Gus Lorenz1, B. R. Leonard2, R. Bagwell2, Scott D. Stewart3, Fred Musser4, Angus Catchot4, D. Scott Akin5, and Glenn Studebaker5. (1) University of Arkansas, Cooperative Extension Service, PO Box 391, Little Rock, AR 72203, (2) LSU AgCenter, 212 A Macon Ridge Rd, Winnsboro, LA 71295, (3) The University of Tennessee, West TN Research and Education Center, 605 Airways Blvd., Jackson, TN 38301, (4) Mississippi State University, Clay Lyle Bldg., Mississippi State, MS 39762, (5) University of Arkansas, 1408 Scogin Drive, Monticello, AR 71656
In recent years the production system in cotton has changed dramatically. With the development of transgenic cottons such as Bollgard and WideStrike and the eradication of boll weevils, we have seen a shift in emphasis of our pest complex. In a recent survey of cotton consultants in Arkansas, when asked to name the most important problem in cotton insect control, the overwhelming response was plant bugs. Other important problems were sampling and thresholds, spider mite control, and finally worm control with the new transgenics. I think most entomologists that work in row crops will agree that there is a definite need to revisit many of our thresholds for the important pests in cotton today to assure that our thresholds are working to maximize profitability for the grower and keep pests below economic injury level. If the current thresholds need adjustment those changes need to be made as soon as possible. With the current group of entomologists in the midsouth, I have no doubt this can be accomplished. We are currently addressing the plant bug situation in the midsouth as our first collaborative effort.
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