INFLUENCE OF LATE-SEASON INSECTS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF STICKY COTTON IN PIMA AND ACALA COTTON IN CALIFORNIA

摘要

Cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii, and silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia argentifolii, populations are significant annual threats to cotton production in the San Joaquin Valley (SJV). Both pests can reduce cotton yields; however, the potential to contaminate cotton lint, creating a condition called sticky cotton, has been the primary concern in recent years. Aphid populations have been a challenge to cotton IPM in the SJV for ~15 years. Ten years of successful research and timely delivery for these results toclientele created a sound management program in late 1990’s. However, the high level of scrutiny placed on sticky cotton by the cotton industry after the 2001 season and magnified importance of late-season insect infestations have hampered this program.The recent regulatory concerns over the levels of volatile organic compounds in the SJV and the role of cotton in this phenomenon have the potential to further strain the management of cotton aphids. Studies were conducted from 2002 to 2004 in Acala cotton and were designed to better understand sampling and control of late-season insect pests. In 2005, studies were expanded to also include Pima cotton.