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KERRY SIDERS
Cotton ranges from just beginning to bloom with more than 6 nodes above white flower (NAWF) to past physiological cutout with 2 NAWF. Using our IPM scouting fields as a representation of area cotton crop, we see that 82% of fields are in bloom; and 36% of fields have reached physiological cutout (< 5 NAWF) this week. For those fields we need approximately 400 more heat units (HU) to accumulate to be safe from bollworms. With the current weather trend of +20 heat units per day, those fields which have reached cutout should be safe from bollworms around August 23. The remaining 64% of the cotton acreage has such a wide range of maturity levels that it would be difficult to be as certain of when it will be safe from worms. I would approach these later maturing fields from this angle. We historically say our last effective bloom date ranges from August 20 (out on state line) to August 25 (near Ropesville). These are dates in which a boll can be formed, have time to mature, and contribute to yield. Therefore, if we continue with this weather pattern into September, and we are accumulating 20 HU/day, we can add 20 days to these dates. Thus, would give us a target of September 9-14 for those late fields needing to be scouted and protected from worm issues. The point being is that NAWF is an important gauge of maturity and can help project time needed to be safe from worms and even manage irrigation.
Currently, I am seeing bollworm moth activity early in the mornings, with some egg laying being seen. However, between beneficial insects, spiders, and this dry hot weather I am not seeing resulting worm activity. YET! So, scout those no technology fields closely. Lygus, stinkbug, and especially cotton aphids (small colonies in most all fields) should be included in those scouting procedures. https://extensionentomology. tamu.edu/files/2020/03/Cottonaphid_ ENTO074.pdf Peanuts are generally healthy and developing a good pod load. Those who have keep up with water demands of peanuts this last month should be seeing a very good bloom, peg, and pod load. In general, the dry-hot weather has suppressed ***** West Plains IPM Update is a publication of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service IPM Program in Hockley, Cochran, and Lamb Counties. Editor: Kerry Siders, Extension Agent-IPM Contact information: 1212 Houston St.,Suite 2, Levelland, TX 79336 806) 894-3150 (office), 638-5635 (mobile) ksiders@tamu.edu (E-mail)