A survey of New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas cotton entomologists was conducted in the fall of 1994 in order to learn more about the status of bollworm and tobacco budworm management in the Southwest. The survey asked that respondents compare the bollworm/tobacco budworm status over the last 4 years with that of the previous 4 years.

Over 1/3 of those surveyed reported that both bollworms (36%) and budworms (35%) were harder to control during the last 4 years than during the period 4 to 8 years ago. In spite of the relatively low percentage reporting worms harder to control, insecticide cost increases were reported by 85 percent of respondents for bollworm control and 63 percent of respondents for budworm control. The number 1 ranked reason for bollworm/budworm control cost increases was higher insecticide costs. Eighty two percent of respondents reported costs of $40 or less for bollworm and tobacco budworm control. Fifty seven percent said their bollworm/budworm control costs were between $10 and $30 per acre.

Regarding their attitudes on beneficial insects and secondary pests; 79 percent of the respondents said they are more concerned about preserving beneficial arthropods than in the past, 62 percent are more conservative in making a decision to spray the first time, and 55 percent said they will sacrifice a little in worm control to reduce their risk of secondary pest outbreaks. Only 20 percent reported a willingness to spend more money to reduce their risk of secondary pest outbreaks. Ninety seven percent of respondents said they used resistance management practices. Ninety five percent felt that resistance management practices were either very effective or somewhat effective.