This report provides: (1) a of the 1988 crop and arthropod conditions by state; (2) in pesticide registration; (3) changes in insect control recommendations by states for the 1989 crop year; (4) a listing of promising insecticides tested in studies; and (5) a of significant research accomplishments and progress in on-going research projects. The information contained in this report is taken entirely from summary statements submitted by representatives of state and federal research or extension organizations across the U.S. cotton belt.

There were 15.5 million bales of cotton produced in 1988 from 11.6 million harvested acres (see R. B. Head et al. these proceedings). This represents an increase of 685,000 bales over that produced in 1987, but because fewer acres were harvested in 1987 (1.6 million fewer), average yield per acre in 1988 (1.3 bales) was 0.2 bales/acre less than in 1987.

Estimates of loss attributable to arthropod pests indicate a yield loss of 6.8% in spite of control measures. This represents a loss of 6.8% in spite of control measures. This represents a loss of 984.4 thousand bales from potential yield costing an arthropod pest control averaged $31.41/acre; almost identical to that for the previous year. The cost for pesticides and applications for controlling arthropod pests on acres treated was $137.4 million. The estimated total cost incurred because of arthropod pests to USA cotton production was $421 million.