Impact of Lygus Bugs on Cotton Fiber Yield and Quality Under Supplemental and Full Irrigation Production Conditions

The impact of late season Lygus infestation on cotton yield and fiber quality was assessed under low and high irrigation regimes. Two cotton varieties and two Lygus densities were evaluated using field cages. Cages were removed a week after release of bugs and plants were sprayed with an insecticide to achieve an acute infestation. The study revealed that the impact of Lygus injury was more pronounced under water-deficit growing conditions; likely because late-season lint yield compensations were limited due to reduced water availability limiting future plant growth and fruiting.