There were approximately 9.5 million acres of cotton (upland and pima) harvested in 1989 with an average yield of 1.3 bales per acre (see R. B. Head, these proceedings). This amounted to a 12.1 million bale production. Harvested acreage and total production was about one-fifth less in 1989 compared with 1988, however average yield per acre was nearly identical.

Arthropod pests reduced yield by an estimated 9.2% in spite of control measures. This amounted to a loss of 1.1 million bales from potential yield resulting in an estimated loss in revenue of $319 million. The beltwide average cost per acre for controlling arthropod pests was $37.85. The total cost for controlling insects was $366 million. The estimated total cost of arthropod pests to USA cotton production was $685 million. (see R. B. Head, these proceedings)