Author
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Adamczyk, John |
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Hubbard, Don |
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Submitted to: Journal of Cotton Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 8/1/2006 Publication Date: 10/1/2006 Citation: Adamczyk Jr, J.J., Hubbard, D.W. 2006. Changes in heliothis virescens (f.) (lepidoptera: noctuidae) and helicoverpa zea (boddie) (lepidoptera: noctuidae) populations in the mississippi delta from 1986-2005 as indicated by adult male pheromone traps. Journal of Cotton Science. Interpretive Summary: The bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), and the tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (F.), are two caterpillar pest of many row crops throughout the United States. In particular, these pests annually cause economic damage to conventional cotton across the mid-southern U. S. From 1986 through 2005, traps that capture these moths were used to estimate populations in the Mississippi Delta. Trends over the last 20 years indicated that both species have declined. Since 1996, adult populations of H. virescens have declined dramatically. Technical Abstract: The bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), and the tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (F.), are major pest of many row crops throughout the United States. In particular, these pests annually cause economic damage to conventional cotton across the mid-southern U. S. From 1986 through 2005, adult pheromone traps were used to estimate populations of both species in the Mississippi Delta. Trends over the last 20 years indicated that both species have declined in adult numbers. Since 1996, adult populations of H. virescens have declined dramatically. We attribute the decline in H. virescens primarily to widescale plantings of Bt cotton (Bollgard®, Monsanto Co.). Other factors that may have impacted populations of H. virescens and H. zea in the Mississippi Delta are discussed. |
