ABSTRACT

With almost 70% of the state conducting a Boll Weevil Eradication program the amount of Bt cotton has risen to comprise 60% of the acreage in Arkansas. The 2002 growing season was unique in that budworm pressure was greater in many parts of the northeast part of the state, compared to the southeast, which traditionally experiences more budworm pressure. A field survey was conducted in late August to compare the performance of Bt and non-Bt varieties. Across the state Bt varieties had significantly less boll damage than non-Bt varieties and required significantly less insecticide applications for control of heliothines. When varieties were compared, although sample numbers were insufficient to make a conclusive statement, it appeared that some varieties experienced more boll damage than others.