Suggested introduction for cut one:
Launched in the late 1970s, boll weevil eradication programs have been successfully implemented throughout the Cotton Belt. Frank Carter, Senior Scientist of Pest Management at the National Cotton Council, reports approximately 14 million acres of cotton are actively involved in eradication efforts.
Suggested introduction for cut two:
Texas’ Saint Lawrence and Panhandle boll weevil eradication zones recently passed referenda to begin field operations this fall. Additionally, cooperation with Mexican officials aids in curbing boll weevil infestations in Texas.
Suggested introduction for cut three:
Remaining Texas cotton acreage without boll weevil eradication protection is dwindling, with a little over a quarter of a million acres remaining. Carter thinks efforts are in place to begin eradication programs in these zones.
Suggested introduction for cut four:
Carter reports the National Cotton Council’s Boll Weevil Action committee, chaired by Missouri cotton producer Charles Parker, is focusing on protecting eradication investments.
Suggested introduction for cut five:
Farm savings from a successful boll weevil operation is difficult to estimate, says Carter, until beltwide eradication is achieved. Currently, economists rely on yield records to estimate eradication’s contribution to farm profits.
Tagline:
Boll weevil eradication status updates are available on the National Cotton Council web site at www.cotton.org in the Science and Technical section under pest management.
