Reports from the Texas A&M AgriLife West Plains IPM Update detail summer conditions for crop growth across Lamb, Hockley and Cochran counties. Notably, pest problems remain relatively low in the area.
Extension Agent Kerry Siders reports that sorghum aphids are not yet confirmed in grain sorghum fields within the region, though they may appear in low numbers. Grasshoppers have been found within field margins, but are not feeding in whorl-stage corn and milo.
Producers with lateplanted grain are encouraged to regularly scout for sorghum aphids, midge, worms, spider mites and corn leafhoppers.
Peanut production is set to progress well, particularly in consistently irrigated fields. Siders reported strong blooming, pegging and pod set so far, with no significant foliage-feeding larvae observed. Disease pressure from leaf spot, pepper spot and limb rot has not been observed; however, Siders reported this could change depending on weather patterns.
As the peanuts enter the mature stages, Siders highly recommends the use of preventative fungicide applications in the coming weeks. Many producers are utilizing 2,4-D-B in combination with residual products such as Dual for weed prevention.
Cotton development across counties 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.
Concerning fertilizer applications, Siders noted that late fertilizer can delay cotton maturity and increase the likelihood of aphid issues due to excess nitrogen. Applications should have been completed before the end of July.
Summing up the key priorities for August in the report, Siders stressed the importance of continued scouting. Although 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.
Moreover, 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. Careful irrigation is advised, as excess irrigation can delay maturity.
There are several upcoming agricultural events. 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 further inquiries or concerns, Siders can be reached at his office at (806) 894-3150 or by email at kerry.siders@ag.tamu.edu.