Author
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Pfannenstiel, Robert |
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Submitted to: National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 3/2/2007 Publication Date: 7/5/2007 Citation: Pfannenstiel, R.S. 2007. Impact of the Boll Weevil Eradication Program in South Texas on predation of Lepidopteran eggs, 2005-2006. National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference, January 9-12, 2007, New Orleans, Louisiana. p. 1136-1140. Interpretive Summary: Predation on eggs of the cotton bollworm and beet armyworm in cotton was monitored before and during the first two seasons of the Boll Weevil Eradication Program in south Texas (2005 - 2006). Mortality of eggs was reduced after malathion sprays for boll weevil in comparison to both pre-spray levels in cotton and to an adjacent unsprayed soybean field. The number of predation events observed was also reduced in comparison to pre-spray levels in cotton and post-spray levels in the soybean controls. Despite reduced mortality of lepidopteran pests, outbreaks were not observed in 2005 or 2006, probably due to reduced spray applications relative to the previous boll weevil eradication attempt in south Texas. Technical Abstract: Predation on eggs of the lepidopteran pests (Helicoverpa zea Boddie) and Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) in cotton was monitored before and during the first two seasons of the Boll Weevil Eradication Program in south Texas (2005-2006). Mortality of eggs was reduced after malathion sprays for boll weevil in comparison to both pre-spray levels in cotton and to an adjacent unsprayed soybean field. The number of predation events observed was also reduced in comparison to pre-spray levels in cotton and post-spray levels in the soybean controls. Despite reduced mortality of lepidopteran pests, outbreaks were not observed in 2005 or 2006, probably due to reduced spray applications relative to the previous boll weevil eradication attempt in south Texas. |
