Suppression of the Boll Weevil First Generation by Augmentative Releases of Catolaccus grandis in Aliceville, Alabama
J. A. Morales-Ramos, M. G. Rojas, J. Roberson, R. G. Jones, E. G. King, K. R. Summy, and J. R. Brazzel
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ABSTRACT
Augmentative releases of Catolaccus grandis (Burks) were conducted in four commercial cotton fields of 16.3, 15.8, 12.5, and 7.1 acres, totalling 51.7 acres. The fields were located in Aliceville, Alabama. Parasitoid releases were integrated with early season applications of insecticides, cultivation practices, and herbicides. The fields were compared to insecticideÄtreated controls of 28.4, 16.2, and 9.0 acres. Percent parasitism of boll weevil larvae was lower than reported in earlier studies, ranging from 12 to 54 percent in random field samples and from 12.9 to 59.3 in cohorts in the field. However, boll weevil survival was significantly higher in the control (3 fold) compared to the release fields. Evidence of suppression of first generation boll weevil is presented.
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