix, apply, store or dispose of a pesticide. According to laws regulating pesticides, they must be used only as directed by the label. Alternate classes of insecticides when practical to minimize the chance of developing resistance. When pollinators are present, and especially when beehive are located near fields, apply pesticides in a way to minimize risks to bees and other non-target organisms.
Premixed Insecticide Products: The following products are available as premixes of two or more insecticides. The use of these premixes may provide suppression or control of multiple pests, and thus, are typically recommended when several pests are present at treatment level. Use of these products is suggested primarily after first bloom.