Irrigation Timing and Tarnished Plant Bug Management – Implications for Late Season Susceptibility to Tarnished Plant Bug and COTMAN Crop Termination Decisions - Year Two

Pre-flower water deficit stress followed by late irrigation or rainfall can result in delayed crop maturity which can affect late season crop attractiveness and susceptibility to tarnished plant bug. When coupled with pre-flower injury from plant bugs, crop maturity may be delayed further. In the 2nd year of a 3 year study, we evaluated compensation capacity (recovery potential) of plants affected by stress prior to first flowers and asked the question, should COTMAN crop termination decision guides for irrigation and insecticide termination be adjusted in cases where early season stress or insect induced injury has delayed crop development? Effects on yield, fiber quality, and economics will be discussed.