Response Of Cotton To Fleahopper Control Based On Growing Conditions: Using The Fleahopper To Adjust Fruit Load

The cotton fleahopper is an early-season key pest of cotton during the first several weeks of squaring. However, response to fleahopper control and subsequent lint production is greatly influenced by the progression of plant growth and development especially as it relates to availability of water. We have discovered that under dryland production systems very high retention of the earliest fruiting positions through fleahopper control often results in no yield increase and possibly even reduction in lint production. On the other hand, lack of timely control of the cotton fleahopper can result in losses of more than $90 per acre. Plant mapping was used to show some relationships of how cotton responds to fruit loss caused by the fleahopper. Suggestions will be made as to how decisions should be made in determining fleahopper control needs. A request will be made for more detailed research on the cotton fleahopper and its interaction with cotton plant growth and development.