Early Season Population Dynamics of Lygus Bugs in Drip Vs. Furrow-Irrigated Cotton

F.B. Zwick and R.T. Huber


 
ABSTRACT

The establishment, growth, and distribution of Lygus spp. populations were compared throughout the early season in drip and furrow-irrigated cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Lygus were consistently more abundant in drip-irrigated cotton. Initial establishment of adults and nymphs occurred earlier in the drip-irrigated cotton when compared to the furrow irrigated cotton. The increase in number of damaged terminal squares closely paralleled Lygus population growth under both irrigation systems, and drip-irrigated cotton required insecticide treatment prior to that under furrow irrigation. Throughout most of the early season, Lygus adults were randomly distributed in cotton under rip irrigation, but frequent aggregation occurred in the furrow- irrigated cotton, primarily when squaring was highly variable and plants were moisture-stressed. Differences in plant growth rates and insect distribution and establishment between these two irrigation systems have several implications for pest management.



Reprinted from Proceedings of the 1983 Beltwide Cotton Production Research Conference pp. 197 - 200
©National Cotton Council, Memphis TN

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Document last modified Sunday, Dec 6 1998