Plains Pest Management News

July 6, 2012

Cotton  Cotton ranges from fields in the five leaf stage to fields in early bloom. Fields in early bloom have had 8 to 9 nodes above white bloom and, if provided sufficient irrigation, should have a very high yield potential. Fields that experienced early hail and wind damage have been slow to recover. Overall, the cotton crop looks much better than two weeks ago, especially in the thin stand locations.

So far, insect activity in cotton has been very light. Cotton fleahoppers are extremely light as are Lygus bugs. Another plant bug has been commonly found in beat sheet and sweep net samples

that looks very similar to Lygus bug adults. The easiest way to separate this bug from a Lygus adult is to look at the last antennae segment. If it comes to a needle like point, it is probably a Lygus,

and if it is slightly expanded at the tip, it is another type plant bug that is not an economic pest.

Isolated infestations of cotton aphid continue to be reported with little damage observed. Beet armyworm leaf feeding can be seen on older leaves in some cotton fields, but no larvae are

being found this week. A few scattered yellow stripped armyworms have been observed in cotton, but pose no threat at this time.

  Corn  Corn is in excellent condition and it appears that growers have matched irrigation output, with acres planted. Corn growth ranges from early whorl (replant) to tassel and silk stage. Early plant fields already have ears with brown silk.  Banks grass mite infestations generally remain very light and are still confined to field margins.  Dr. Pat Porter, Extension Entomologist from Lubbock has reported finding true armyworm larvae in non-Bt corn, but is generally not an ear or stalk pest.

Sorghum Corn leaf aphids are now common in sorghum but usually not considered a pest

during the whorl stage. A few fall armyworms and corn earworms have been found feeding in the whorl. Banks grass mites have been found on the lower leaves of sorghum next to pasture or wheat, but infestations remain scattered and light.

Sunflowers  Continue to scout blooming sunflowers for the presence of sunflower moth. Scout early in the morning or late in the evening for adults present on the head. Once bloom is complete and florets are drying, the field will no longer be attractive for oviposition.