ABSTRACT

Three neonicitinoid insecticides (acetamiprid, thiomethoxam, and imidacloprid) and one organophosphate insecticide (dicrotophos) were evaluated for control of the cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii [Glover]). In addition, the effects of these chemistries on populations of predators and pests were monitored throughout the season in both conventional and Bollgard cotton. Acetamiprid and thiomethoxam provided adequate control of A. gossypii, whereas dicrotophos, at times, flared populations. Imidacloprid was less effective in controlling A. gossypii than either acetamiprid or thiomethoxam. Dicrotophos, controlled stink bugs and plant bugs, but had an adverse impact on predators which resulted in higher populations of lepidopterous pests later in the season (Tables 1-2). The neonicotinoids exhibited varying activity against stink bugs, cotton fleahoppers, predaceous arthropods and later populations of lepidopterous pests.