ABSTRACT
The overwintering potential of the cotton boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boheman, is being tested in two CRP grass habitats on the Texas High Plains and shinnery oak leaf-litter in the Rolling Plains of Texas. Results to date indicate total winter survival and effective emergence (emergence after approximately June 15th in The study area) tend to be significantly lower in the CRP grasses than in the shinnery oak leaf-litter. Since winter severity had a greater impact on weevil survival rates in the CRP grasses than in the shinnery leaf-litter, the CRP grasses will probably provide rather marginal habitat in comparison to shinnery oak leaf-litter which is considered the prime overwintering habitat in the Rolling Plains. Even with lower survival rates in High Plains grasses, economically damaging populations could develop following mild winters if high diapausing weevil populations are allowed to develop in the fail period. At this time, pheromone traps located in or adjacent to High Plains CRP pastures indicate a relatively low level of High Plains overwintered weevil emergence but the levels have increased during the past two seasons.
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