ABSTRACT

Cotton losses to arthropods were light in 2003. Pests reduced overall yields by 4.16%. The bollworm/budworm complex retained the top ranking as the number one cotton pest by reducing yields by 1.39%. Lygus was number two at 0.897%; stink bugs were 3rd at 0.735%; cotton fleahoppers were 4th at 0.322%, and Thrips were 5^th at 0.261%. Total cost and loss for insects in 2003 were $1.076 billion. Direct management costs for arthropods were $58.88 per acre.