ABSTRACT

The effects okra-leaf cotton on beneficial arthropods were assessed by comparison of large field plots of acala okra-leaf (W 1218), transgenic Bt (1517-99) and conventional (1517-99) cotton. Microclimatic differences were evaluated by comparing leaf area, surface leaf temperature, relative humidity, and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). Seasonal populations of beneficials were estimated using sweep-samples. Based on one year’s data nabids and the predatory Heteroptera as a group were more common in the okra-leaf variety, while hooded beetles and green lacewings were significantly less common in the Bt than the other varieties.