Every season, we talk about the threat of lygus bugs
to the cotton crop.
Well, this season it’s even more important than ever
for growers to keep a close eye on this pest, especially during the squaring
period.
 |
| Here is cotton square damage from lygus. - UGA photo |
Field scout
Carlos Silva reports an uptick of lygus bugs and lygus nymphs in the cotton
fields.Some growers are already treating for the pest, fearing a heavy loss of
squares and, in the long run, a drop in yield. Lygus is a constant threat from
early squaring to final boll set.
The
pest will pierce squares and damage anthers and other tissues, according to UC
IPM. “When squares are less than 0.2 inch (5 mm) long, they shrivel, turn
brown, and drop from the plant. Damage to larger squares may be to anthers, styles,
and stigma, and may interfere with fertilization. If many squares drop, the
plant may put its energy resources into vegetative growth, resulting in tall,
spindly plants and reduced yields,” UC IPM adds.
Dr. Pete Goodell of UC IPM points out growers need
to be even more vigilant to preserve as many squares as possible to protect
their yield this fall because of the drought. Due to the uncertainty of water
supplies later this summer, growers may wind up harvesting earlier than usual.
 |
| Lygus bug damage to a terminal. - UC IPM photo. |
Carlos is snagging an average of one to two lygus
bugs per 50 sweeps of his sweep net. In one field, he collected three to five lygusper
50. As a rule, UC IPM puts the treatment threshold at two per 50 from June 15
to 30.
 |
| Lygus bugs finds a home in alfalfa. |
“Staying on top
of lygus is a big issue right now,” Carlos says. For growers with nearby
alfalfa fields, it is crucial they leave strips of uncut alfalfa during harvest
to help keep lygus from fleeing into cotton. Remember, lygus prefer to live in
alfalfa. “There is a lot of lygus in the alfalfa fields,”Carlos notes.
Meanwhile, Carlos says alfalfa growers are preparing
for another cutting over the next couple weeks. One grower cut his crop a
little early to minimize damage from weevils and worms.
In general, though, “pest counts have been pretty
low in alfalfa,” Carlos says.
Contingent on capacity and existing budgetary condition, a man can apply online and can get text for a favored measure of financial help. text loans uk are served rapidly and no postponement is made like customary fiscal plans. An individual gets a customizable settlement and he can reimburse back inside of an adaptable time period. The complete strategy is proficient online and bunches of authority research material and conventions are not needed. A candidate needs just to top off an online application shape and present that frame by tapping on an online €submit€ catch is vital. While surfing online for this cash bargain, a borrower can search for more than one budgetary proposition and he can acquire the most suitable monetary understanding.
ReplyDelete