Evaluation of Insecticides for Lygus Management in California Cotton

Lygus bugs (Lygus hesperus) are a key mid-season pest in California cotton. They are often managed intensively as they move into fields, threatening yields from the beginning of squaring through cutout. Heavy migrations of lygus into fields can necessitate multiple applications of insecticides. Our project evaluated a range of insecticide options for lygus management in Upland cotton. We made two applications over a two-week period. We assessed pest population at multiple time points following each treatment to determine the efficacy of the tested insecticides. In addition we estimate the efficacy of the insecticide treatments for decreasing yield loss.