Cotton Insect Newsletter Vol. 21, No. 1, May 21, 2003 Call 1-877-629-1474 for Cotton Insect Hotline

Hotline: I will be using the “Cotton Insect Hotline” to supply you with timely information on the cotton-insect situation in 2003.   The recorded messages will be updated on Tuesday and Friday morning (by 9:30 AM).  This service is sponsored by the South Carolina Cotton Board.  The toll-free number is  displayed in the upper right-hand corner on the front page of every “Cotton Insect Newsletter.”  Cotton Situation: Planting has been progressing nicely.  Soil moisture has generally been adequate and stands appear to be very good.  The USDA reports that SC farmers will plant about 250,000 acres of cotton and the National Cotton Council say that only 234,000 acres will be planted.  We think that the final figure will be closer to 270,000 acres.  Corn acreage is down by about 50%, so some of the fields earmarked for corn could go to cotton. Insect Situation: Thrips are the major insect pest at this time of year.  I have been checking plants here at the PDREC, and there hadn’t been much activity until May 20.  There were up to 5 and 6 tobacco thrips per plant on some untreated seedlings.  Thrips infestations were reported last week in the Savannah Valley.  Now that were are seeing some sunshine and increasing temperature, I expect to see lots of thrips moving into cotton fields, if they aren’t already there.  Check for thrips by pulling up seedling plants and eyeballing them, or by shaking in a cup or some other container.  One adult thrips per plant is the economic threshold on small seedlings.  Scout School: There will be a Cotton Scouting School at the PDREC near Florence on June 3.  Registration will begin at 8:00 AM and the program will start at 9:00.  We will conclude in the afternoon about 4:00.  A $10 registration fee will be collected at the door.  Checks should be made payable to Clemson University.    Mitchell Roof  Extension Entomologist

This information is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service is implied. Brand names of pesticides are given as a convenience and are neither an endorsement nor guarantee of the product nor a suggestion that similar products are not effective. Use pesticides only according to the directions on the label. Follow all directions, precautions and restrictions that are listed. The Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.  Clemson University Cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture and South Carolina Counties.  Issued in Furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home Economics, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914.  Public Service Activities