Border Applications of Insecticide to Manage Stink Bugs in South Carolina and Georgia Cotton

Because our previous work has shown that stink bug densities and associated boll injury are typically greatest along the edge of cotton fields, in-field border applications of insecticide were evaluated in cotton to manage stink bug infestations in South Carolina and Georgia in 2009. Rather than applying insecticides over the entire field, applications were made using a mist sprayer only for border infestations (~80 feet) upon first signs of damage. Stink bug densities and associated injury to cotton bolls (20 soft quarter-sized bolls per location) were recorded throughout the season using a grid sampling plan and transects from field borders. A yield monitor provided information on spatial variability of yield and potential associations with stink bug injury. Fields were spatially mapped using GIS mapping software (ArcView 9.2), and data analyzed using GIS and ANOVA methods. The potential pesticide savings would be important from the perspective of reducing active ingredient applications, reduced time to make applications, and finally conserving natural enemies by not treating the entire field.