ABSTRACT
Elimination of the boll weevil from Georgia has allowed cotton growers to rely more heavily on biological control of pests and less on insecticides. Cost of pest control has been cut by two-thirds and susceptibility of pest species to insecticides is not declining. While some induced pest problems such as beet armyworm have diminished significantly, others like bollworms and aphids continue to infest fields, but to a lesser degree. Reduced pest pressure with its reduced cost and risk have improved profitability of cotton production in Georgia. Growers have responded by planting more acres.
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