According to the latest West Plains IPM Update from Texas A&M AgriLife, crops across Lamb, Hockley, and Cochran counties continue to progress through summer conditions, with pest pressure remaining relatively low in most areas.
The July 30 report by Extension Agent Kerry Siders notes that sorghum aphids have not yet been confirmed in grain sorghum fields across the region, although he says they are likely present in low numbers. Grasshoppers continue to be found along field margins, but feeding in young whorl-stage corn and milo has not been common. Siders also encouraged producers with lateplanted grain to continue scouting regularly for sorghum aphids, midge, worms, spider mites and corn leafhoppers, which have been observed in the Olton area.
According to the report, peanuts are progressing well, particularly in fields receiving consistent irrigation. Siders reported strong blooming, pegging and pod set so far, with no significant foliage-feeding larvae observed. Siders said that he has not yet detected any disease pressure, including leaf spot, pepper spot and limb rot, but said that could change depending on weather patterns. As peanuts continue to mature, Siders said he highly recommends the use of preventative fungicide applications in the coming weeks. Weed control also remains a challenge, with many producers utilizing 2,4-D-B in combination with residual products such as Dual.
Cotton development across the area continues to lag behind typical timelines, ranging from early square stages to about five nodes above white flower. While the crop is behind, Siders said there is still potential for a solid crop if heat units accumulate and conditions remain favorable through the remainder of the season.
Siders said he has not observed fleahoppers in significant numbers, attributing the low pressure in part to recent weather conditions. Cotton aphid populations, which had been increasing in previous weeks, have since declined, though producers are encouraged to remain vigilant moving forward.
The report also highlights the importance of timely fertilizer applications. Siders noted that late fertilizer can delay cotton maturity and increase the likelihood of aphid issues due to excess nitrogen. Siders noted that this is why he had been emphasizing the importance of completing applications before the end of July.
In the report, Siders outlined key priorities for August, stressing the importance of continued scouting. While recent heat has slowed insect activity, Siders said pests like Lygus, stinkbugs, cotton aphids and bollworms could increase as conditions change, making regular monitoring and threshold-based decisions critical.
Weed control also remains an important focus, especially preventing Palmer amaranth from going to seed, with Siders encouraging producers to continue late-season control efforts. Siders also added that careful irrigation is important, as excess water can delay maturity. The goal is to finish blooming before the end of August.
In addition to current field conditions, the report noted several upcoming agricultural events. A Cotton Update is scheduled for Aug. 7 at the Barker Research Farm in Morton. The Levelland Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee will host its Ag Appreciation Shrimp Boil on Sept. 9 at Mallet Electric Cooperative in Levelland, followed by the West Texas Ag Chemicals Institute Annual Meeting on Sept. 10 at the Scottish Rite in Lubbock.
For any questions or concerns, Siders can be reached at his office at (806) 894-3150 or by email
at kerry.siders@ag.tamu.edu.