Monthly Archives: March 2017

Thrips IPM in Cotton

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  Cotton is up on the coast of Texas and Thrips are the primary insect pest we will encounter until the plant gets 3-5 leaves.  Thrips are very small insects found on the underside of small leaves and in the plant terminal.  Thrips are slender, cigar shaped, straw colored insects about 1/15 inch long, with piercing and sucking mouthparts. Adults are winged and capable of drifting long distances in the wind. (Source) Thrips are early-season pests of seedling cotton. In much of the state, thrips are a minor pest, but… Read More →

Cutworms and Aphid IPM

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The two top insect responses in the “One Question Survey” were Cutworms and Aphids. Cutworms are the larval stage of moths, several species of which damage corn, grain sorghum and cotton.  The  cutworms species may include Army cutworm, black cutworm, granulate cutworm, pale western cutworm, variegated cutworm. Cutworms are dingy, gray-black and smooth-skinned (greasy appearance) robust bodied caterpillars that may reach 1-1/2 inches long. When disturbed, the caterpillars curl up tightly into a C-shape. Larvae overwinter and become active in the spring, feeding on a wide variety of plants. Adults… Read More →

Wild Hog Management

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Last week’s “One Question Survey” received 11 responses containing 1 or 2 pests expected to be encountered during the month of March.  Three animals were included as pests: hogs, deer and red-winged black birds. Hogs are possibly the most destructive of the three animals followed by the red-winged black birds.  Hog management has been in the news this month.  The AgriLife Extension has extensive research and suggestion for proper management of wild hogs to prevent or reduce their damage. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension promotes an integrated approach to Feral Hog… Read More →

One Question Survey

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Next week I will look at the results of this one question survey.  My plan is to discuss the pests you expect to see and their management options.

Corn IPM and Weed Control

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Much of the 2017 corn crop has been planted.  As we see farmers begin to plant their sorghum or soybeans, we need to make sure not to forget insect and weed management in these young corn fields. Much of the insect control on corn in South Texas is done by planting Bt corn hybrids treated with insecticides for control of early season insect pests.  However, it is still a good practice to visit these fields on a weekly basis to check for potential insect pests. While corn needs… Read More →