Integrated Pest Management

Transcription

1 Integrated Pest Management Bailey-Parmer IPM Program 2010

2 Northwest Plains Integrated Pest Management Program Bailey and Parmer Counties 2010 Annual Report Prepared by Monti Vandiver Extension Agent-IPM

3 Table of Contents Acknowledgements iii Northwest Plains IPM Program Summary 1 Educational Activities at a Glance Applied Research Projects 13 Northwest Plains Insect Trap Monitoring Program 15 Replicated LESA Irrigated Cotton Variety Trial (RACE) 17 Roundup Ready Bt Cotton Variety Trial 25 Roundup Ready Bt Dryland Cotton Variety Trial 29 Agronomic and Economic Evaluation of Cotton Varieties (systems) 33 Stand Loss Study in Irrigated Cotton 51 Thrips Management Using Soil Applied and Seed Treatment insecticides in Irrigated Cotton 55 Evaluation of Biological Seed Treatment Enhancements in Irrigated Cotton 59 Evaluation of Seed Treatments for Nematode Management in Irrigated Cotton 63 Development of a Binomial Sampling Plan to Estimate Thrips Populations in Cotton to Aid in IPM Decision Making Developing an Action Threshold for Thrips in the Texas High Plains 73 Boll Damage Survey of Bt and Non-Bt Cotton Varieties in the South Plains Region of Texas 81 Replicated Corn Hybrid Trial 87 Evaluation of Several Miticides in Irrigated Corn 89 Management of Spider Mites Infesting Pre-tassel Corn for Prevention of Economic Damage 93 Efficacy of Declare and Cobalt Insecticide for Control of Greenbugs in Winter Wheat 105 Seed Treatment Trial in Irrigated Wheat 111 Texas South Plains Valencia Variety Trials 113 Texas Resistance Monitoring Program Reveals Increase in Cypermethrin Susceptibility in Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) Populations in 2010 Educational programs conducted by Texas AgriLife Extension serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, handicap or national origin. The information given herein is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Texas AgriLife Extension is implied. i

4 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The success and achievements of any Extension program depend on the support and participation provided by area producers, agribusinessmen and others. Appreciation is extended to the following producers for their cooperation, support and participation in the 2010 Northwest Plains Integrated Pest Management Program: Clay Grant Tim Black Chris Bass Steve Bell John Saylor Eric Leach James Brown JeDon Gallman Gil DeLeon Kelly Kettner Marshall Pool Davy Carthel Tyler Black Steve Bass Jordan Pool Acknowledgment is also extended to the following members of Texas AgriLife Extension for their support: Curtis Preston Benji Henderson Miles Dabovich Galen Chandler David Kerns Pat Porter Randy Boman Calvin Trostle Brent Bean Jason Wooward Peter Dotray Dana Porter Steve Paz Charles Allen David Ragsdale Chris Sansone CEA Bailey County CEA Parmer County District Extension Administrator, Lubbock Regional Program Director, Amarillo Extension Entomologist, Lubbock Extension Entomologist, Lubbock Extension Agronomist, Lubbock Extension Agronomist, Lubbock Extension Agronomist, Amarillo Extension Plant Pathologist, Lubbock Extension Weed Specialist, Lubbock Extension Irrigation Specialist, Lubbock Extension Computer Specialist, Lubbock Extension Entomologist and IPM Coordinator, San Angelo Department Head, Entomology, College Station Associate Department Head, Extension Entomology, College Station Acknowledgments are also extended to the following people who provided practical support: Riley Smith Kinzi Schacher Ray White Brenda Wauson Demonstration Technician, Bailey-Parmer Counties Demonstration Technician, Bailey-Parmer Counties Demonstration Technician, Bailey-Parmer Counties IPM Secretary, Bailey-Parmer Counties Bailey-Parmer Integrated Pest Management Committee Cody Copland Ron Anderson Chris Bass Kelly Kettner Ryan Willians Ben Rejino iii

5 2010 Northwest Plains IPM Program Summary Monti Vandiver, Extension Agent - IPM, Bailey & Parmer Counties Relevance Agriculture is the foundation of the economy in Bailey and Parmer Counties. 569,700 acres of cropland are intensively managed for maximum production and profitability. The Northwest Plains Integrated Pest Management Program is an educational program designed to promote a pest management strategy that will meet an individual s production goals in the most economically and environmentally sound manner possible. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a systematic, information-intensive approach which depends on an understanding of the entire production system. It strives to use several complimentary tactics or control methods to manage pests which makes the system more stable and subject to fewer production risks. Response The Northwest Plains Integrated Pest Management Program is directed by a program area committee consisting of six individuals including agriculture producers, consultants, and agriculture businessmen. The committee actively participates in the identification of the targeted audience, planning, and implementation of the program. Fourteen Bailey and Parmer County producers actively participated in the scouting and applied research components and many more participated in other program mechanisms. Educational activities included: Weekly field visits (50 fields) using electronic data collection methods via cellular phones with internet access; a report generator was developed to create pest management reports. The basis for the system is Google Docs and Google forms Information gathered on these visits were delivered and interpreted to the individual producers via a scouting report Scouting reports were distributed electronically or regular mail and in person, at site, or by phone Pest management plans were developed and implemented based on these consultations 20 applied research and result demonstration projects initiated Northwest Plains Pest Management News (18 issues, 450 individuals/issue, 3 websites) Weekly radio show on Fox Talk 950, Lubbock Area wide pest monitoring via trapping from 4 regions Group meetings and newspaper articles were used to distribute educational information area wide; 18 presentations at producer and professional meetings 22 CEUs offered 8 published abstracts, Extension publications, posters, and Fact Sheets Educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating 1 AgriLifeExtension.tamu.edu

6 Results A retrospective post evaluation instrument was administered to clientele to determine their level of satisfaction with the Northwest Plains Integrated Pest Management Program, awareness of various IPM components with and without the Program, value of Extension research, intentions to adopt pest management practices based on information provided, and the value of IPM and the IPM program overall. Those respondents which answered acreage questions farm, manage, or consult 173,931 total acres. The survey was completed by 65 individuals who were either directly or indirectly involved in the Northwest Plains IPM Program. The results are below. General clientele satisfaction with the following aspects of the Northwest Plains IPM Program Accuracy of Information 22.6% (14) 77.4% (48) Complete Information 34.4% (21) 63.9% (39) Timeliness of Information 18.0% (11) 78.7% (48) Relevancy of Information 24.6% (15) 73.8% (45) For each of the topics listed below, clientele were asked to select a descriptor that best reflects what their level of awareness would be with and without information provided by the Northwest Plains Integrated Pest Management Program as a whole. Topics Area general pest pressure Pest identification Beneficial insect identification Proper pest scouting methods Pest treatment thresholds Which pesticide to use for a particular pest Which pesticides are softer on beneficials Importance of timing related to pesticide application Crop variety/hybrid selection Environmental impact on local crop production General crop moisture demands Without the IPM program With the IPM program poor & fair good & excellent poor & fair good & excellent Response Count 71% 29% 4% 96% 49/56 59% 41% 5% 95% 49/56 58% 42% 7% 93% 48/55 67% 33% 7% 93% 49/56 73% 27% 2% 98% 48/55 57% 43% 7% 93% 49/56 57% 43% 4% 96% 49/56 71% 29% 4% 96% 48/55 46% 54% 16% 84% 48/55 65% 35% 7% 93% 48/55 51% 49% 4% 96% 47/54 2

7 Value of Local Extension Research 83.3% of respondents stated that unbiased Extension research which evaluates new technologies and pest management options was highly to extremely valuable to their operation. 33.3% 50% 16.7% Clientele intent to adopt / recommend the following Integrated Pest Management Practices.* Production Practice Manage pests based on IPM principals Utilize established economic/action thresholds Use Extension suggested pesticides Definitely will not** Probably will not Undecided Probably will Definitely will Response Count 3.4% 0.0% 6.9% 50.0% 39.7% % 0.0% 12.1% 43.1% 41.4% % 0.0% 13.8% 58.6% 24.1% 58 Adopt new pesticides based on local Extension testing 3.4% 0.0% 13.8% 58.6% 27.6% 58 Adopt Extension suggested pest management practices 3.4% 0.0% 8.6% 63.8% 24.1% 58 Adopt new varieties/hybrids based on local Extension research 3.5% 0.0% 31.6% 43.9% 21.1% 57 *Based on direct observation of actual production practices throughout the growing season, observed producers readily adopted most suggested Integrated Pest Management tactics confirming these responses. ** These reponses came from the same 2 individuals who may not have understood the question. The following is a graphical representation of clientele valuation of the total Northwest Plains IPM Program as well as individual components of the Program to their operation. Total Program Value Unbiased Research Newsletter Scouting Program Group Meetings 9.83 of of of of of 10 Low Value High Value Clientele were asked several program value, risk management and economic questions regarding the impact of the Northwest Plains IPM program on these aspects of their operations. The results of these questions are below. 59 of 62 (95.2%) stated that IPM reduces risks associated with crop production (4.8% unsure). 54 of 57 (94.7%) stated that IPM usually maintains or increases yields while reducing input costs resulting in increased net profits. The average estimated increase in net profit was $45.63 per acre. 3

8 Added Comments from Clientele: This is a must have program! This is the kind of information we need [talking about unbiased research and suggested management practices]. ideas and suggestions related to crop management [provided by the NWP IPM Program] are very informative and beneficial for me and my growers. We really appreciate what you, Randy and Jason are doing, Y all are giving us a starting spot to implement new production strategies on our farms. I am an ag lender and the information provided by the Northwest Plains Pest Management News helps keep me informed on the general crop conditions and what insect pressures are in our area. This helps me anticipate the borrowing needs my producers may have. I always look forward to receiving this newsletter to let me know what is going on around the area pest wise. Then I can adjust our scouting techniques or start making changes to other management schemes. One of the very few things that I read during the season. Delete most, but not this one [talking about the Northwest Plains Pest Management News]. Summary The electronic data collection system utilizing cellular phones with internet access and report generator both based on Google Docs and Google forms has proven an effective, efficient and cost effective method of data collection and distribution. Several consultants have asked about the system questioning if it, or something like it, might be a viable alternative for their operation. This cloud based system delivers timely access to pest management information that will assist producers, consultants, and other pest management professionals in making economic and environmentally sound pest management decisions. It is apparent that the Northwest Plains IPM Program is not only a valuable program to producers and consultants but is an essential part of their operation. The IPM value per acre ($45.63) assigned by survey respondents, area row crop acreage (569,700), and acreage reported by respondents directly involved in the Program (34,243) can be used to quantify the potential economic impact of Northwest Plains Integrated Pest Management Program. If $45.63 is an accurate estimate of the value of the IPM program to all Northwest Plains producers, its value to the industry in this 2-county area is in excess of $25 million. While the Northwest Plains IPM program cannot take credit for the total economic impact of IPM in the Northwest Plains that number does indicate the importance of IPM to area production agriculture. A much more conservative estimate of program value can be calculated using only the acreage of just those growers who were directly involved in the IPM Program; calculated in this way, the value of the program was $1.56 million. Probably the actual economic impact of the IPM Program to producers in the Northwest Plains lies somewhere between these two estimates. For any production system to be sustainable it must be profitable and it is clear that the Northwest Plains IPM Program enhances sustainable agriculture in the Northwest Plains of Texas. Detailed evaluation results of the Northwest Plains IPM Program are interpreted back to the program planning committee to determine program effectiveness and value, establish a programming baseline and enhance future program planning. With the help of the Northwest Plains IPM Committee, the Northwest Plains IPM Program is marketed and interpreted to key stakeholders, agribusinesses, civic groups, and the County Commissioners Court. 4

9 2010 Educational Activities Clientele reached: Data derived from the end of year summary of the Extension monthly reporting system. Farm Visits 1094 Newsletter Issues Prepared 20 Newsletters distributed 8,728 Direct Ag Contacts 54,363 Other Direct Contacts 6,602 News Releases 25 Radio/Television Interviews 25 Result Demonstrations Established 22 Presentations Made 32 Continuing Education Units (CEU) Offered 30 Applied Research Projects Northwest Plains Scouting Program (3,155 ac) Llano Estacado Cotton Conference Corn Field Day Weekly Radio Program Cotton Field Day Pest Monitoring via Trapping Bollworm Resistance Monitoring Project Private Applicator Training and Testing Activity Highlights Northwest Plains Pest Management Newsletter TAMU Entomology Science Conf. Presentation Beltwide Cotton Conference Posters Home/Horticulture IPM Newspaper interviews/releases Guest Speaking Opportunities Ag in the Classroom Curry County, NM CEU Meeting Agriculture Business, Marketing and Risk Management Programming Program Support Funds Grant Funds $37, Producer Contributions $19, In Kind Contributions $4, Total Support $61,

10 2010 at a Glance The following is a brief overview of the 2010 production season. Environmental data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather stations located in the Northwest Plains of Texas indicate colder than normal low temperatures in April and early May, above normal high and low temperatures Late May thru June, lower than normal July high temperatures, followed by a very warm fall (Figures 1 and 2). Temperature had not dropped below freezing till Oct 27. Accumulated heat units (DD60s) from May 1 through October 22 were well above the long term average at all weather stations (Figure 3). The very warm fall in 2010 resulted in approximately 133% of normal heat unit accumulation from August 1thru Oct 22 (Figure 4). Precipitation ranged from approximately 14.3 to 19.7 inches versus the long term average of 18 inches (Figure 5). Corn The Northwest Plains corn crop was considered fair to good overall. Corn silage yields were reported from 18 to 30+ tons per acre. The average corn yield according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) District 1-N was 211 bu/acre and 200 bu/ac in District 1-S. Northwest Plains corn producers planted over 99,000 acres of corn in 2010 down from 109,900 in Pest Pressure: Overall Southwestern Corn Borer Spider Mites Fall armyworm moderate to heavy light moderate to very heavy light to moderate Educational programs conducted by Texas AgriLife Extension serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, handicap or national origin. The information given herein is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Texas AgriLife Extension is implied. 7

11 Cotton Cool early May temperatures delayed planting of many cotton fields, but once established cotton developed normally through mid to late August. Very warm fall temperatures and temperatures allowed continued cotton development later into the fall than normal. Most irrigated yields were disappointing when compared to how the crop looked visually. With a few exceptions fiber properties were very good. Approximately 110,300 acres of cotton were harvested and with a few planted acres failed due to harsh environmental conditions (primarily wind/sand and hail) Pest Pressure: Overall Thrips Cotton Fleahopper Lygus Aphids Bollworms moderate moderate very light light light to moderate moderate to heavy Grain Sorghum The average sorghum yield according to NASS was 60 bu/acre. Northwest Plains sorghum producers planted 27,100 acres of sorghum in 2010 down from 65,000 in Few failed cotton acres were planted to sorghum in Pest Pressure Overall Greenbugs Yellow sugarcane aphid Spider mites Headworms Fall armyworm light-moderate light very light light to moderate moderate light-moderate Wheat 250,200 acres of wheat were planted in the fall of 2009, much of which was intended for grazing purposes. 60,700 acres were harvested in 2010 with an average irrigated yield of 37 bu/ac and 13 bu/ac dryland. Wheat streak mosaic, triticum mosaic, High Plains virus and to a lesser extent barley yellow dwarf virus infested some of the crop Pest Pressure Overall Greanbugs Russian wheat aphid Disease light to moderate light to moderate light to moderate light to moderate 8

12 Figure 1. Daily high and low temperatures from 4 weather stations in the Northwest Plains of Texas, April 1 October 22,

13 Figure 2. Daily high and low temperatures versus the 30 year long term average in the Northwest Plains of Texas, April 1 October 22,

14 Figure 3. Accumulated heat unit data from 4 weather stations in the Northwest Plains versus the 30 year long term average (DD60 May 1 Oct 22, 2010). Figure 4. Late season accumulated heat unit data from 4 weather stations in the Northwest Plains versus the 30 year long term average (DD60 Aug 1 Oct 22, 2010). 11

15 Figure 5. Precipitation data from 4 weather stations in the Northwest Plains (2010) versus the 30 year long term average. 12

16 2010 Applied Research and Demonstration Projects Unbiased applied research which evaluates new technologies and pest management options is an integral part of Texas AgriLife Extension programming; the following projects were conducted in Evaluation of Preventive Insecticides for Control of Western Flower Thrips in Irrigated Cotton in the Northwest Plains of Texas, Steve Bell Farm Developing an Action Threshold for Thrips in Irrigated Cotton on the High Plains of Texas, Tim Black Farm Evaluation of 6 Seed Treatments for Nematode Suppression in Irrigated cotton, Chris Bass Farm Evaluation of 4 Levels of Stand Loss in Irrigated Cotton, Kelly Kettner Farm Monitoring Corn Earworm / Cotton Bollworm for Resistance Development to Pyrethriods Efficacy of Declare Insecticide for Control of Greenbugs and Russian Wheat Aphids in Wheat and Impact to Natural Enemies Evaluation of Several Curative Spider Mite Management Options in Corn, Chris Bass Farm Evaluation of Fungicides and Application Timing in Corn, Steve Bell Farm Development of a Binomial Sampling Plan to Estimate Thrips Pressure in Cotton Evaluation of Several Preventative Spider Mite Management Options in Corn, Davy Carthel Farm Evaluation of 8 Biological Seed Treatments for Disease and Nematode Suppression in Irrigated cotton, Tim Black Farm Monitoring Corn Earworm / Cotton Bollworm for Resistance Development to Transginc (Bt) plants Evaluation of Gaucho XT Seed Treatment in Wheat for White Grub Suppression, Kelly Kettner Farm Replicated Agronomic Cotton Evaluation (RACE) in an Irrigated Production System, Chris Bass Farm Survey of End-of-Season Boll Damage in Non-Bt, Bollgard, Bollgard II and Widestrike Grower Fields Replicated Cotton Variety Trial in an Irrigated Production System, Marshall Pool Farm 13

17 Evaluation of Herbicides and Application Timing in Transgenic Grain Sorghum, Larry Clawson Farm Evaluation of Different Temik formulations for Control of Western Flower Thrips in Irrigated Cotton in the Northwest Plains of Texas, Steve Bell Farm Systems Agronomic and Economic Evaluation of Cotton Varieties, James Brown Farm Evaluation of Herbicide Residue the Following Year After Application in Transgenic Sorghum, Chris Bass Farm Two Un-replicated Large Scale Demonstrations of the Potential Impact of a foliar Application of Vydate for Nematode Management in Irrigated Cotton Replicated Large Plot Corn Hybrid Trial, Kelly Ketner Farm Replicated Cotton Variety Trial in a Dryland Production System, Larry Clawson Farm Pest Monitoring Via Grid Trapping Peanut Variety Trial, Douglas Harper Farm Fall Armyworm Resistance Project, Dr Blair Siegfried, University of Nebraska 14

18 Northwest Plains Insect Trap Monitoring Program 2010 Monti Vandiveer Texas Agrilife Extension Service Pheromone traps are used to detect the presence of adult insects in a specific area. A pheromone lure is placed in the trap that attracts the insect to the trap where they are captured. Pheromone traps are a good method to determine when specific adult insects are present at that location. Moth traps do not provide enough information to determine field level infestation but they are a good early warning system to detect adult insect emergence and monitor pest populations so that field scouting can be timely and/or intensified. Objective: Monitor Southwestern corn borer (SWCB), fall armyworm (FAW) and western bean cutworm (WBC) adult populations in Bailey and Parmer Counties. Materials and Methods: Bucket traps were deployed June 21 at various sites in Bailey and Parmer Counties. Three traps were deployed for SWCB, FAW, and WBCW. Traps were inspected weekly, moths counted, and data recorded. Lure was changed every 2 weeks. Southwestern Corn Borer Trap Captures from the Northwest Plains of Texas

19 Fall Armyworm Trap Captures from the Northwest Plains of Texas-2010 Western Bean Cutworm Trap Captures from the Northwest Plains of Texas

20 Replicated LESA Irrigated Cotton RACE Variety Trial, Muleshoe, TX Cooperator: Chris Bass Curtis Preston, Monti Vandiver, Randy Boman, Mark Kelley and Chris Ashbrook CEA-ANR Bailey County, EA-IPM Bailey/Parmer Counties, Extension Agronomist - Cotton, Extension Program Specialist II - Cotton, and Extension Assistant - Cotton Bailey County Summary: Objective: Significant differences were observed for most yield and economic parameters measured. Lint turnout from grab samples averaged 28.3% and ranged from a low of 26.9% for NexGen 3348B2RF to a high of 30.0% for Deltapine 0912B2RF. Lint yields averaged 1450 lb/acre and no significant differences were observed among varieties. Significant differences at the 10% level were observed among varieties for lint loan value, lint value, total value, and net value. Lint loan values ranged from a low of $0.4632/lb (FiberMax 1740B2F) to a high of $0.4982/lb (Croplan Genetics 3006B2RF). When subtracting ginning, seed and technology fee costs, the net value/acre among varieties ranged from a high of $ (Croplan Genetics 3006B2RF) to a low of $ (All-Tex Apex B2RF), a difference of $ Significant differences were observed among varieties for all parameters measured with the exception of micronaire. Micronaire values were relatively low and averaged 2.6 across varieties. Staple averaged 36.1 across all varieties with a low of 35.2 for FiberMax 1740B2F and a high of 37.5 for Croplan Genetics 3006B2RF. Percent uniformity averaged 79.7 with a high of 81.7 NexGen 3348B2RF and a low of 77.4 for Stoneville 4288B2F. Strength values ranged from a high of 30.3 g/tex to a low of 27.6 g/tex for NexGen 3348B2RF and All-Tex Apex B2RF, respectively. Elongation averaged 7.4% with a high of 8.0% for Croplan Genetics 3006B2RF and a low of 6.9 for NexGen 3348B2RF. Color grade components of Rd (reflectance) and +b (yellowness) averaged 82.4 and 7.8, respectively. This resulted in color grades of mostly 11 and 21. These data indicate that substantial differences can be obtained in terms of net value/acre due to variety and technology selection. The objective of this project was to compare agronomic characteristics, yields, gin turnout, fiber quality, and economic returns of transgenic cotton varieties under LESA irrigated production in the Texas High Plains. Materials and Methods: Varieties: All-Tex Apex B2RF, Croplan Genetics 3006B2RF, Dyna-Gro 2570B2RF, Deltapine 0912B2RF, FiberMax 1740B2F, NexGen 3348B2RF, PhytoGen 367WRF, and Stoneville 4288B2F 17

21 Experimental design: Randomized complete block with 3 replications Seeding rate: 3.7 seeds/row-ft in 30-inch row spacing or approximately 64,500 seed/acre (John Deere 7300 vacuum planter) Plot size: Planting date: Weed management: 6 rows by variable length of field ( ft long) 3-May Three applications of glyphosate were applied during the growing season. Glyphosate was applied at 32 oz/acre with AMS. Also, 2 oz/acre Staple and 1 pt/acre Dual was applied during the growing season. Irrigation: This location was under a LESA center pivot. The system provides 400 gpm on 120 acres and ran from 4-May to 31-August for a total of 21 of irrigation. Rainfall: Based on the nearest Texas Tech University-West Texas Mesonet station at Muleshoe, rainfall amounts were: Total irrigation and rainfall: April: 1.63 July: 2.50 May: 1.68 August: 1.21 June: 1.72 September: 1.32 Total rainfall: Insecticides: Fertilizer management: Plant growth regulators: Harvest aids: Temik was applied infurrow at planting at 3.5 lb/acre. This location is in an active boll weevil eradication zone, but no applications were made by the Texas Boll Weevil Eradication Program. Applied 70 lbs N/acre and 15 lbs P 2 O 5 /acre in a band with a strip-till rig preplant. An additional 50 lbs N/acre was applied via fertigation during June and July, for a total of 120 lbs N/acre. Three applications of mepiquat chloride were made across all varieties at this location at match-head square, early bloom and full bloom at 6, 12, and 16 oz/acre, respectively. Prep was applied at 32 oz/acre with 16 oz/acre Def, and no sequential harvest aid application was required. Harvest: Plots were harvested on 19-October using a commercial John Deere 7450 stripper harvester without field cleaner. Harvested material was transferred to a weigh wagon with integral electronic scales to determine individual plot weights. Plot yields were subsequently adjusted to lb/acre. 18

22 Gin turnout: Fiber analysis: Ginning cost and seed values: Seed and technology fees: Gin turnouts for lint and seed were determined from grab samples taken by plot at harvest and ginned at the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Lubbock. Lint samples were submitted to the Texas Tech University - Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute for HVI analysis, and USDA Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) loan values were determined for each variety by plot. Ginning costs were based on $3.00 per cwt. of bur cotton and seed value/acre was based on $175/ton. Ginning costs did not include checkoff. Seed and technology costs were calculated using the appropriate seeding rate (3.7 seed/row-ft) for the 30-inch row spacing and entries using the online Plains Cotton Growers Seed Cost Comparison Worksheet available at: Results and Discussion: Significant differences were observed among varieties for plant population on (Table 1). Plant stands ranged from a high of 46,303 for Croplan Genetics 3006B2RF to a low of 37,107 for Deltapine 0912B2RF. Nodes above white flower (NAWF) data were collected weekly on 21-July, 27-July, 4-August, and 11-August. Significant differences were observed on 21-July (alpha=0.10) and 11-August only. NAWF values reported represent averages from 10 plants per plot or 30 plants per variety. The test average for NAWF on 21-July was 7.6 and ranged from a high of 8.0 for Dyna-Gro 2570B2RF to a low of 7.4 for Croplan Genetics 3006B2RF. On 27-July and 4-August, the test averages were 6.3 and 4.6, respectively. All varieties had reached physiological cutout (NAWF = 5) by the 4-August observation. On 11-August, the test average was 3.1 and values ranged from a high of 3.5 for Dyna-Gro 2570B2RF to a low of 2.7 for Deltapine 0912B2RF and Stoneville 4288B2F. Significant differences were observed for most yield and economic parameters measured (Table 2). Lint turnout from grab samples averaged 28.3% and ranged from a low of 26.9% for NexGen 3348B2RF to a high of 30.0% for Deltapine 0912B2RF. Bur cotton yields averaged 5124 lb/acre with a high of 5402 lb/acre for Croplan Genetics 3006B2RF, and a low of 4874 lb/acre for Deltapine 0912B2RF. Lint yields averaged 1450 lb/acre and no significant differences were observed among varieties. Significant differences at the 10% level were observed among varieties for lint loan value, lint value, total value, and net value. Lint loan values ranged from a low of $0.4632/lb (FiberMax 1740B2F) to a high of $0.4982/lb (Croplan Genetics 3006B2RF). After adding lint and seed value, total value/acre for varieties ranged from a high of $ for Croplan Genetics 3006B2RF to a 19

23 low of $ for All-Tex Apex B2RF. When subtracting ginning, seed and technology fee costs, the net value/acre among varieties ranged from a high of $ (Croplan Genetics 3006B2RF) to a low of $ (All-Tex Apex B2RF), a difference of $ Significant differences were observed among varieties for all fiber quality parameters measured with the exception of Micronaire (Table 3). Micronaire values were relatively low and averaged 2.6 across varieties. Staple averaged 36.1 across all varieties with a low of 35.2 for FiberMax 1740B2F and a high of 37.5 for Croplan Genetics 3006B2RF. Percent uniformity averaged 79.7 with a high of 81.7 NexGen 3348B2RF and a low of 77.4 for Stoneville 4288B2F. Strength values ranged from a high of 30.3 g/tex to a low of 27.6 g/tex for NexGen 3348B2RF and All-Tex Apex B2RF, respectively. Elongation averaged 7.4% with a high of 8.0% for Croplan Genetics 3006B2RF and a low of 6.9 for NexGen 3348B2RF. Color grade components of Rd (reflectance) and +b (yellowness) averaged 82.4 and 7.8, respectively. This resulted in color grades of mostly 11 and 21. These data indicate that substantial differences can be obtained in terms of net value/acre due to variety and technology selection. It should be noted that no inclement weather was encountered at this location prior to harvest and therefore, no pre-harvest losses were observed. Additional multi-site and multi-year applied research is needed to evaluate varieties and technology across a series of environments. Acknowledgments: Appreciation is expressed to Chris Bass for the use of his land, equipment and labor for this demonstration. Further assistance with this project was provided by Dr. Jane Dever - Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Lubbock, and Dr. Eric Hequet - Associate Director, Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute, Texas Tech University. Furthermore, we greatly appreciate the Texas Department of Agriculture - Food and Fiber Research for funding of HVI testing. Disclaimer Clause: Trade names of commercial products used in this report are included only for better understanding and clarity. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Texas A&M System is implied. Readers should realize that results from one experiment do not represent conclusive evidence that the same response would occur where conditions vary. 20

24 Table 1. Harvest results from the LESA irrigated RACE variety demonstration, Chris Bass Farm, Muleshoe, TX, Entry Lint Seed Bur cotton Lint Seed Lint loan Lint Seed Total Ginning Seed/technology turnout turnout yield yield yield value value value value cost cost Net value % lb/acre $/lb $/acre All-Tex Apex B2RF Croplan Genetics 3006B2RF Dyna-Gro 2570B2RF Deltapine 0912B2RF FiberMax 1740B2F NexGen 3348B2RF PhytoGen 367WRF Stoneville 4288B2F Test average CV, % OSL LSD NS For net value/acre, means within a column with the same letter are not significantly different at the 0.05 probability level. CV - coefficient of variation. OSL - observed significance level, or probability of a greater F value. LSD - least significant difference at the 0.05 level, indicates significance at the 0.10 level, NS - not significant Note: some columns may not add up due to rounding error Assumes: $3.00/cwt ginning cost. $175/ton for seed. Value for lint based on CCC loan value from grab samples and FBRI HVI results. 21

25 Table 2. HVI fiber property results from the LESA irrigated RACE variety demonstration, Chris Bass Farm, Muleshoe, TX, Entry Micronaire Staple Uniformity Strength Elongation Rd +b Color grade units 32 nds inches % g/tex % reflectance yellowness color 1 color 2 All-Tex Apex B2RF Croplan Genetics 3006B2RF Dyna-Gro 2570B2RF Deltapine 0912B2RF FiberMax 1740B2F NexGen 3348B2RF PhytoGen 367WRF Stoneville 4288B2F Test average CV, % OSL LSD NS CV - coefficient of variation. OSL - observed significance level, or probability of a greater F value. LSD - least significant difference at the 0.05 level, indicates significance at the 0.10 level, NS - not significant Leaf grades set to 3 (field average) for all varieties due to highly variable leaf grades from grab samples. 22

26 Table 3. In season plant mapping results from the LESA irrigated RACE variety demonstration, Chris Bass Farm, Muleshoe, TX, Entry 6/18/2010 6/24/2010 7/8/2010 7/21/2010 8/11/ /18/2010 stand count FFB 1 Frt Pos 2 Frt Pos 2 NAWF 3 NAWF 3 NAWF=5 Plant Height plants/acre node /plant /plant nodes nodes date inches AT Apex B2RF bc 6.2 a 5.7 c 8.8 bc 7.7 b 2.8 cd 5-Aug 30.0 abc CG 3006 B2RF a 6.7 a 6.8 a 10.3 a 7.4 c 3.3 abc 3-Aug 31.3 ab DG 2570 B2RF ab 6.6 a 5.8 bc 8.5 c 8.0 a 3.5 a 3-Aug 30.3 abc DP 0912 B2RF c 6.3 a 5.2 c 8.7 bc 7.5 bc 2.7 d 1-Aug 31.7 a FM 1740 B2F ab 5.8 a 5.7 c 9.0 bc 7.7 ab 3.1 a-d 4-Aug 28.7 c NG 3348 B2RF bc 6.1 a 6.5 ab 9.3 b 7.5 bc 3.5 ab 2-Aug 29.3 bc PHY 367 WRF ab 5.9 a 5.2 c 8.5 c 7.6 bc 3.0 bcd 2-Aug 28.3 c ST 4288B2F bc 6.3 a 5.5 c 8.7 bc 7.5 bc 2.7 d 6-Aug 25.0 d LSD (P=.10) NS CV Grand Mean Treatment Prob(F) Means followed by same letter do not significantly differ (P=.10, LSD) Mean comparisons performed only when AOV Treatment P(F) is significant at mean comparison OSL. 1 First fruiting branch 2 Fruiting posistions/plant 3 Nodes above white flower 23

27 Roundup Ready Bt Cotton Variety Trial Marshall Pool Farm, Muleshoe, TX Monti Vandiver Texas Agrilife Extension Service Objective: To evaluate and compare 6 Roundup Ready Bt cotton varieties in a conventional tillage irrigated production system. Varieties evaluated in the trial were DP0912B2RF, FM9180B2F, PHY367WRF, PHY375WRF, PHY519WRF, and PHY565WRF. Materials and Methods: This test was conducted in a commercial cotton field near Lariat, TX and was irrigated using pivot sprinkler irrigation system. The test was a RCB design with 3 replications. Plots were 6-30 inch rows wide 2500 ft in length. Treatments included 6 different cotton cultivars with the same seed treatment package. Plant population and structure data were collected during the growing season. Whole plots were machine harvested using a JD 7460 harvester with a field cleaner October 28. Gin turnouts for lint and seed were determined from grab samples taken by plot at harvest and ginned at the University of Missouri Extension Center at Portageville. Lint samples were submitted to the Texas Tech University - Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute for HVI analysis, and USDA Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) loan values were determined for each variety by plot. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and when a significant F test was observed, mean separation was performed using the least significant difference (LSD) at the 5% probability level. Production Practices Seeding rate - 64,000 seed/acre At planting insecticide - Temik 3 lbs/acre Weed management Treflan 1 qt/ac PPI, Direx 1 qt/ac PRE, Roundup OTT Fertilizer Manure 10 tons/ac, nitrogen 40 lbs/ac in irrigation PGR Stance 3 oz/ac at pinhead square, 1/3 grown square, and early bloom followed by mepiquat chloride 16 oz/ac at full bloom Irrigation - Full Results and Conclusions PHY 367 and DP 0912 were top performers in this trial with total lint values of $ and $ respectively (Table 1). FM9180 was the most storm proof variety in the trial. Significant differences in micronaire, elongation and color were observed (Table 2). PHY519 had the least amount of defoliation due to verticillium wilt while PHY375 had the most on Sep 21(Table 3). Final plant height for PHY519 was 31 inches which was tallest in the trial but not significantly greater than PHY565 or PHY367. Significant differences were observed in nodes above white flower (NAWF). FM9180 cutout (NAWF=5) Aug 11 while PHY565 cutout Aug17. Acknowledgements: I would like to acknowledge and thank the following for their contributions to this trial: Marshall Pool, Producer; Jordan Pool, Producer; Scott Fuchs, Phytogen; and Curtis Preston, CEA-Ag. Trade names of commercial products used in this report is included only for better understanding and clarity. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas A&M University System is implied. Readers should realize that results from one experiment do not represent conclusive evidence that the same response would occur where conditions vary. 25

28 Table 1. Harvest results from the Lariat LESA irrigated cotton variety trial, Marshall Pool Farm, Muleshoe, TX, Entry Seed/technology Storm Lint Bur cotton Lint Lint loan cost resistance* turnout yield yield value Lint value $/acre rating (0-9) % lb/acre $/lb $/acre PhytoGen 367WRF a Deltapine 0912B2RF b PhytoGen 519WRF c PhytoGen 375WRF cd FiberMax 9180B2F d PhytoGen 565WRF d Test average CV, % OSL < < < LSD NS For lint value/acre, means within a column with the same letter are not significantly different at the 0.05 probability level. CV - coefficient of variation. OSL - observed significance level, or probability of a greater F value. LSD - least significant difference at the 0.05 level, NS - not significant Note: some columns may not add up due to rounding error. *For Storm resistance, ratings based on a scale of 0-9 where 9 represents maximum storm resistance. Value for lint based on CCC loan value from grab samples. 26

29 Table 2. HVI fiber property results from the Lariat LESA irrigated cotton variety trial, Marshall Pool Farm, Muleshoe, TX, Entry Micronaire Staple Uniformity Strength Elongation Leaf Rd +b Color grade units 32 nds inches % g/tex % grade reflectance yellowness color 1 color 2 Deltapine 0912B2RF FiberMax 9180B2F PhytoGen 367WRF PhytoGen 375WRF PhytoGen 519WRF PhytoGen 565WRF Test average CV, % OSL < LSD 0.2 NS NS NS 0.6 NS CV - coefficient of variation. OSL - observed significance level, or probability of a greater F value. LSD - least significant difference at the 0.05 level, NS - not significant 27

30 Table 3. In season plant mapping results from the Lariat LESA irrigated cotton variety trial, Marshall Pool Farm, Muleshoe, TX, Entry 6/1/2010 6/18/2010 6/25/2010 7/9/2010 7/21/2010 8/17/2010 9/21/ /15/2010 stand count FFB 1 Frt Pos 2 Frt Pos 2 NAWF 3 NAWF 3 NAWF=5 Verticillium Wilt 4 Plant Height plants/acre node /plant /plant nodes nodes date % defoliation inches Deltapine 0912B2RF a 6.2 a 4.6 b 7.3 c 8.9 bc 4.0 bc 12-Aug 12.3 b 28.3 b FiberMax 9180B2F a 6.1 a 4.9 b 7.7 a 9.3 ab 3.9 c 11-Aug 11.7 b 24.7 c PhytoGen 367WRF a 5.9 a 4.7 b 7.6 ab 8.7 c 4.3 bc 13-Aug 13.7 b 29.7 ab PhytoGen 375WRF a 6.4 a 5.4 a 7.5 abc 9.1 bc 4.6 ab 14-Aug 25.7 a 28.3 b PhytoGen 519WRF a 5.5 a 4.1 c 7.3 c 9.1 bc 4.5 abc 13-Aug 7.7 c 31.0 a PhytoGen 565WRF a 6.0 a 4.8 b 7.4 bc 9.6 a 5.0 a 17-Aug 14.7 b 30.3 ab LSD (P=.10) NS NS CV Grand Mean Treatment Prob(F) Means followed by same letter do not significantly differ (P=.10, LSD) Mean comparisons performed only when AOV Treatment P(F) is significant at mean comparison OSL. 1 First fruiting branch 2 Fruiting posistions/plant 3 Nodes above white flower 4 Defoliatiion resulting from verticillium wilt 28

31 Roundup Ready Bt Dryland Cotton Variety Trial Larry Clawson Farm, Bula, TX Curtis Preston and Monti Vandiver Texas Agrilife Extension Service Objective: To evaluate and compare 8 Roundup Ready Bt cotton varieties in a no-till non- irrigated production system. Varieties evaluated in the trial were All-Tex Apex B2RF, CropLan 3006B2RF, Deltapine 0912B2RF, Dyna-Gro 2570B2RF, FiberMax 1740B2F, NexGen 3348B2RF, Phytogen 367WRF and Stoneville 4288B2F. Materials and Methods: This test was conducted in a commercial cotton field near Bula, TX. The test was a RCB design with 3 replications. Plots were 4-40 inch rows wide 500 ft in length. Treatments included 8 different cotton cultivars with the same seed treatment package. Whole plots were machine harvested using a commercial cotton stripper with a field cleaner Oct 29. Gin turnouts for lint and seed were determined from grab samples taken by plot at harvest and ginned at the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Lubbock. Lint samples were submitted to the Texas Tech University - Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute for HVI analysis, and USDA Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) loan values were determined for each variety by plot. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and when a significant F test was observed, mean separation was performed using the least significant difference (LSD) at the 5% probability level. Production Practices Seeding rate 40,600 seed/acre At planting insecticide - Temik 3.5 lbs/acre Weed management Roundup OTT Fertilizer Nitrogen 80 lbs/ac Previous crop - Sorghum Harvest Aid Prep followed by Gramoxone Results and Conclusions Significant differences were observed in net values and ranged from $ to $ (Table 1). Lint yields ranged from 888 to 736 lbs/ac, ST 4288B2F and NG 3348B2RF respectively. Average lint turnout was 35% and the average CCC loan value was $.5463; no differences were observed between varieties. Significant fiber property differences were noted in micronaire, staple, strength, elongation, leaf, Rd and +b (Table 2). Acknowledgements: I would like to acknowledge and thank the following for their contributions to this trial: Larry Clawson, Producer; All-Tex, CropLan, Dyna-Gro, Deltapine, FiberMax, NexGen, Phytogen and Stoneville cotton seed companies; and Mark Kelley, Extension Program Specialist-Cotton. Trade names of commercial products used in this report is included only for better understanding and clarity. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas A&M University System is implied. Readers should realize that results from one experiment do not represent conclusive evidence that the same response would occur where conditions vary. 29

32 Table 1. Harvest results from the Bailey County dryland cotton variety trial, Larry Clawson Farm, Muleshoe, TX, Entry Lint Seed Bur cotton Lint Seed Lint loan Lint Seed Total Ginning Seed/technology turnout turnout yield yield yield value value value value cost cost Net value % lb/acre $/lb $/acre Stoneville 4288B2F a PhytoGen 367WRF a Dyna-Gro 2570B2RF a Croplan Genetics 3006B2RF ab All-Tex Apex B2RF abc Deltapine 0912B2RF bc NexGen 3348B2RF c FiberMax 1740B2F c Test average CV, % OSL LSD NS NS NS For net value/acre, means within a column with the same letter are not significantly different at the 0.05 probability level. CV - coefficient of variation. OSL - observed significance level, or probability of a greater F value. LSD - least significant difference at the 0.05 level, NS - not significant Note: some columns may not add up due to rounding error Assumes: $3.00/cwt ginning cost. $175/ton for seed. Value for lint based on CCC loan value from grab samples and FBRI HVI results. 30

33 Table 2. HVI fiber property results from the Bailey County dryland cotton variety trial, Larry Clawson Farm, Muleshoe, TX, Entry Micronaire Staple Uniformity Strength Elongation Leaf Rd +b Color grade units 32 nds inches % g/tex % grade reflectance yellowness color 1 color 2 All-Tex Apex B2RF Croplan Genetics 3006B2RF Dyna-Gro 2570B2RF Deltapine 0912B2RF FiberMax 1740B2F NexGen 3348B2RF PhytoGen 367WRF Stoneville 4288B2F Test average CV, % OSL < < < LSD NS CV - coefficient of variation. OSL - observed significance level, or probability of a greater F value. LSD - least significant difference at the 0.05 level, indicates significance at the 0.10 level, NS - not significant 31

34 Agronomic and Economic Evaluation of Cotton Varieties Dr. Randy Boman, Extension Agronomist-Cotton Dr. Mark Kelley, Extension Program Specialist II-Cotton Mr. Chris Ashbrook, Extension Assistant Cotton Monti Vandiver Extension Agent-IPM Curtis Preston CEA-Ag Texas AgriLife Extension Service Lubbock, TX Introduction Small-plot cotton variety testing generally includes evaluation of genetic components but not genetics in concert with management programs. Characteristics commonly evaluated in small-plot testing include lint yield, turnout percentages, fiber quality, and earliness. Over the last several years, High Plains cotton producers have increased planted acreage of transgenic cotton (glyphosate- and glufosinate-herbicide tolerant and Bt insect-resistant types) from approximately 300 thousand in 1997 to approximately 3 million in Industry continues to increase the number of herbicide-tolerant, insect-resistant, and "stacked gene" varieties. Liberty Link Ignite herbicide-tolerant varieties (from Bayer CropScience) were first marketed in The first commercial "stacked Bt gene" system (Bollgard II from Monsanto) was launched in Varieties containing Monsanto=s Roundup Ready Flex gene system were commercialized in Widestrike "stacked Bt gene" technology from Dow AgroSciences was available in some PhytoGen varieties in 2005, with additional Roundup Ready Flex "stacked" types in the market in Liberty Link with Bollgard II types were also commercialized in New transgenic varieties continue to be marketed in the High Plains by All-Tex, Americot/NexGen, Croplan Genetics, Delta and Pine Land/Monsanto, Dyna-Gro, the Bayer CropScience FiberMax/Stoneville brands, and the Dow AgroSciences PhytoGen brand. Many Roundup Ready Flex only types as well as those stacked with Bollgard II are available. More transgenic varieties are expected to be released by these companies in the future. Additional cotton biotechnologies are also anticipated in the near future including the GlyTol glyphosate tolerance trait as well as GlyTol stacked with Liberty Link from Bayer CropScience. The proliferation of transgenic varieties in the marketplace is expected to continue over the next several years. Current small-plot variety testing programs are inadequate in scale and design to investigate the economic impact of new transgenic varieties with value-added traits. The objective of this project was to evaluate the profitability of cotton varieties in producers' fields in the Texas High Plains. Materials and Methods For scientific validity, three replications of each variety were included at the Muleshoe and Plains locations, with four replications included at Blanco (harvested 3 replications). Plots were of sufficient size to enable the combining of all replications of each individual variety into a single module at harvest. 33

35 Each individual variety had at least three acres total (approximately one acre per experimental unit with three replications equals three acres total). A randomized complete block design was used at all three locations. Unfortunately, the Plains location was hailed out on 21-October just prior to harvest and therefore, no yield results were obtainable. Preplant incorporated and/or preemergence herbicide applications were made at the discretion of the producer-cooperator. At all sites, varieties were either Roundup Ready Flex, or Roundup Ready Flex stacked with Bollgard II or Widestrike; therefore, no differential herbicide applications were made. Herbicide, insecticide and plant growth regulator applications were made by the cooperator or commercially when and if needed. Weed species spectrum was determined by project personnel working with the cooperator. Harvest aids were applied by the cooperator or commercially as needed at remaining locations. Nodes above white flower (NAWF) data were derived from 10 representative plants/plot for a total of 30 plants/variety. Plot weights were determined at harvest at Muleshoe and Blanco using a weigh wagon with integral electronic scales. Variety specific modules were followed through the commercial ginning process and lint and seed turnouts were recorded to determine lint and seed yields. High Volume Instrument (HVI) commercial classing data provided by the USDA-AMS Classing Office were obtained for each bale classed and averaged by variety. Seed and technology costs were calculated using the appropriate seeding rate (seed/row-ft) for the row spacing and entries using the online Plains Cotton Growers Seed Cost Comparison Worksheet available at: Data were then converted to a per acre basis and appropriate statistical analyses were performed. Three producer-cooperator locations were initiated for this project. Location 1 B Muleshoe (Parmer County) James Brown Farm, near Muleshoe (Parmer County) Strip tillage following corn Irrigation: Low elevation spray, straight rows Plot size: inch rows Area: Variable (1.3 to 1.8 acres/plot), 3 replications of each variety Planted: 10-May at 4.0 seed/per row-ft or ~70,000 seed/acre Harvested: 4-November (1/2 of each plot) Varieties planted at this site included: 1. All-Tex Patriot+ RF 2. NexGen 1551RF 3. NexGen 2549B2RF 4. NexGen 4010B2RF 5. FiberMax 1740B2F 6. FiberMax 9180B2F 7. Deltapine 0912B2RF 8. Deltapine 1032B2RF 9. Stoneville 4288B2F 10. PhytoGen 375WRF Weed Control Program: $77.15/acre Dominant weed species: volunteer corn, russian thistle and morningglory 34

36 Blanket herbicide applications were made commercially via ground rig and airplane at this location. A preplant incorporated application of 2.0 pt/acre Prowl H2O was made commercially. An application of 32 oz/acre Direx was applied to a band behind the presswheel at planting. Three applications of Roundup PowerMax with AMS were made during the growing season. On 18-June and 15-July, 32 oz/acre was applied with 8.5 oz/acre Select and on 20-July, 22 oz/acre was applied. Insect Control Program: $13.29/acre Temik was applied infurrow at planting at a rate of 3.5 lbs/acre. On 18-June, 4 oz/acre acephate was applied with a Roundup PowerMax application to control thrips. This location was in an active boll weevil eradication zone, but no applications were made by the Texas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation. PGR Program: $26.03/acre Four applications of Pix were made during the growing season at this location. On 8-July, 7 oz/acre were applied commercially. Pix was applied at 10 oz/acre with the 20-July Roundup PowerMax application. On 29-July and 7-August, Pix was applied at 20 and 24 oz/acre respectively. All applications were aerially applied. Harvest Aid Program: $43.54/acre Harvest aids applied aerially included, 9-October, 1.0 qt/acre Finish 6 Pro with 0.5 oz/acre Blizzard and 6 oz/acre Def 6 followed by a sequential application of 32 oz/acre Gramoxone Inteon with 2 oz/acre Activator 90 on 20-October. Total input cost for this location was $160.01/acre and include all herbicide and insecticide costs and application costs, when applicable (Table 4). This cost is not reflected in the net value/acre means in Table 2. Location 2 B Plains (Yoakum County) Rickey Bearden Farm, Plains (Yoakum County) Clean-tillage following cotton Irrigation: Low elevation spray, straight rows Plot Size: inch rows/plot Area: Variable (0.9 to 1.2 acres/plot), 3 replications of each Planted: 6-May at 4 seed/per row-ft, or 52,272 seed/acre Varieties planted at this site included: 1. All-Tex 65207B2RF 2. All-Tex Epic RF 3. Croplan Genetics 3006B2RF 4. Croplan Genetics 3220B2RF 5. Dyna-Gro 2570B2RF 6. Deltapine 0924B2RF 7. Deltapine 1032B2RF 8. FiberMax 1740B2F 35

37 9. FiberMax 9058F 10. FiberMax 9160B2F 11. FiberMax 9170B2F 12. FiberMax 9180B2F 13. NexGen 2549B2RF 14. NexGen 3348B2RF 15. NexGen 3410RF 16. PhytoGen 367WRF 17. PhytoGen 375WRF 18. Stoneville 4288B2F This site was lost to a hail event on October 21. Location 3 B Blanco (Crosby County) Appling Farm, near Blanco (Crosby County) Clean tillage following cotton Irrigation: LEPA, circular rows Plot Size: 8 40-inch rows/plot Area: Variable (1.1 to 2.3 acres/plot), 3 replications harvested of each variety (planted 4 replications) Planted: 12-May at 3.2 seed/per row-ft, or ~42,000 seed/acre Harvested: 1 and 2-November Varieties planted at this site included: 1. All-Tex Epic RF 2. Deltapine 0912B2RF 3. Deltapine 1032B2RF 4. Deltapine 1044B2RF 5. FiberMax 1740B2F 6. FiberMax 9058F 7. FiberMax 9170B2F 8. FiberMax 9180B2F 9. NexGen 3348B2RF 10. NexGen 3410RF 11. NexGen 4010B2RF 12. NexGen 4012B2RF 13. PhytoGen 375WRF 14. Stoneville 4288B2F Weed Control Program: $30.33/acre Dominant weed species: pigweed, silverleaf nightshade, marestail, kochia, lanceleaf sage, and volunteer Roundup Ready cotton Blanket herbicide applications were made by the producer via ground rig at this location. No preplant herbicides were applied at this location in Three applications of 22 oz/acre Roundup PowerMax with AMS were made on 27-May, 7-June, and 10-August. Two cultivations were conducted during the growing season for control of volunteer Roundup Ready Flex cotton. No hoeing was conducted at this site for weed control. 36

38 Insect Control Program: $1.00/acre Acephate was applied at 2.3 oz/acre with the 7-June application of Roundup PowerMax for thrips control. This location was in an active boll weevil eradication zone, but no applications were made by the Texas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation. PGR Program: $6.22/acre A single application of 12 oz/a mepiquat chloride was applied via ground rig on 15-July by the producer for plant height control across all varieties. Harvest Aid Program: $32.58/acre Harvest aids applied by the producer on 15-October included 21 oz/acre Finish 6 Pro and 5 oz/acre Ginstar EC. On 25-October, a sequential application of 24 oz/acre Gramoxone Inteon with 0.25% v/v NIS was applied to facilitate stripper harvesting. Total input cost for this location was $70.13/acre and include all herbicide and insecticide costs and application costs, when applicable (Table 9). This cost is not reflected in the net value/acre means in Table 7. Results Agronomic and economic results by variety as well as summaries of expenses incurred at Muleshoe, Plains (in-season data only), and Blanco are included in Tables 1-9. Location 1 - Muleshoe Plant population and NAWF data are presented in Table 1. Plant stands averaged 55,265 plants/acre on 9-June. No significant differences were observed among varieties for plant stand with a range from a high of 59,853 for Deltapine 0912B2RF to a low of 49,213 for NexGen 4010B2RF. NAWF counts were conducted on 26-July, 2-August, 9-August, and 17-August. Differences were observed for counts taken on 26-July only. The test average on 26-July was 7.6 NAWF with a high of 8.1 for PhytoGen 375WRF, and a low of 7.1 for NexGen 1551RF. Average NAWF decreased to 6.7 on 2-August. By 9-August, all but two varieties (Deltapine 1032B2RF at 5.2 and PhytoGen 375WRF at 5.6) had reached cutout (NAWF=5 or less) and a test average of 4.8 was observed. By the final observation date (17-August), all varieties had reached cutout with a test average of 2.9. On 16-September, final plant map data were collected for plant height, total nodes, height to node ratio and node of first sympodium (first fruiting branch). Significant differences were observed among varieties for all plant map parameters measured. Plant height averaged 26.1 inches and was greatest for NexGen 2549B2RF (28.3) and lowest for All-Tex Patriot+ RF (23.2). NexGen 2549B2RF also had the highest average mainstem nodes with 20.6 and the lowest was again observed for All-Tex Patriot+ RF with The test average for total mainstem nodes was For height to node ratio, the test average was 1.42 and ranged from a high of 1.6 for Deltapine 1032B2RF to a low of 1.27 for FiberMax 9180B2F. Node of first sympodium averaged 6.9 and FiberMax 9180B2F and Stoneville 4288B2F had the highest with 7.8. The lowest node of first sympodium was observed for NexGen 1551RF (5.8). Just prior to harvest on 4-November, observations were recorded for storm resistance across all varieties and replicates. Varieties were visually rated on a scale of 1-9 with 9 being the most 37

39 storm resistant. The amounts of seed cotton on the ground as well as the string out factor were taken into consideration. The most storm resistant variety at this location was NexGen 2549B2RF with an average rating of 8.5 and the lowest was PhytoGen 375WRF with a 3.5 average rating. In early June, the east end of this field was exposed to hormone herbicide damage due to drift from a neighboring field of grass early in the season. Therefore, all in-season plant measurements were taken from the west end of the plots. Although the east end of the crop appeared to have recovered somewhat from the damage, it was decided at harvest to take yield measurements from the west half of the field only. In spite of taking only on half of the plots, enough harvested material (after disengaging the field cleaner) was obtained to maintain by variety moduling (although somewhat small) for commercial ginning and classing. Also, significant Verticillium wilt was observed at this location which reduced yields for some less tolerant varieties and introduced some variability into the test. Lint turnouts of non field-cleaned bur cotton averaged 24.1% with a high of 26.2% for Deltapine 1032B2RF and FiberMax 1740B2F and a low of 20.5% for NexGen 1551RF (Table 2). Bur cotton yields ranged from 4979 lb/acre for Stoneville 4288B2F to 4559 lb/acre for PhytoGen 375WRF. Lint yields ranged from 1273 lb/acre for Deltapine 0912B2RF to 1000 lb/acre for NexGen 1551RF, with a test average of 1162 lb/acre. Lint Loan values derived from commercial bales for all varieties indicated that values ranged from $ for NexGen 4010B2RF to $ for NexGen 2549B2RF. After totaling lint and seed value per acre and subtracting out ginning costs and seed and technology costs, the net value per acre ranged from a low of $ for PhytoGen 375WRF to a high of $ for Deltapine 0912B2RF, a difference of $ A total of 5 varieties were in the statistical upper tier at this location and included Deltapine 0912B2RF, Stoneville 4288B2F, Deltapine 1032B2RF, FiberMax 1740B2F, and NexGen 4010B2RF. Classing data from commercial bales were averaged by variety and are reported in Table 3. Micronaire averages ranged from 4.2 for NexGen 1551RF to 3.4 for NexGen 2549B2RF. Average staple was highest for All-Tex Patriot+ RF, NexGen 1551RF and NexGen 4010B2RF (35.8) and lowest for NexGen 2549B2RF (32.7). The highest average uniformity (81.9%) was observed in NexGen 1551RF and FiberMax 1740B2F had the lowest with 79.6%. Average fiber strength values ranged from a high of 32.6 g/tex for NexGen 1551RF to a low of 28.2 for PhytoGen 375WRF. Reflectance (Rd) ranged from 82.4 (FiberMax 1740B2F) to 77.9 (NexGen 1551RF). The highest yellowness or +b value was observed for NexGen 1551RF of 9.5 and the lowest of 8.3 for FiberMax 9180B2F. Resulting color grades were generally 11 and 21, with a minimum of bark contamination for most entries. Leaf grades were good to excellent and ranged from 2 to 3. Location 2 B Plains This location had excellent yield potential and was defoliated and ready for harvest when it was destroyed by an 21-October hail event that affected several thousand acres in Yoakum and Terry counties. Although no yield information could be obtained, the in-season measurements of plant population and NAWF data are presented in Table 5. Plant stands averaged 30,926 plants/acre on 9-June. Significant differences were observed among varieties for plant stand with a range from a high of 35,167 for FiberMax 1740B2F to a low of 25,833 for All-Tex Epic RF. NAWF counts were conducted on 27-July, 3-August, 10-August, and 17-August. Differences were observed for counts taken on 27-July and 17-August only. The test average on 27-July was 7.2 NAWF with a 38

40 high of 7.7 for Deltapine 1032B2RF and Dyna-Gro 2570B2RF, and a low of 6.7 for FiberMax 9058F and NexGen 3348B2RF. On 3-August, the test average was 5.7 and one variety, NexGen 3410RF had reached cutout. Average NAWF decreased to 4.2 on 10-August and all varieties were at cutout. By the final observation date (17-August), the test average was 3.3. The lowest (2.6) was observed for NexGen 3410RF, and the highest (4.3) was again observed for Deltapine 1032B2RF. Location 3 B Blanco Four replications were planted at this location to insure adequate harvest material for moduling by variety. However, it was determined at harvest that three replications would be sufficient. The stand count, NAWF and storm resistance data are presented in Table 6. Plant populations averaged 32,219 plants/acre on 8-June. Significant differences were observed among varieties at the 0.10 level for plant stand with a range from a high of 34,416 for NexGen 3348B2RF to a low of 28,929 for NexGen 4010B2RF. Significant differences were observed among varieties for NAWF for all observation dates. The test average on 15-July was 9.2 NAWF with a high of 9.6 for PhytoGen 375WRF and a low of 8.6 for NexGen 3348B2RF. On 22-July, the test average was 8.4 and ranged from a high of 8.9 for PhytoGen 375WRF, and a low of 7.7 for NexGen 3348B2RF. PhytoGen 375WRF and NexGen 4012B2RF had the highest NAWF on 29-July of 7.2 and the lowest was 6.1 for NexGen 3348B2RF. The test average on 29-July was 6.5. By 5- August all but one variety had reached cutout and the test average was 4.7. FiberMax 9180B2F had the highest value with 5.8 and the lowest, 4.2, was observed for NexGen 3410RF and NexGen 3348B2RF. Just prior to harvest on 1 and 2-November, visual observations were recorded for storm resistance across all varieties and replicates. Test average for storm resistance was 6.2. The most storm resistant variety at this location was NexGen 3410RF with an average rating of 8.8 and the lowest was Deltapine 0912B2RF with a 3.2 average rating. Minimal Verticillium wilt pressure was observed at this location. Lint turnouts of fieldcleaned bur cotton averaged 32.1% and ranged from a high of 34.8% for All-Tex Epic RF to a low of 29.1% for FiberMax 9180B2F (Table 7). Bur cotton yields averaged 4152 lb/acre and ranged from 4397 lb/acre for Deltapine 1032B2RF to 3851 lb/acre for NexGen 4010B2RF. Lint yields ranged from a high of 1523 lb/acre for Deltapine 1032B2RF to a low of 1198 lb/acre for NexGen 4010B2RF with a test average of 1332 lb/acre. Average lint Loan values derived from commercial bales indicated that FiberMax 9170B2F had the highest with $0.5700/lb and NexGen 3410RF had the lowest with $0.5492/lb. After totaling lint and seed value per acre and subtracting out ginning costs and seed and technology costs, the test average net value per acre was $ and ranged from a high of $ for Deltapine 1032B2RF to a low of $ for FiberMax 9180B2F, a difference of $ At this location, four varieties were included in the statistical upper tier in terms of net value per acre, which included Deltapine 1032B2RF, All-Tex Epic RF, PhytoGen 375WRF, and FiberMax 9170B2F. Fiber data derived from commercially ginned bales were averaged by variety with results reported in Table 8. Deltapine 0912B2RF, Stoneville 4288B2F and FiberMax 1740B2F had the highest average micronaire of 4.8 and NexGen 3410RF had the lowest with 3.9. Average staple was highest for FiberMax 9058F (38.1) and lowest for Deltapine 0912B2RF (35.2). The highest average uniformity (82.2%) was observed for FiberMax 9180B2F and FiberMax 9170B2F had the lowest with 80.9%. Fiber strength average values ranged from a high of 33.0 g/tex for FiberMax 9170B2F to a low of 28.9 g/tex for Stoneville 4288B2F. Average reflectance (Rd) ranged from a high of 81.4 (FiberMax 9170B2F) to a low of 77.7 (NexGen 3410RF). The highest +b (yellowness) value was observed for NexGen 4010B2RF and NexGen 4012B2RF (8.7) and 39

41 the lowest for FiberMax 9170B2F (7.8). These HVI color components results in color grades of 21 to 31. Bark contamination was minimal at this site, and found in only a few bales of some entries. Leaf grades ranged from 2 to 4, with slight differences noted in some varieties. Summary and Conclusions Characteristics commonly evaluated in small-plot testing include lint yield, turnout percentages, fiber quality, and earliness. Current small-plot variety testing programs are inadequate in scale and design to investigate the economic impact of new transgenic varieties with value-added traits. The objective of this project was to evaluate the profitability of cotton varieties and to a lesser degree harvesting methods in producers' fields in the Texas High Plains. Three replications of each variety were included at the Muleshoe and Plains locations with four replications (harvested three) at the Blanco location. Plots were of sufficient size to enable the combining of all replications of each individual variety into a single module at harvest. Each individual variety had at least three acres total (approximately one acre per plot with three replications equals three acres total). Plot weights were determined at harvest using a boll buggy with integral electronic scales. Modules from the Muleshoe and Blanco locations were followed through the commercial ginning process to determine lint turnout, USDA-AMS fiber quality, and CCC loan value. In 2010 (a year characterized by excellent early season moisture, well above average precipitation in July and above average late season heat unit accumulation) yields were good to excellent at most locations. A total of three locations were initiated in Ten varieties were included at the Muleshoe site, fourteen varieties at the Blanco site and the Plains location included 18 varieties. However, the Plains location was lost to a late season hail event that affected several thousand acres in Terry and Yoakum counties. Verticillium wilt pressure continues to build in the region and significant wilt pressure was noted at Muleshoe. At the Blanco site however, only slight pressure was observed. In addition to the Verticillium wilt pressure, the Muleshoe site was exposed to significant herbicide drift damage to the east end of the plots and therefore, only the west half was taken at harvest. Lint yields averaged 1162 lb/acre and 1332 lb/acre at the Muleshoe and Blanco sites, respectively. Average loan values of commercially ginned bales ranged from a high of $ for NexGen 4010B2RF to $ for NexGen 2549B2RF at Muleshoe. At the Blanco site, the range was from $0.5700/lb (FiberMax 9170B2F) to $0.5492/lb (NexGen 3410RF). After adding lint and seed values and subtracting out ginning and seed and technology fee costs, the Muleshoe site net value per acre ranged from a low of $ for PhytoGen 375WRF to a high of $ for Deltapine 0912B2RF, a difference of $ A total of 5 varieties were in the statistical upper tier at this location and included Deltapine 0912B2RF, Stoneville 4288B2F, Deltapine 1032B2RF, FiberMax 1740B2F, and NexGen 4010B2RF. The Blanco site test average net value per acre was $ and ranged from a high of $ for Deltapine 1032B2RF to a low of $ for FiberMax 9180B2F, a difference of $ At this location, four varieties were included in the statistical upper tier in terms of net value per acre, which included Deltapine 1032B2RF, All-Tex Epic RF, PhytoGen 375WRF, and FiberMax 9170B2F. These data indicate that substantial differences can be observed in terms of net value/acre due to variety and technology selection. The differences in net value/acre, when comparing the top and bottom varieties were approximately $139 at Muleshoe and $208 at Blanco. Additional multi-site and multi-year applied research is needed to evaluate varieties across a series of environments. 40

42 Acknowledgments We wish to express our appreciation to the producer-cooperators: Mark and David Appling, James Brown, and Rickey Bearden for providing the land, equipment and time to conduct these projects. Without the generous support and detailed ginning by the ginner-cooperators this work would not have been possible. Our thanks are extended to Heethe Burleson at Associated Cotton Growers Gin at Crosbyton and Marvin McCaul at Maple Coop Gin at Muleshoe. 41

43 Table 1. In-season plant measurement results from the irrigated large plot replicated systems variety demonstration, James Brown Farm, Muleshoe, TX, Entry Plant population Nodes Above White Flower (NAWF) for week of Final plant map data Storm resistance 9-Jun 26-Jul 2-Aug 9-Aug 17-Aug 16-Sep 4-Nov plants/row-ft plants/acre plant height total nodes height to node node of first rating (1-9) inches ratio sympodium All-Tex Patriot+ RF , Deltapine 0912B2RF , Deltapine 1032B2RF , FiberMax 1740B2F , FiberMax 9180B2F , NexGen 1551RF , NexGen 2549B2RF , NexGen 4010B2RF , PhytoGen 375WRF , Stoneville 4288B2F , Test average , CV, % OSL < < LSD NS NS 0.5 NS NS NS For NAWF, numbers represent an average of 10 plants per variety per rep (30 plants per variety). For Final plant map, numbers represent and average of 6 plants per variety per rep (18 plants per variety). For Storm resistance, ratings based on a scale of 1-9 where 9 represents maximum storm resistance. CV - coefficient of variation. OSL - observed significance level, or probability of a greater F value. LSD - least significant difference at the 0.05 level, indicates significance at the 0.10 level, NS - not significant. 42

44 Table 2. Harvest results from the irrigated large plot replicated systems variety demonstration, James Brown Farm, Muleshoe, TX Entry Lint Seed Bur cotton Lint Seed Lint loan Lint Seed Total Ginning Seed/technology turnout turnout yield yield yield value value value value cost cost Net value % lb/acre $/lb $/acre Deltapine 0912B2RF a Stoneville 4288B2F ab Deltapine 1032B2RF ab FiberMax 1740B2F ab NexGen 4010B2RF ab FiberMax 9180B2F b All-Tex Patriot+ RF c NexGen 2549B2RF cd NexGen 1551RF de PhytoGen 375WRF e Test average CV, % OSL < < < < < LSD For net value/acre, means within a column with the same letter are not significantly different at the 0.05 probability level. CV - coefficient of variation. OSL - observed significance level, or probability of a greater F value. LSD - least significant difference at the 0.05 level, indicates signficance at the 0.10 level. Note: some columns may not add up due to rounding error < Assumes: $3.00/cwt ginning cost. $175/ton for seed. Value for lint based on CCC loan value from commercially classed bales. 43

45 Table 3. USDA-AMS classing results of commercially ginned bales from the irrigated large plot replicated systems variety demonstration, James Brown Farm, Muleshoe, TX Variety Color 1 Color 2 Staple Leaf Micronaire Remarks rd +b Length Strength Uniformity Loan units units 32nds units units bales units units inches g/tex % $/lb AT Patriot+ RF Mean / Std Dev DP 0912RF Mean / Std Dev DP 1032B2RF Mean / Std Dev FM 9180B2F Mean / Std Dev FM 1740B2F Mean / Std Dev NG 1551B2RF Mean / Std Dev NG 2549B2RF Mean / Std Dev NG 4010B2RF Mean / Std Dev ST 4288B2F Mean / Std Dev PHY 375WRF Mean / Std Dev

46 Table 4. Total blanket inputs costs from the irrigated large plot replicated systems variety demonstration, James Brown Farm, Muleshoe, TX 2010 Application Chemical cost Application Total cost Weed control program method $/acre $/acre $/acre Pre-plant 32 oz/acre Prowl H2O Ground $ 9.38 $ 5.00 $ At planting 32 oz/acre Direx Ground $ 7.00 $ 5.00 $ Jun 32 oz/acre Roundup PowerMax Ground $ 7.44 $ 5.00 $ oz/acre Select $ 7.64 $ Jul 32 oz/acre Roundup PowerMax Ground $ 7.44 $ 5.00 $ oz/acre Select $ 7.64 $ Jul 22 oz/acre Roundup PowerMax Aerial $ 5.11 $ 5.50 $ Total Blanket Base Weed Control Program $ Insecticide program At planting 3.5 lb/acre Temik Ground $ $ 5.00 $ Jun 4.0 oz/acre acephate Ground $ 1.74 Applied w/ R-up $ 1.74 Total Blanket Insecticide Program $ PGR program 8-Jul 7 oz/acre Pix Aerial $ 1.09 $ 5.50 $ Jul 10 oz/acre Pix Aerial $ 1.56 Applied w/r-up $ Jul 20 oz/acre Pix Aerial $ 3.13 $ 5.50 $ Aug 24 oz/acre Pix Aerial $ 3.75 $ 5.50 $ 9.25 Total Blanket PGR program $ Harvest aid program 9-Oct 32 oz/acre Finish 6 Pro Aerial $ $ 5.50 $ oz/acre Blizzard $ 2.90 $ oz/acre Def 6 $ 2.37 $ Oct 32 oz/acre Gramoxone Inteon Aerial $ 8.00 $ 5.50 $ oz/acre Activator 90 $ 0.19 $ 0.19 Total Blanket Harvest Aid Program $ Total blanket input cost ($/acre) $

47 Table 5. In-season plant measurement results from the irrigated large plot replicated systems variety demonstration, Rickey Bearden Farm, Plains, TX, 2010 Entry Plant population Nodes Above White Flower (NAWF) for week of plants/row-ft 9-Jun plants/acre 27-Jul 3-Aug 10-Aug 17-Aug All-Tex 65207B2RF , All-Tex Epic RF , Croplan Genetics 3220B2RF , Croplan Genetics 3006B2RF , Dyna-Gro 2570B2RF , Deltapine 0924B2RF , Deltapine 1032B2RF , FiberMax 1740B2F , FiberMax 9058F , FiberMax 9160B2F , FiberMax 9170B2F , FiberMax 9180B2F , NexGen 2549B2RF , NexGen 3348B2RF , NexGen 3410RF , PhytoGen 367WRF , PhytoGen 375WRF , Stoneville 4288B2F , Test average , CV, % OSL LSD 0.4 5, NS NS 1.0 For NAWF, numbers represent an average of 10 plants per variety per rep (30 plants per variety) CV - coefficient of variation. OSL - observed significance level, or probability of a greater F value LSD - least significant difference at the 0.05 level, NS - not significant. 46

48 Table 6. In-season plant measurement results from the irrigated large plot replicated systems variety demonstration, Mark Appling Farm, Blanco, TX, Entry Plant population Nodes Above White Flower (NAWF) for week of Storm resistance 8-Jun 15-Jul 22-Jul 29-Jul 5-Aug 1 & 2-Nov plants/row-ft plants/acre rating (1-9) All-Tex Epic RF , Deltapine 0912B2RF , Deltapine 1032B2RF , Deltapine 1044B2RF , FiberMax 1740B2F , FiberMax 9058F , FiberMax 9170B2F , FiberMax 9180B2F , NexGen 3348B2RF , NexGen 3410RF , NexGen 4010B2RF , NexGen 4012B2RF , PhytoGen 375WRF , Stoneville 4288B2F , Test average , CV, % OSL < < LSD 0.2 2, NS 0.8 For NAWF, numbers represent an average of 10 plants per variety per rep (30 plants per variety). For Storm resistance, ratings based on a scale of 1-9 where 9 represents maximum storm resistance. CV - coefficient of variation. OSL - observed significance level, or probability of a greater F value. LSD - least significant difference at the 0.05 level, indicates significance at the 0.10 level, NS - not significant. 47

49 Table 7. Harvest results from the irrigated large plot replicated systems variety demonstration, Mark Appling Farm, Blanco, TX Entry Lint Seed Bur cotton Lint Seed Lint loan Lint Seed Total Ginning Seed/technology turnout turnout yield yield yield value value value value cost cost Net value % lb/acre $/lb $/acre Deltapine 1032B2RF a All-Tex Epic RF ab PhytoGen 375WRF abc FiberMax 9170B2F abcd FiberMax 1740B2F bcd NexGen 4012B2RF bcd Deltapine 1044B2RF bcde FiberMax 9058F cdef Deltapine 0912B2RF def NexGen 3348B2RF def Stoneville 4288B2F def NexGen 3410RF ef NexGen 4010B2RF ef FiberMax 9180B2F f Test average CV, % OSL LSD NS NS -- For net value/acre, means within a column with the same letter are not significantly different at the 0.05 probability level. CV - coefficient of variation. OSL - observed significance level, or probability of a greater F value. LSD - least significant difference at the 0.05 level, NS - not significant Note: some columns may not add up due to rounding error Assumes: $3.00/cwt ginning cost. $175/ton for seed. Value for lint based on CCC loan value from commercially classed bales. 48

50 Table 8. USDA-AMS classing results of commercially ginned bales from the irrigated large plot replicated systems variety demonstration, Mark Appling Farm, Blanco, TX Variety Color 1 Color 2 Staple Leaf Micronaire Remarks rd +b Length Strength Uniformity Loan units units 32nds units units bales units units inches g/tex % $/lb NexGen 4012B2RF Mean / Std Dev Deltapine 0912B2RF Mean / Std Dev Deltapine 1044B2RF Mean / Std Dev FiberMax 9180B2F Mean / Std Dev Deltapine 1032B2RF Mean / Std Dev Stoneville 4288B2F Mean / Std Dev FiberMax 9170B2F Mean / Std Dev FiberMax 1740B2F Mean / Std Dev NexGen 4010B2RF Mean / Std Dev PhytoGen 375WRF Mean / Std Dev NexGen 3348B2RF Mean / Std Dev FiberMax 9058F Mean / Std Dev All Tex Epic RF Mean / Std Dev NexGen 3410RF Mean / Std Dev

51 Table 9. Total blanket inputs costs from the irrigated large plot replicated systems variety demonstration, Mark Appling Farm, Blanco, TX 2010 Application Chemical cost Application Total cost Weed control program method $/acre $/acre $/acre 27-May 22 oz/acre Roundup PowerMax Ground $ 5.11 $ 5.00 $ Jun 22 oz/acre Roundup PowerMax Ground $ 5.11 $ 5.00 $ Aug 22 oz/acre Roundup PowerMax Ground $ 5.11 $ 5.00 $ Total Blanket Base Weed Control Program $ Insecticide program 7-Jun 2.3 oz/acre acephate Ground $ 1.00 Applied w/ R-up $ 1.00 Total Blanket Insecticide Program $ 1.00 PGR program 15-Jul 12 oz/acre mepiquat chloride Ground $ 1.22 $ 5.00 $ 6.22 Total Blanket PGR program $ 6.22 Harvest aid program 15-Oct 21 oz/acre Finish 6 Pro Ground $ 8.94 $ 5.00 $ oz/acre Ginstar $ Oct 24 oz/acre Gramoxone Inteon Ground $ 6.00 $ 5.00 $ % v/v NIS $ 0.61 Total Blanket Harvest Aid Program $ Total blanket input cost ($/acre) $

52 Stand Loss Study in Irrigated Cotton Kelly Kettner Farm, Muleshoe, TX Monti Vandiver Texas Agrilife Extension Service Objective: To evaluate the impact of varying degrees of stand loss from harsh environmental conditions in irrigated cotton. Materials and Methods: This test was conducted in a commercial cotton field near Muleshoe, TX. NG2549B2RF was planted on May 3 on 30-inch rows at 70,000 seed/acre and irrigated using a lateral sprinkler irrigation system. The test was a RCB design with four replications. Plots were 1-row wide 20 ft in length. Treatments included 4 different plant populations, 42K, 30K, 25K, and 19K. Plots were randomly thinned June 3 based on random numbers generated in a plot plan developed in MS Excel to simulate random stand losses observed in commercial production (Figures 1,2,3 and 4). Whole plots were hand harvested using a HB#1 hand harvester October 25. Gin turnouts for lint and seed were determined from grab samples taken by plot at harvest and ginned at the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Lubbock. Lint samples were submitted to the Texas Tech University - Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute for HVI analysis, and USDA Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) loan values were determined for each variety by plot. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and when a significant F test was observed, mean separation was performed using the least significant difference (LSD) at the 5% probability level. Results and Conclusions The final plant populations observed in the trial ranged from 42,292 to 18,850 plants/acre (Table 1). Significant yield differences were observed between treatments and can be grouped into three levels. The 42K treatment had the greatest lint and seed yields while the 30K and 25K populations fell into to the moderate yield level and the 19K was in the low yield level. Other than very slight differences in fiber uniformity no significant fiber property differences were observed nor were there any differences in loan value. More work needs to be done in this area; adding a replant treatment would give additional information on the profitability of replanting versus keeping an environmentally damaged cotton crop. The question than needs to be answered is would a late planted (June) crop be better than an early crop with less than optimal stand. Acknowledgements: I would like to acknowledge and thank the following for their contributions to this trial: Kelly Kettner, producer; Mark Logan, consultant; David Kerns, Brant Baugh, Bo Kesey, and Dustin Patman, Texas AgriLife Extension Service. Trade names of commercial products used in this report is included only for better understanding and clarity. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas A&M University System is implied. Readers should realize that results from one experiment do not represent conclusive evidence that the same response would occur where conditions vary. 51

53 Figure 1. Illustration of 40K treatment from a replicated stand loss study in irrigated cotton, Kelly Kettner Farm, Muleshoe, Texas, Figure 2. Illustration of 30K treatment from a replicated stand loss study in irrigated cotton, Kelly Kettner Farm, Muleshoe, Texas, Figure 3. Illustration of 25K treatment from a replicated stand loss study in irrigated cotton, Kelly Kettner Farm, Muleshoe, Texas, Figure 1. Illustration of 19K treatment from a replicated stand loss study in irrigated cotton, Kelly Kettner Farm, Muleshoe, Texas,

54 Table 1. Data from a replicated stand loss study in irrigated cotton, Kelly Kettner Farm, Muleshoe, Texas, Treatment Plants LintYield Seed Yield Mic Length unif. strength elon. leaf Rd +b Loan Value /acre lbs/acre lbs/acre units inches % g/tex units units brightness yellowness $/lb 42K a 1387 a 2608 a 3.6 a 1.07 a 82.5 a 30.8 a 9.2 a 3.5 a 77.4 a 8.3 a a 30K b 1161 b 2213 b 3.7 a 1.06 a 82.0 ab 31.2 a 9.1 a 3.8 a 77.5 a 8.7 a a 25K c 1172 b 2216 b 3.6 a 1.08 a 82.8 a 31.4 a 9.3 a 2.5 a 77.2 a 8.5 a a 19K d 898 c 1719 c 3.6 a 1.06 a 81.3 b 31.1 a 9.2 a 3.3 a 77.2 a 8.5 a a LSD (P=.05) NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS CV Grand Mean Treatment Prob(F) Means followed by same letter do not significantly differ (P=.05, LSD) Mean comparisons performed only when AOV Treatment P(F) is significant at mean comparison OSL. 53

55 Thrips Management Using Soil Applied and Seed Treatment insecticides in Irrigated Cotton Steve Bell, Muleshoe, TX Monti Vandiver and David Kerns Texas Agrilife Extension Service Objective: Evaluate Temik soil applied insecticide, Aeris seed treatment and the combination of Temik and Aeris for thrips management in sprinkler irrigated cotton. Treatments: 1. Untreated Check lbs/ac 3. Aeris lbs/ac + Aeris lbs/ac Materials and Methods: Experimental design- randomized complete block with 4 replications Plot size 2 rows (30 inch) by 75 feet long Application/planting date May 13 Variety FiberMax 1740 B2F Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and when a significant F test was observed, mean separation was performed using the least significant difference (LSD) at the 5% probability level. Results and Conclusions All treatments had significantly fewer thrips/plant compared to the untreated check through 21 days after planting (DAP) (Table 1). By 28 DAP the number of immature thrips/plant observed in the Aeris seed treatment was greater than all Temik treatments; this indicates that Aeris alone was no longer suppressing thrips. No difference was observed in plant population (Table 2). A greater plant height was observed in the plants in all Temik treatments compared to the untreated check (July 14,.0545 level of confidence). Square shed was lowest in the Aeris treatment June 25 but was not different in subsequent evaluations. Only slight differences were observed between treatments in nodes above white flower (Table 3). No significant lint or seed yield differences were present in this trial. Acknowledgements: We would like to acknowledge and thank the following for their contributions to this trial: Steve Bell, producer, Russ Perkins, Bayer CropScience. Educational programs conducted by Texas AgriLife Extension Service serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, handicap or national origin. The information given herein is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Texas AgriLife Extension Service is implied. 55

56 Table 1. Adult, immature and total thrips numbers from a replicated thrips trial, Steve Bell Farm, Muleshoe, Texas, /27/2010 5/27/2010 5/27/2010 6/3/2010 6/3/2010 6/3/2010 6/10/2010 6/10/2010 6/10/2010 ImmThrips AdultThrips TotThrips ImmThrips AdultThrips TotThrips ImmThrips AdultThrips TotThrips Treatment /plant /plant /plant /plant /plant /plant /plant /plant /plant 14 DAP 14 DAP 14 DAP 21 DAP 21 DAP 21 DAP 28 DAP 28 DAP 28 DAP 0 TL 0 TL 0 TL 2 TL 2 TL 2 TL 4 TL 4 TL 4 TL Untreated Check 0.0 a 0.5 a 0.5 a 5.8 a 1.3 a 7.1 a 0.8 ab 1.2 a 1.9 a Temik@5 lbs/ac 0.0 a 0.0 b 0.0 b 0.0 b 0.2 b 0.2 b 0.1 c 1.1 a 1.2 a Aeris 0.0 a 0.0 b 0.0 b 0.1 b 0.3 b 0.4 b 1.1 a 1.1 a 2.2 a Temik@3.5 lbs/ac + Aeris 0.0 a 0.0 b 0.0 b 0.4 b 0.3 b 0.7 b 0.1 c 1.2 a 1.3 a Temik@3.5 lbs/ac 0.0 a 0.1 b 0.1 b 0.0 b 0.2 b 0.2 b 0.2 bc 0.8 a 1.1 a LSD (P=.05) NS NS NS CV Grand Mean Treatment Prob(F) E Means followed by same letter do not significantly differ (P=.05, LSD) Mean comparisons performed only when AOV Treatment P(F) is significant at mean comparison OSL. DAP = days after planting TL = true leaves/plant 56

57 Table 2. Plant population, structure and square shed data from a replicated thrips trial, Steve Bell Farm, Muleshoe, Texas, /1/2010 6/25/2010 6/25/2010 6/25/2010 7/5/2010 7/5/2010 7/5/2010 7/14/2010 7/14/2010 7/14/2010 Treatment plants height FruPos shed height FruPos shed height FruPos shed /acre inches /plant % inches /plant % inches /plant % Untreated Check a 7.8 b 4.7 ab 15.0 ab 13.8 c 7.0 a 11.0 a 17.9 a 8.6 a 10.8 a Temik@5 lbs/ac a 9.1 a 5.2 a 16.8 a 15.5 ab 7.1 a 9.4 a 19.3 a 8.4 a 17.1 a Aeris a 8.1 b 4.4 b 3.3 c 14.9 bc 7.0 a 12.2 a 17.8 a 8.8 a 14.2 a Temik@3.5 lbs/ac + Aeris a 8.9 a 5.0 a 6.9 bc 15.9 ab 7.3 a 9.2 a 20.0 a 9.0 a 11.3 a Temik@3.5 lbs/ac a 9.1 a 5.1 a 13.3 ab 16.4 a 7.4 a 8.3 a 19.6 a 8.7 a 18.9 a LSD (P=.05) NS NS NS NS NS NS CV Grand Mean Treatment Prob(F) Means followed by same letter do not significantly differ (P=.05, LSD) Mean comparisons performed only when AOV Treatment P(F) is significant at mean comparison OSL. FruPos = fruiting positions shed = square shed 57

58 Table 1. Nodes above white flower and yield data from a replicated thrips trial, Steve Bell Farm, Muleshoe, Texas, /22/2010 7/27/2010 8/3/2010 8/10/ /9/ /9/2010 Treatment NAWF NAWF NAWF NAWF Lint Yield Seed Yield nodes nodes nodes nodes lbs/acre lbs/acre Untreated Check 7.6 abc 6.8 a 5.6 a 4.5 a 1182 a 1954 a Temik@5 lbs/ac 7.3 c 6.5 a 5.6 a 3.9 a 1280 a 2099 a Aeris 7.9 a 7.0 a 5.5 ab 4.1 a 1341 a 2193 a Temik@3.5 lbs/ac + Aeris 7.6 ab 6.8 a 5.6 a 3.8 a 1243 a 2051 a Temik@3.5 lbs/ac 7.4 bc 6.5 a 5.3 b 4.0 a 1047 a 1717 a LSD (P=.05) 0.36 NS NS NS NS CV Grand Mean Treatment Prob(F) Means followed by same letter do not significantly differ (P=.05, LSD) Mean comparisons performed only when AOV Treatment P(F) is significant at mean comparison OSL. NAWF = nodes above white flower 58

59 Evaluation of Biological Seed Treatment Enhancements in Irrigated Cotton Tim Black Farm, Muleshoe, TX Monti Vandiver Texas Agrilife Extension Service Objective: To evaluate cotton s response to several biological seed treatment enhancements in irrigated cotton. Materials and Methods: This test was conducted in a commercial cotton field near Muleshoe, TX. FiberMax 1740B2F was planted on 19 May on 30-inch rows, and irrigated using pivot sprinkler irrigation. The test was a RCB design with four replications. Plots were 3-rows wide 200 ft in length. Treatments included 7 different seed treatment combinations and an Aeris only treatment as the untreated check (Table 1). Plant population and structure data were collected during the growing season. Plots were hand harvested using a HB#1 hand harvester October 12. Gin turnouts for lint and seed were determined from grab samples taken by plot at harvest and ginned at the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Lubbock. Lint samples were submitted to the Texas Tech University - Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute for HVI analysis, and USDA Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) loan values were determined for each variety by plot. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and when a significant F test was observed, mean separation was performed using the least significant difference (LSD) at the 5% probability level. Results and Conclusions The 6 inch soil temperature at planting was 65 degrees F and the daily ambient temperatures during the first 30 days after planting were near ideal (Figure 1). No significant differences were observed in plant population, plant height, or squaring position/plant but slight differences were observed between treatments in the height to node ratio (Table 2). No differences were observed in nodes above white flower (NAWF). Treatments had no significant affect on measured yield or fiber property. Under these production and environmental conditions only minimal affects were observed from these seed treatment enhancements. Acknowledgements: I would like to acknowledge and thank the following for their contributions to this trial: Tim Black, Producer; Russ Perkins, Bayer CropScience; Corny Peters, custom harvester; and Curtis Preston, CEA-Ag. Trade names of commercial products used in this report is included only for better understanding and clarity. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas A&M University System is implied. Readers should realize that results from one experiment do not represent conclusive evidence that the same response would occur where conditions vary. 59

60 Table 1. Treatments from a replicated seed treatment trial in irrigated cotton, Tim Black Farm, Muleshoe, Texas, Treatment Key Treatment AI Conc Rate AERIS SEED APPLIED SYSTEM 600 Aeris+tri TRILEX ADVANCED FS OZ/CWT TALC OZ/CWT PONCHO VOTIVO OZ/CWT PonVot+tri TRILEX ADVANCED FS OZ/CWT TALC OZ/CWT AERIS SEED APPLIED SYSTEM 600 Aeris+ponvot+tri PONCHO VOTIVO OZ/CWT TRILEX ADVANCED FS OZ/CWT TALC OZ/CWT Aeris+PonVot+tri+HUPP Aeris+PonVot+tri+Kod+TC2 Aeris+PonVot+Kod+TC2 Aeris+PonVot+HUPP+TC2 AERIS SEED APPLIED SYSTEM 600 PONCHO VOTIVO OZ/CWT TRILEX ADVANCED FS OZ/CWT HEADS UP PLANT PROTECTANT OZ/CWT TALC OZ/CWT AERIS SEED APPLIED SYSTEM 600 PONCHO VOTIVO OZ/CWT TRILEX ADVANCED FS OZ/CWT KODIAK FL OZ/CWT TEST COMPOUND 2 TALC OZ/CWT AERIS SEED APPLIED SYSTEM 600 PONCHO VOTIVO OZ/CWT KODIAK FL OZ/CWT TEST COMPOUND 2 TALC OZ/CWT AERIS SEED APPLIED SYSTEM 600 PONCHO VOTIVO OZ/CWT HEADS UP PLANT PROTECTANT OZ/CWT TEST COMPOUND 2 TALC OZ/CWT Untreated Check AERIS SEED APPLIED SYSTEM 600 Figure 1. Daily high and low temperatures recorded from a nearby NOAA weather station. 60

61 Table 2. Plant structure data from a replicated seed treatment trial in irrigated cotton, Tim Black Farm, Muleshoe, Texas, /1/2010 6/15/2010 6/28/2010 6/28/2010 6/28/2010 7/13/2010 7/13/2010 7/13/2010 7/21/2010 8/11/2010 plants height height H/N ratio sq position height H/N ratio sq position NAWF NAWF Treatment /acre /inches inches inches /plant inches inches /plant nodes nodes 13DAP 27DAP 40DAP 40DAP 40DAP 55DAP 55DAP 55DAP 63DAP 84DAP Aeris+tri a 6.8 a 12.5 a 1.20 d 5.9 a 24.1 a 1.8 de 9.1 a 8.7 a 3.5 a PonVot+tri a 6.5 a 12.3 a 1.24 bcd 5.4 a 23.6 a 1.8 de 8.8 a 8.7 a 3.2 a Aeris+ponvot+tri a 6.5 a 12.5 a 1.31 abc 5.3 a 24.5 a 1.9 bcd 8.8 a 8.7 a 3.3 a Aeris+PonVot+tri+HUPP a 6.7 a 12.4 a 1.27 bcd 5.8 a 23.8 a 1.9 abc 8.4 a 8.6 a 3.1 a Aeris+PonVot+tri+Kod+TC a 6.5 a 12.5 a 1.28 bcd 5.4 a 23.6 a 1.8 cde 8.8 a 8.7 a 3.3 a Aeris+PonVot+Kod+TC a 6.5 a 12.9 a 1.41 a 5.7 a 24.8 a 2.0 a 8.9 a 8.7 a 3.4 a Aeris+PonVot+HUPP+TC a 6.4 a 12.1 a 1.34 ab 5.5 a 23.8 a 1.9 ab 8.7 a 8.6 a 3.1 a Untreated Check a 6.4 a 12.5 a 1.24 cd 5.8 a 23.5 a 1.7 e 9.2 a 8.8 a 3.3 a LSD (P=.05) NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS CV Grand Mean Treatment Prob(F) Means followed by same letter do not significantly differ (P=.05, LSD) Mean comparisons performed only when AOV Treatment P(F) is significant at mean comparison OSL. 61

62 Table 3. Yield and fiber property data from a replicated seed treatment trial in irrigated cotton, Tim Black Farm, Muleshoe, Texas, Treatment Lint TO Seed TO Lint Yield Seed yield Mic length unif. Strength Elon. Rd +b leaf loan value % % lbs/ac lbs/ac units inches % g/tex brightness yellowness units $/lb Aeris+tri a a 1326 a 2129 a 3.4 a 1.08 a 79.9 a 29.7 a 6.8 a 84.2 a 7.9 a 2.0 a a PonVot+tri a a 1158 a 1910 a 3.5 a 1.08 a 79.9 a 30.0 a 6.8 a 83.9 a 7.8 a 1.3 a a Aeris+ponvot+tri a a 1274 a 2057 a 3.4 a 1.08 a 80.3 a 29.3 a 6.9 a 83.9 a 7.8 a 2.5 a a Aeris+PonVot+tri+HUPP a a 1361 a 2190 a 3.3 a 1.10 a 80.9 a 30.6 a 6.8 a 83.6 a 8.0 a 2.0 a a Aeris+PonVot+tri+Kod+TC a a 1159 a 1867 a 3.6 a 1.07 a 80.9 a 29.3 a 7.1 a 83.7 a 7.9 a 2.3 a a Aeris+PonVot+Kod+TC a a 1185 a 1913 a 3.7 a 1.07 a 80.0 a 29.2 a 6.9 a 83.7 a 7.9 a 1.8 a a Aeris+PonVot+HUPP+TC a a 1475 a 2379 a 3.6 a 1.08 a 80.5 a 29.6 a 6.9 a 84.1 a 7.8 a 1.3 a a UTC a a 1309 a 2148 a 3.6 a 1.09 a 80.7 a 29.4 a 6.8 a 84.0 a 7.7 a 1.5 a a LSD (P=.05) NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS CV Grand Mean Treatment Prob(F) Means followed by same letter do not significantly differ (P=.05, LSD) Mean comparisons performed only when AOV Treatment P(F) is significant at mean comparison OSL. 62

63 Evaluation of Seed Treatments for Nematode Management in Irrigated Cotton Chris Bass Farm, Muleshoe, TX Monti Vandiver Texas Agrilife Extension Service Objective: To evaluate several seed treatments for nematode management in irrigated cotton. Materials and Methods: This test was conducted in a commercial cotton field near Muleshoe, TX. FiberMax 1740B2F was planted 8 May on 30-inch rows, and irrigated using pivot sprinkler irrigation. The test was a RCB design with four replications. Plots were 2-rows wide 150 ft in length. Treatments included 5 different seed treatment combinations/rates and an Aeris only treatment as the untreated check (Table 1). Plant population and structure data were collected during the growing season. Nematode galls/plant were evaluated July 2 by inspecting the roots of 10 plants/plot. Plots were hand harvested using a HB#1 hand harvester October 25. Gin turnouts for lint and seed were determined from grab samples taken by plot at harvest and ginned at the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Lubbock. Lint samples were submitted to the Texas Tech University - Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute for HVI analysis, and USDA Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) loan values were determined for each variety by plot. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and when a significant F test was observed, mean separation was performed using the least significant difference (LSD) at the 5% probability level. Results and Conclusions No plant population or structure differences were observed between treatments with the exception of a slight increase in the height to node ratio June 28 in the Aeris+Poncho/Votivo treatment. Nematode galls/plant ranged from 37 to 42 but there were no differences observed between treatments. All treatment had similar nodes above white flower Aug 9. No treatment affects were observed in lint and fiber turnout or yield. Slight differences were noted between treatments when comparing micronaire but no other significant differences in fiber property or loan value were apparent. Acknowledgements: I would like to acknowledge and thank the following for their contributions to this trial: Chris Bass, Producer; Russ Perkins, Bayer CropScience; and David Kerns, Brant Baugh, Bo Kesey, and Dustin Patman, Texas AgriLife Extension Service. Trade names of commercial products used in this report is included only for better understanding and clarity. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas A&M University System is implied. Readers should realize that results from one experiment do not represent conclusive evidence that the same response would occur where conditions vary. 63

64 Table 1. Treatments from a replicated seed treatment trial for management of nematodes in irrigated cotton, Chris Bass Farm, Muleshoe, Texas, Treatment Key Treatment AI Conc Rate AERIS SEED APPLIED SYSTEM 600 Aeris TRILEX ADVANCED FS OZ/CWT TALC OZ/CWT PONCHO VOTIVO OZ/CWT Poncho/Votivo(414) TRILEX ADVANCED FS OZ/CWT TALC OZ/CWT PONCHO VOTIVO OZ/CWT Poncho/Votivo(828) TRILEX ADVANCED FS OZ/CWT TALC OZ/CWT AERIS SEED APPLIED SYSTEM 600 Aeris+Votivo VOTIVO OZ/CWT TRILEX ADVANCED FS OZ/CWT TALC OZ/CWT Aeris+Poncho/Votivo Poncho/Votivo+Gaucho AERIS SEED APPLIED SYSTEM 600 PONCHO VOTIVO OZ/CWT TRILEX ADVANCED FS OZ/CWT TALC OZ/CWT GOUCHO GRANDE 600 PONCHO VOTIVO OZ/CWT TRILEX ADVANCED FS OZ/CWT TALC OZ/CWT 64

65 Table 2. Plant structure data from a replicated seed treatment trial for management of nematodes in irrigated cotton, Chris Bass Farm, Muleshoe, Texas, /1/2010 6/14/2010 6/28/2010 6/28/2010 6/28/2010 7/2/2010 8/9/ /29/ /29/ /29/ /29/2010 Treatment plants height height H/N ratio tot sq pos galls NAWF Lint TO Seed TO lint yield seed yield /acre inches inches inches /plant /plant nodes % % lbs/ac lbs/acre Aeris a 6.2 a 12.4 a 1.1 bc 5.8 a 42 a 5.1 a a a 629 a 1482 a Poncho/Votivo(414) a 6.2 a 12.8 a 1.1 bc 5.8 a 37 a 5.1 a a a 681 a 1503 a Poncho/Votivo(828) a 6.3 a 12.5 a 1.1 b 5.7 a 40 a 5.2 a a a 681 a 1494 a Aeris+Votivo a 6.1 a 12.1 a 1.0 bc 5.8 a 39 a 5.0 a a a 703 a 1508 a Aeris+Poncho/Votivo a 6.4 a 12.8 a 1.2 a 5.5 a 37 a 5.4 a a a 653 a 1447 a Poncho/Votivo+Gaucho a 6.2 a 12.4 a 1.0 c 6.1 a 40 a 5.2 a a a 729 a 1513 a LSD (P=.05) NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS CV Grand Mean Treatment Prob(F) Means followed by same letter do not significantly differ (P=.05, LSD) Mean comparisons performed only when AOV Treatment P(F) is significant at mean comparison OSL. 65

66 Table 3. Fiber property data from a replicated seed treatment trial for management of nematodes in irrigated cotton, Chris Bass Farm, Muleshoe, Texas, Mic Length Unif. Strength Elon. Rd +b loan value Treatment units inches % g/tex units brightness yellowness $/lb Aeris 2.43 ab a a a 6.73 a 80 a 7.48 a a Poncho/Votivo(414) 2.35 bc 1.15 a 78.7 a 28.8 a 6.85 a a 7.18 a a Poncho/Votivo(828) 2.28 c a a a 6.73 a 80.5 a 7.43 a a Aeris+Votivo 2.33 bc a a a 6.85 a a 7.3 a a Aeris+Poncho/Votivo 2.35 bc 1.15 a a 28.4 a 6.83 a 79.8 a 7.25 a a Poncho/Votivo+Gaucho 2.50 a a 80 a a 6.95 a a 7.28 a a LSD (P=.05) CV Grand Mean Treatment Prob(F) Means followed by same letter do not significantly differ (P=.05, LSD) Mean comparisons performed only when AOV Treatment P(F) is significant at mean comparison OSL. 66

67 Development of a Binomial Sampling Plan to Estimate Thrips Populations in Cotton to Aid in IPM Decision Making Cooperators: Bryan Bentley, Tim Black, Robert Boozer, Chad Harris, Jerry and Aaron Vogler, Russell Halfmann, Rodney Gully David Kerns, Mark Muegge, Monti Vandiver, Warren Multer, Tommy Doederlein, Dustin Patman, Scott Russell, Kerry Siders, Cory Multer, Megha Parajulee Extension Entomologist-Cotton, Extension Entomologist-Cotton, EA-IPM Bailey/Parmer Counties, EA-IPM Glasscock/Reagan/Upton Counties, EA-IPM Lynn/Dawson Counties, EA-IPM Crosby/Floyd Counties, EA-IPM Terry/Yoakum Counties, EA-IPM Hockley/Cochran Counties, Extension Demonstration Technician-Cotton, Research Entomologist-Cotton Summary: Objective: South Plains, High Plains, Permian Basin, Trans Pecos Thrips are problematic throughout much of the U.S. cotton belt and can negatively impact early-season cotton if curative action is not taken. In this study we compare two different methods (visual and cup) for sampling thrips on seedling cotton, and using these sampling methods we began the process of developing a binomial sampling plan. This study was conducted in a variety of locations across the Texas high plains and far west Texas in commercial cotton fields. The sample data collected from both methods of sampling were used to determine how many cotton leaves were infested to mean thrips density relationship needed to develop the binomial sample plan using the following formula (P(I)=1-e -m[ln(amb-1)/(amb-1-1)] ). Taylor s power law effectively modeled the thrips sample data from both sample methods. Taylor s coefficients suggested that thrips nymphs tended to be more closely grouped than adult thrips. Development of the sample plans indicated that the binomial sample plan, regardless of sample method, required significantly fewer samples to make a management decision. Sample size requirements between the sample methods for the binomial sample plan, although similar, favored the cup sample method, as it required only 90% of the effort of the visual sample plan. The binomial sample plan will be field tested in Objectives of this study are as follows: 1. Develop and compare enumerative and binomial sampling plans for estimating thrips densities in seedling cotton, 2. Evaluate to thrips sampling techniques (visual & cup), 3. Develop the most cost reliable sample plan and method for making thrips management decisions in seedling cotton. Educational programs conducted by Texas AgriLife Extension Service serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, handicap or national origin. The information given herein is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Texas AgriLife Extension Service is implied. 67

68 Materials and Methods: This study took place in a number of commercial cotton fields located across far west Texas and the Texas High Plains. Western flower thrips were sampled in each cotton field that was left untreated by foliar and/or preventative insecticides. Individual plants were examined for thrips from crop emergence to the five true leaf stage. 50 sampling bouts per field were conducted for each sampling method. Each sampling bout consisted of three plants. Two sample plans (enumerative and binomial) and two methods (visual and 16oz plastic cup) were evaluated (Figure 1). Individual plants were removed from the soil by gently grasping the cotton stem at the soil line and pulling straight up. Then, the cotton plant was either subjected to the visual or cup sample method. Visual inspection was accomplished using a sharpened pencil to pry apart folded or creased leaf tissue to expose hidden thrips. Adults and nymphs were then counted and recorded. The cup method was employed by inserting the cotton plant into the cup and shaking vigorously for several seconds to dislodge any thrips into the cup. Adult and nymph thrips dislodged into the cup were counted, recorded and discarded. Taylor s parameters were determined for thrips adult and nymph age classes and were pooled across age classes. Different age classes may have different spatial patterns, resulting in substantial differences in required sample number for estimating population densities. Sample data from both methods were used to determine the proportion of cotton leaves infested to mean thrips density (Wilson and Room 1983). The relationship of the mean and proportion of thrips infested cotton leaves was determined by: P(I)=1-e -m[ln(amb-1)/(amb-1-1)] Where P(I)=the proportion of thrips infested leaves, a and b are parameters from Taylor s power law (1961) and m=the mean density at which a management decision is needed. Taylor s power law parameters were determined by iterative non-linear regression. Science based economic thresholds have not been established for thrips in cotton. Therefore, an empirically derived nominal threshold of 1 thrips per true cotton leaf was used in this study. The optimal sample size for estimating this threshold for enumerative and binomial sampling was determined using the following equations presented by Wilson et. al. (1983b). Enumerative sampling: n=t 2 *d -2 *amb -2 ; Binomial sampling: n=t 2 *d -2 *q*p -1 Where n=sample size, t =standard normal variate, d=a fixed level of precision (defined as a proportion of the ratio of half the desired confidence interval to the mean). A and b are Taylor s coefficients, q=1-p and p=the proportion of thrips infested leaves. A consideration of cost, expressed as time to collect the sample, is especially important in selecting sampling methods and plans for use in commercial field monitoring programs. Relative-cost reliability (Wilson 1994) is the ratio of the costs of two or more sampling methods and was computed as: 68

69 C 1 /C 2 = n 1 (T 1 + t 1 )/n 2 (T 2 + t 2 ) Where C = cost per sample for each sample method or sample unit size, n = required number of samples needed to provide a density estimate with a specified level of precision, T = time required to collect a sample for each sample method or sample unit size and t = time to move from sample unit to sample unit. The time in seconds to move from one sample unit to the next was standardized at t = 15 sec. The visual sampling method employeed in Texas was used as the standard to which the other sample methods/plans were compared. Relative cost-reliability was used to select the optimum sample method and plan. The lowest relative cost reliability value represents the optimum sample method. Results and Discussion: Taylor s power law effectively modeled the mean/variance relationship for all thrips age classes and both sample methods (Table 1). Except for visual sampling of thrips nymphs, Taylor s a-coefficient was less than one for all thrips age classes and sample methods. This result is likely an artifact of curve fitting or random sample variability (Wilson 1994). The effect of age class on thrips aggregation was evident for both sample methods. Higher values of Taylor s parameters for nymphs relative to adults, and the decrease in the proportion of immature thrips infested plants for a given mean, indicate that immature thrips exhibit a more aggregated spatial pattern relative to adult thrips (Table 1). This behavioral attribute was not unexpected, as immature thrips tend to hide in the terminals of the cotton plant and are less mobile than winged adults. Wilson and Room (1983a) reported similar findings for Heliothis spp. age classes. The relationship between observed and estimated proportion of infested leaves was strong, with R 2 values in excess of 0.83 for both sample methods across all age classes. The estimated P(I) for the nominal economic threshold of one thrips per leaf was very similar between the two sample methods and thrips age classes (Table 2). Nevertheless, these slight differences resulted in significant differences in the required number of samples needed to estimate a mean thrips density of one thrips per leaf. As a means of simplification, the estimated P(I) was standardized across all cotton maturity stages. The cup sample method would require a maximum sample number of 28, compared to 31 for the visual. However, the time needed to take a sample for the binomial plans has yet to be calculated, so the most cost reliable sample method remains to be determined. Regardless of sample method, the enumerative sample plans required a >56% increase in the number of samples needed to estimate the same density as the binomial sample plans (Table 3 and Figure 2). The average sample times for the enumerative sample plans were 79.1 and 43.6 seconds per sample for the visual and cup sample methods, respectively. Sample number requirements were similar for both sample methods, however, the cup sample method was more cost effective, with a relative efficiency of Even though the cup sample method is more cost efficient when using enumerative sampling, the binomial sampling plan requires far fewer samples to make a management decision and will undoubtedly be much more cost effective. 69

70 Acknowledgments: References: This project was funded by Cotton Incorporated CORE Projects and in part by the Plains Cotton Improvement Program. Wilson, L.T. and P.M. Room. 1983a. Clumping patterns of fruit and arthropods in cotton, with implications for binomial sampling. Environ. Entomol. 12: Wilson, L.T., C. Pickel, R.C. Mount, and F.G. Zalom. 1983b. Presence-absence sequential sampling for cabbage aphid and green peach aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae) on Brussels sprouts. J. Econ. Entomol. 76: Wilson, L.T Estimating Abundance, Impact, and Interactions Among Arthropods in Cotton Agroecosystems. In: Handbook of Sampling Methods for Arthropods in Agriculture. Eds. L.P. Pedigo and G. David Buntin. CRC Press, Inc. 714 pp. Disclaimer Clause: Trade names of commercial products used in this report are included only for better understanding and clarity. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Texas A&M University System is implied. Readers should realize that results from one experiment do not represent conclusive evidence that the same response would occur where conditions vary. 70

71 Table 1. a and b of Taylor s power law and coefficient of determination. Thrips age classes a b R 2 Cup Sample Method Adult Nymph Pooled Visual Sample Method Adult Nymph Pooled Table 2. Relationship between proportion infested cotton leaves and a mean thrips density of one per cotton leaf. Proportion Infested (PI) Thrips age classes Cup Visual Adult Nymph Pooled Table 3. Required number of samples needed to estimate the nominal threshold of one thrips per cotton leaf. Enumerative Sampling Binomial Sampling Cup Visual Cup Visual Adult Nymph Combined

72 Figure 1. Visual sampling method (left) and cup sampling method (right). Figure 2. Sample size as a function of thrips mean density per cotton leaf (cup sample method). 72

73 Developing an Action Threshold for Thrips in the Texas High Plains, 2010 Cooperators: Chad Harris, Brad Heffington, Brad Boyd, Casey Kimbral, Tim Black, Robert Boozer, Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center Halfway David Kerns, Megha Parajulee, Monti Vandiver, Manda Cattaneo, Kerry Siders, Dustin Patman, Tommy Doederlein and Bo Kesey Extension Entomologist-Cotton, Research Entomologist-Cotton, EA-IPM EA-IPM Bailey/Parmer Counties, EA-IPM Gaines County, EA-IPM Hockley/Cochran Counties, EA-IPM Crosby/Floyd Counties, EA-IPM Dawson/Lynn Counties and Extension Program Specialist-Cotton Summary: High Plains In the Texas high plains and most of the cotton growing areas of the United States, thrips are a dominating pest during the pre-squaring stage of cotton. The most dominate thrips species affecting irrigated cotton fields in the Texas high plains is the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande). In irrigated cotton where thrips populations are historically high (usually areas where there is significant acreage of wheat), many growers opt to utilize preventative insecticide treatments such as in-furrow applications or seed treatments to control thrips. However, where thrips populations are not guaranteed to be especially troublesome, preventive treatments may not be necessary and represent an unnecessary expense. In these situations, well timed banded foliar insecticide applications for thrips control may be more profitable. Currently, the treatment threshold for thrips on irrigated cotton in the Texas high plains occurs when the average total thrips per plant equals or exceeds the number of true leaves. This was the fourth year conducting this study. This study was conducted in irrigated cotton across the Texas high plains. Based on the data collected thus far, cotton appears to be most susceptible to thrips at the cotyledon stage and susceptibility decreases as the plant grows. It has been commonly observed that cotton suffers more damage from thrips under cool temperatures. However, cool temperatures do not make the thrips more damaging, rather the plant s growth is slowed and remains at a more susceptible stage for a longer period of time. Although not certain, the current Texas action threshold for thrips requires revamping to cotyledon stage = 0.5 thrips per plant, 1 true leaf = 1 thrips per plant, 2 true leaves = thrips per plant, and 3-4 true leaves = 2 thrips per plant. However, more data is required to confirm these thresholds. Educational programs conducted by Texas AgriLife Extension Service serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, handicap or national origin. The information given herein is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Texas AgriLife Extension Service is implied. 73

74 Objective: To determine at what population density western flower thrips should be subjected to control tactics to prevent yield reduction and significant delayed maturity, to compare two action thresholds for thrips and to determine whether there is a relationship between thrips induced yield reduction and temperature. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on irrigated cotton during across 19 locations (Table 1). However, not all sites yielded usable data. In , plots at all locations were 2-rows wide 100-ft long, while in all plots were 4- rows wide 100-ft. Plots were arranged in a RCB design with 4 replicates. The foliar treatment regimes are outlined in (Table 2). These treatments were simply a means of manipulating the thrips populations at different times in an attempt to focus on when thrips feeding is most damaging. All foliar sprays consisted of Orthene 97 (acephate) applied at 3 oz-product/acre with a CO 2 pressurized hand boom calibrated to deliver 10 gallons/acre. Thrips were counted weekly by counting the number of larvae and adult thrips from 10 plants per plot. Whole plants were removed and inspected in the field. Each plot was harvested in its entirety in 2007, using a stripper with a burr extractor. In , a 1/1000th acre portion was harvested from each plot using an HB hand stripper. Yields were converted to proportion of yield relative to the highest yielding plot for each test site. Data were analyzed using linear regression (Sigma Plot 2008). Total thrips by crops stage and temperature were correlated with yield. Crops stages included cotyledon, 1 true leaf, 2 true leaves, 3 true leaves and 4 true leaves. Only leaves approximately the size of a quarter were counted as true leaves. Temperature was segregated based on minimum daily temperature. Those with minimum daily temperatures of 60 F or less were considered cold and those above that threshold were considered warm. A 10% reduction in yield was considered unacceptable. Results and Discussion: Under cool conditions, yield of cotton in Moore County was negatively correlated with thrips at the cotyledon stage (Figure 1, top). At this stage, based on the regression model, approximately 0.5 thrips per plant resulted in a 10% yield reduction. Results were similar for the Gaines County in 2008 (Figure 1, bottom). However, the cotton in Gaines County was approaching the 1 true leaf stage when the thrips were counted. At the 1 true leaf stage under cool conditions, approximately 1 thrips per plant was correlated with a 10% yield reduction (Figure 2), while approximately 2 thrips per plant were required at the 2 true leaf stage (Figure 3). None of the sites experienced temperatures 60 F at the 3-4 true leaf stage. Under warm conditions (minimum daily temperatures > 60 F), the relationship between thrips at the cotyledon stage and yield was negatively correlated, although the R 2 was low (Figure 4). Similar to the data collected under cool 74

75 conditions, the model suggests that 0.4 thrips per plant resulted in a 10% yield reduction. Also, similar to the relationships observed under cool conditions, at the 1 and 2 true leaf stages, 0.9 and 1.4 thrips per plant respectively to result in a 10% yield reduction, respectively. After 2 true leaves, under warm conditions, the cotton at all locations was rapidly growing and relationships were difficult to discern. However, in Hale County in 2008 when the cotton was a mixture of 3 and 4 true leaves, a weak but significant relationship between thrips and yield was detected (Figure 5). At this point, 2 thrips per plant appeared to result in a 10% yield reduction. Based on these correlations, temperature did not appear to affect the number of thrips necessary to cause a 10% reduction in yield, regardless of crop stage. Because of this lack of differences, the data were pooled across temperature and sites in accordance with stage of growth (Figure 6). Although statistically significant, the R 2 values for the pooled data were much lower than desired. This was unavoidable and due to differences in field conditions, varieties, etc. across test sites. However, the pooled data continued to reflect similar trends observed at individual sites with some exception. The number of thrips necessary to result in a 10% yield reduction by crop stage were as follows: cotyledon stage = 0.65 thrips per plant, 1 true leaf stage = 0.7 thrips per plant, 2 true leaf stage = 1 thrips per plant and 3-4 true leaf stage = 2.1 thrips per plant. It is obvious that thrips are most damaging to cotton during the early stages of growth, particularly cotyledon to 1 true leaf, and that susceptibility declines with plant growth. Additionally, common observation suggests that thrips damage is most severe during periods of cool conditions. However, the impact of cool temperatures does not appear to be an effect on the thrips as much as an impact on the plant. Additionally, cool temperatures do not necessarily make the cotton more susceptible to thrips, but appears to suppress cotton development, thus keeping the plant at a more susceptible stage for a longer period of time. Based on the data collected thus far, it is obvious that the Texas action threshold for thrips in cotton does need to be altered, but should remain dynamic based on plant growth stage (Table 3). Acknowledgments: This project was funded by Cotton Incorporated, Texas State Support, and in part by the Plains Cotton Improvement Program. Disclaimer Clause: Trade names of commercial products used in this report are included only for better understanding and clarity. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Texas A&M University System is implied. Readers should realize that results from one experiment do not represent conclusive evidence that the same response would occur where conditions vary. 75

76 Table 1. Tests sites and reliability of data Bailey Acceptable Bailey Acceptable Bailey Hailed out Bailey Nematodes Crosby Acceptable Crosby Hailed out Crosby Acceptable Gaines Acceptable Gaines Insufficient Insufficient Dawson thrips thrips Hale Acceptable Hale Weedy Lamb Acceptable Hockley Acceptable Moore Herbicide damage Moore Acceptable Lubbock Insufficient Insufficient Insufficient Lubbock Castro thrips thrips irrigation Hale Poor stand Table 2. Foliar treatment regime timings ) Untreated check X X X 2) Automatic treatment on week 1 X X X 3) Automatic treatment on weeks 1 and 2 (only week 2 in 2008) X X 4) Automatic treatment on weeks 1, 2 and 3 X X X 5) Automatic treatment on week 2 X X 6) Automatic treatment on weeks 2 and 3 X X X 7) Treatment based on the Texas AgriLife Extension Threshold a X X X 8) Treatment based on the above threshold with 30% larvae X X a One thrips per plant from plant emergence through the first true leaf stage, and one thrips per true leaf thereafter until the cotton has 4 to 5 true leaves Table 3. Threshold comparison Threshold Cotton Stage No. Thrips per Plant Cotyledon 1 true leaf 1 Old Threshold 2 true leaves 2 3 true leaves 3 4 true leaves 4 Cotyledon 0.5 Possible New 1 true leaf 1 Threshold 2 true leaves true leaves 2 76

77 Moore Co Cotyledon Stage Min temp o F y = x R 2 = 0.66 P = 0.09 Proportion of Yield % yield loss at 0.5 thrips Thrips per plant Gaines Co Emergence - 1 true leaf (10 day) upper-50's o F low temps y = x R 2 = 0.73 P < 0.06 Proportion of Yield ~0.4 thrips per day = 10% reduction Thrips per plant per day Figure 1. Relationship between thrips per plant and proportion of yield at the cotyledon stage under cool conditions in Moore (top) and Gaines (bottom) counties. 77

78 Bailey Co true leaf stage min temp ~54 o F y = x R 2 = 0.68 P = 0.02 Yield proportion % yield loss at ~ 0.9 thrips per plant Thrips per plant Figure 2. Relationship between thrips per plant and proportion of yield at the 1 true leaf stage under cool conditions in Bailey county. Proportion of Yield Moore Co true leaves stage Min temp o F y = x R 2 = 0.78 P = % yield loss at 1.8 thrips Thrips per plant Yield proportion Bailey Co true leaf stage min temp ~61 o F y = x R 2 = 0.47 P = % yield loss at ~ 0.9 thrips per plant Thrips per plant Figure 3. Relationship between thrips per plant and proportion of yield at the 2 true leaf stage under cool conditions in Moore (top) and Bailey (bottom) counties. 78

79 Littlefield 2010 cotyledon stage Min temp 65 o F y = x R 2 = 0.52 P = Yield proportion Yield proportion % yield loss at 0.4 thrips Thrips per plant Hockley Co true leaf mid-upper 60's o F low temps y = x R 2 = 0.42 P = % yield loss at 0.9 thrips per plant Thrips per plant Hockley Co y = x 2 true leaves R 2 = 0.76 mid-upper 60's o F low temps P = Yield proportion % yield loss at ~1.4 thrips per plant Thrips per plant Figure 4. Relationship between thrips per plant and proportion of yield under warm conditions at the 1 true leaf stage (top), 2 true leaf stage (middle) and 3-4 true leaf stage (bottom). 79

80 Yield proportion Hale Co true leaves low-mid 60's o F low temps y = x R 2 = 0.51 P = % yield loss at 2 thrips per plant Thrips per plant Figure 5. Relationship bet ween thrips per plant and proporti on of yield under warm conditions at the 3-4 true leaf stage. Proportion of yield Proportion of yield Cotyledon stage Pooled Data y = x R 2 =0.28 P = thrips per plant = 10% yield reduction Thrips per plant true leaves stage Pooled Data y = x R 2 =0.31 P = thrips per plant = 10% yield reduction Thrips per plant Proportion of yield Proportion of yield true leaf stage Pooled Data y = x R 2 =0.31 P = thrips per plant = 10% yield reduction Thrips per plant true leaves stage 0.88 Pooled Data 0.86 y = x 0.84 R 2 = P = thrips per plant = 10% yield reduction Thrips per plant Figure 6. Relationship between thrips per plant and proportion of yield from pooled temperature data (cool and warm) at various stages of crop development. 80

81 Boll Damage Survey of Bt and Non-Bt Cotton Varieties in the South Plains Region of Texas Cooperators: Texas AgriLife Extension Service David Kerns, Monti Vandiver, Emilio Nino, Tommy Doederlein, Manda Cattaneo, Greg Cronholm, Kerry Siders, Brant Baugh, Scott Russell and Dustin Patman Extension Entomologist-Cotton, EA-IPM Bailey/Parmer Counties, EA-IPM Castro/Lamb Counties, EA-IPM Lynn/Dawson Counties, EA-IPM Gaines County, EA-IPM Hale/Swisher Counties, EA-IPM Hockley/Cochran Counties, EA-IPM Lubbock County, EA-IPM Terry/Yoakum Counties and EA-IPM Crosby/Floyd Counties Summary: South Plains Late-season boll damage surveys were conducted in 2007, 2008 and 2009 to evaluate the amount of Lepidoptera induced damage in Bt cotton varieties relative to non-bt cotton varieties. Additional, data was collected on the number of insecticide applications required for these varieties to manage lepiopterous pests, and the number of bolls damaged by sucking pests in Boll damage was light in 2007; however, more damaged bolls where found in the non-bt fields (3.11%) than in the Bollgard (0.52%) and Bollgard II (0.25%) fields, but did not differ from the Widestrike fields (1.29%). Very few insecticide applications were made targeting bollworm in any of the 2007 survey fields and there were no significant differences among variety types. None of the Bt cotton fields were treated for bollworms, whereas 9% on the non-bt field received a single insecticide application. Late season bollworm damage in 2008 was similar to All of the Bt cotton variety types had significantly fewer damaged bolls than the non-bt varieties and none of the Bt varieties required insecticide applications for lepidopterous pests, but unlike 2007, more non-bt cotton was treated for bollworm and/or beet armyworms in 2008 (41% of the fields received a single insecticide application). In 2009, none of the surveyed fields were treated for lepidopterous pests. Worm damaged bolls were 2.83, 0.13 and 0.40% in non-bt, Bollgard II and Widestrike varieties respectively. There were no differences among the variety types in sucking bug damaged which averaged 1.96% across all varieties. In 2010, 3.08% of bolls in the non-bt fields were damaged, and 0.45 insecticide applications were required per field on average. Damage did not exceed 0.27% in Bt cotton, and no Bt cotton field required treatment for lepidoterous pests. There were no differences among variety types regarding Lygus or stinkbug damaged bolls, which slight over 1% per field. 81

82 Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the qualitative value of Bollgard II, Widestrike and Bollgard insect control traits in grower fields relative to each other and to non-bt cotton varieties. Materials and Methods: In 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010, boll damage surveys were conducted to quantify bollworm damage in late season Bt and non-bt cotton varieties. Although the source of the damage is not certain, most of it is suspected to have come from cotton bollworms although beet armyworms were present in some fields in 2008, and fall armyworms were present in 2009 and Two of the non-bt were treated for a mixed population of bollworms and beet armyworms in Bailey County in 2008, and non-bt field in Gaines County in 2009 and 2010 contained about 20% fall armyworms and 80% bollworms. Fall armyworms were also present in Bailey County and Hale County experienced isolated beet armyworms problems. Additionally, cotton square borers were common throughout the southwestern and western areas of the South Plains in The survey was conducted late season because Bt levels in mature/senescent cotton tends to deteriorate relative to rapidly growing plants. Thus, late season would represent the time period when Bt levels would be less intensely expressed and damage would be more likely to occur. Grower fields of non-bt, Bollgard, Bollgard II and Widestrike cotton were sampled throughout the South Plains region of Texas (Table 1). Samples were taken after the last possible insecticide applications and before approximately 20% of the boll were open. Three distinct areas were sampled within each field, and 100 consecutive harvestable bolls were sampled from each location. Each field by variety type served as a replicate. Bolls were considered damaged if the carpal was breached through to the lint. The insecticide history in regard to insecticides targeting bollworms was recorded. In addition to bollworm damage, external Lygus and/or stinkbug damage to bolls was sampled for in most fields in 2009 and within 14 fields in All data were analyzed using PROC MIXED and the means were separated using an F protected LSD (P 0.10). Results and Discussion: In 2007, damage was very light across all of the field types. However, more damaged bolls where found in the non-bt fields (3.11%) than in the Bollgard (0.52%) and Bollgard II (0.25%) fields, but did not differ from the Widestrike fields (1.29%) (Table 2). Damage in the Widestrike fields did not differ from the Bollgard and Bollgard II fields. The fact that Widestrike did not differ from the non-bt fields does not appear to indicate a lack of efficacy, but probably indicates a lack of area wide bollworm pressure. Very few insecticide applications were made targeting bollworm in any of the 2007 survey fields and there were no significant differences among variety types. None of the Bt cotton fields were treated for bollworms, whereas 9% on the non-bt field received a single insecticide application. Late season bollworm damage in 2008 was similar to All of the Bt cotton 82

83 variety types had significantly fewer damaged bolls than the non-bt varieties (Table 3). There were no differences in boll damage among the Bt types. Similar to 2007, none of the Bt varieties required insecticide applications for bollworms, but unlike 2007, more non-bt cotton was treated for bollworms and/or beet armyworms in 2008 (41% of the fields received a single insecticide application). Bollworm populations were exceptionally light during 2009 with the exception of Gaines County. Both Bollgard II and Widestrike varieties suffered very low damage to boll feeding lepidopterous pest in 2009 and had significantly fewer damaged bolls than the non-bt varieties (no Bollgard fields were sampled in 2009) (Table 4). There were no differences in damaged bolls between the Bt types, and there were no differences among any of the varietal types in sucking bug damage. None of the fields sampled in the 2009 survey were treated for lepipoterous pests. Much of the South Plains had significant acreage of late-planted grain sorghum and corn, and these crops tended to act as trap crops, essentially preferentially attracting bollworms and fall armyworms away for the cotton. In 2010, bollworm populations were moderate to high in portions of Gaines, Terry, Hockley, and Lubbock counties, and occurred late in the season in areas north of Lubbock. Dawson County reported no damage from bollworms or armyworms. Boll damage in 2010 was greatest in the non-bt varieties, and the Bollgard II and Widestrike varieties did not differ from one another (Table 5). As in previous years, damage was numerically higher in the Widestrike varieties than the Bollgard II, suggesting a slight trend in lesser efficacy. However, no Bt cotton field, Widestrike or Bollgard II, ever required treatment for ledipoterous pests, indicating that both Bt technologies provide excellent control. The non-bt varieties required 0.45 insecticide applications per field for lepidopterous pests. Based on these data, Bt cotton appears to continue to be highly effective in preventing boll damage by lepidopterous pests in the South Plains region of Texas. Acknowledgments: Appreciation is expressed to the Monsanto Company and the Plains Cotton Improvement Program for financial support of this project. Disclaimer Clause: Trade names of commercial products used in this report are included only for better understanding and clarity. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Texas A&M University System is implied. Readers should realize that results from one experiment do not represent conclusive evidence that the same response would occur where conditions vary. 83

84 Table 1. Number of fields sampled by county and Bt trait in County Non-Bt Bollgard Bollgard II Widestrike Year 2007 Bailey Castro Dawson Floyd Gaines Hale Hockley Lubbock Parmer Terry TOTAL Year 2008 Bailey Castro Dawson Gaines Hale Hockley Lubbock TOTAL Year 2009 Bailey Castro Crosby Dawson Gaines Hale Hockley Swisher TOTAL Year 2010 Bailey Crosby Dawson Floyd Gaines Hale Hockley Lubbock Terry TOTAL

85 Table 2. Percentage of damaged bolls and insecticide applications for non-bt and various Bt technology varieties grown in the South Plains of Texas, Mean no. Variety type n a % damaged bolls b sprays per site c Non-Bt a 0.09 a Bollgard b 0.00 a Bollgard II b 0.00 a WideStrike ab 0.00 a Means in a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different based on an F protected Mixed Procedure LSD (P 0.10). a Number of fields sampled. b Percentage of damaged bolls from three locations in each field, 100 bolls sampled per locations, 300 bolls per field. c Mean number of insecticide applications targeting lepidopterous pests per site. Table 3. Percentage of damaged bolls and insecticide applications for non-bt and various Bt technology varieties grown in the South Plains of Texas, Mean no. Variety type n a % damaged bolls b sprays per site c Non-Bt a 0.41 a Bollgard b 0.00 b Bollgard II b 0.00 b WideStrike b 0.00 b Means in a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different based on an F protected Mixed Procedure LSD (P 0.10). a Number of fields sampled. b Percentage of damaged bolls from three locations in each field, 100 bolls sampled per locations, 300 bolls per field. c Mean number of insecticide applications targeting lepidopterous pests per site. 85

86 Table 4. Percentage of damaged bolls and insecticide applications for non-bt and various Bt technology varieties grown on the South Plains of Texas, Variety type n a bolls b damaged bolls b per site c % worm damaged % sucking bug Mean no. sprays Non-Bt a 3.83 a 0.00 a Bollgard II b 2.06 a 0.00 a WideStrike b 0.00 a 0.00 a Means in a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different based on an F protected Mixed Procedure LSD (P 0.10). a Number of fields sampled. b Percentage of worm or sucking bug damaged bolls from three locations in each field, 100 bolls sampled per locations, 300 bolls per field. c Mean number of insecticide applications targeting lepidopterous pests per site. Table 5. Percentage of damaged bolls and insecticide applications for non-bt and various Bt technology varieties grown on the South Plains of Texas, Variety type n a bolls b damaged bolls b per site c % worm damaged % sucking bug Mean no. sprays Non-Bt a 1.87 a 0.45 a Bollgard II b 1.00 a 0.00 b WideStrike b 0.58 a 0.00 b Means in a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different based on an F protected Mixed Procedure LSD (P 0.10). a Number of fields sampled. b Percentage of worm or sucking bug damaged bolls from three locations in each field, 100 bolls sampled per locations, 300 bolls per field; only 14 fields sampled for bug damage. c Mean number of insecticide applications targeting lepidopterous pests per site. 86

87 Replicated Corn Hybrid Trial Kelly Kettner Farm, Muleshoe, TX Curtis Preston and Monti Vandiver Texas Agrilife Extension Service Objective: Evaluate 11 Bt corn hybrids in a no-till sprinkler irrigated production system. Hybrids: 1. Croplan 7505 VT3 IP 2. Croplan 6725 VT3 MR 3. Dekalb VT3P 4. Dekalb VT3P 5. Mycogen 2T784 GENSS 6. Mycogen 2V732 VT3 7. NC VT3P 8. NC VT3P 9. Pioneer 1508 HR 10. Pioneer 33D49 HX 11. Warner 4777 VT3 Materials and Methods: Experimental design - randomized complete block with 3 replications Plot size 6 rows (30 inch) X variable length - average of.31 acres/plot harvested Planting date April 26, 2010 Seeding rate 32,000 seed/acre Irrigation full Fertility (lbs/ac) 10 tons manure lbs ammonium sulfate per acre Previous crop - cotton Heat unit accumulation (DD 50) 3540 (nearest weather station) Harvest date September 29, 2010 Moisture and bushel weight determined by commercial testing at Muleshoe Pea & Bean Yields adjusted to 15.5% moisture Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and when a significant F test was observed, mean separation was performed using the least significant difference (LSD) at the 10% probability level. Results and Conclusions No significant differences in plant population were observed between hybrids (Table 1). Harvest moisture averaged 14.49% and ranged from 13.7 to 15.4%, Mycogen 2T784, Pioneer 1508, Pioneer 33D49, and Warner 4777 exhibited highest grain moisture while Dekalb and NC was lowest. Bushel weight averaged 59.4 lbs/bu and ranged from 58.1 to 60.6 with Dekalb 64-83, Pioneer 1508, and Pioneer 33D49 being heaviest. Dekalb 64-83, Dekalb 64-69, NC , and Pioneer 33D49 exhibited the top dry grain yields in this trial. Acknowledgements: We would like to acknowledge and thank the following for their contributions to this trial: Kelly Ketner, producer, CropLan Genetics, Dekalb, Mycogen, NC+, Pioneer, Warner seed companies, Muleshoe Pea & Bean (sample testing), and Scott Simmons, Estes Inc. (weigh wagon). Trade names of commercial products used in this report is included only for better understanding and clarity. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas A&M University System is implied. Readers should realize that results from one experiment do not represent conclusive evidence that the same response would occur where conditions vary. 87

88 Table 1. Plant population, harvest, and yield data from a large plot replicated corn hybrid trial, Kelly Ketner Farm, Muleshoe Texas, /1/2010 9/29/2010 9/29/2010 9/29/2010 9/29/2010 Hybrid Population plants/a Moisture % BU Wt lbs Yield@15.5% lbs/ac Yield BU/ac Croplan 7505 VT3 IP 30,331 a 14.2 cd 59.8 b 13,916 d 248 d Croplan 6725 VT3 MR 30,653 a 14.4 bcd 59.3 cd 14,480 cd 259 cd Dekalb VT3P 32,105 a 13.7 d 60.5 a 15,777 a 282 a Dekalb VT3P 30,008 a 14.3 bcd 60.0 b 15,830 a 283 a Mycogen 2T784 GENSS 30,653 a 15.4 a 57.4 f 14,637 cd 261 cd Mycogen 2V732 VT3 30,976 a 14.5 bcd 58.1 e 14,912 bc 266 bc NC VT3P 31,460 a 14.1 cd 58.1 e 14,547 cd 260 cd NC VT3P 29,685 a 14.0 d 59.7 bc 15,673 ab 280 ab Pioneer 1508 HR 29,685 a 14.9 ab 60.6 a 14,570 cd 260 cd Pioneer 33D49 HX 31,460 a 14.8 abc 60.6 a 15,462 ab 276 ab Warner 4777 VT3 30,976 a 15.0 ab 58.9 d 14,433 cd 258 cd LSD (P=.10) NS CV Grand Mean 30, , Treatment Prob(F) Means followed by same letter do not significantly differ (P=.10, LSD) Mean comparisons performed only when AOV Treatment P(F) is significant at mean comparison OSL. Trade names of commercial products used in this report is included only for better understanding and clarity. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas A&M University System is implied. Readers should realize that results from one experiment do not represent conclusive evidence that the same response would occur where conditions vary. 88

89 Evaluation of Several Miticides in Irrigated Corn Chris Bass Farm, Muleshoe, TX Monti Vandiver and Ed Bynum Texas Agrilife Extension Service Objective: Evaluation of several registered and unregistered miticides for Banks grass mite suppression in tassel stage irrigated corn. Treatments: 1. 4 oz/ac 2. 6 oz/ac 3. Comite 48 oz/ac oz/ac 5. 1 oz/ac oz/ac oz/ac oz/ac 9. 2 pt/ac 10. Untreated Check Materials and Methods: This test was conducted on a producer s field located near Muleshoe, TX. The experiment was arranged in a RCB with 4 replications. Plots were 4 rows wide (30 inch centers) by 75 ft long. Miticides were applied 16 Jul with a CO2 pressurized hand-carried backpack sprayer calibrated to deliver 15.8 gpa through TwinJet Twin Flat Spray Tips (TJ8002VS) nozzles (1 per row) at 60 psi. An overhead boom with nozzles placed between the rows was used. The Oberon and Onager treatments were mixed with a crop oil concentrate at a rate of 1 pt/acre. A nonionic surfactant was mixed with the Portal treatment at 0.25% v/v and with Zeal treatments at 0.15% v/v. Pretreatment spider mite counts were taken 16 Jul before treatment (Pretrt) and posttreatment counts taken at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after treatment (DAT). Spider mites were sampled by collecting 6 leaves per plot. The leaf sampled was either the 4th or 5th leaf up the plant from the lowest bottom leaf with at least 1/3 of the leaf green. Mobile mites on a leaf were counted with the aid of an Optivisor binocular magnifier, model DA10. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and when a significant F test was observed, mean separation was performed using the least significant difference (LSD) at the 5% probability level. Results and Conclusions The BGM populations increased each week in the untreated check plots for 21 DAT and then declined sharply due to infection from Neozygites fungal disease. Mortality of BGM was beginning to occur by 7 DAT (% Control) but none of BGM densities in the miticide treatments differed significantly from the untreated check. All miticides treatments provided better control at 14 DAT and 21 DAT which resulted in significantly lower level of BGM compared to the untreated check. By 21 DAT the level of control for all but one of the miticide treatments was >80%. Acknowledgements: We would like to acknowledge and thank the following for their contributions to this trial: Chris Bass, producer; Russ Perkins, Bayer CropScience; Bill Odle, Valent; Alan Dalrymple, Chemtura; and David King, Nichino. Educational programs conducted by Texas AgriLife Extension Service serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, handicap or national origin. The information given herein is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Texas AgriLife Extension Service is implied. 89

90 Table 1. Spider mite numbers from a replicated trial in tassel stage irrigated corn, Chris Bass Farm, Muleshoe, Texas, Number of BGM per leaf Treatment / Formulation Rate amt / acre Pre-trt 7 DAT 14 DAT 21 DAT 28 DAT Oberon 4SC 4.25 fl. oz 31.8 a 63.4 a 84.2 b 81.8 b 3.6 a Oberon 4SC 6.0 fl. oz 22.7 a 29.5 a 70.0 b 99.5 b 0.9 a Comite II 48.0 fl. oz 37.9 a 34.7 a 41.3 b 42.1 b 9.4 a Onager 1E 10.0 fl. oz 44.3 a 59.7 a 46.0 b 33.6 b 4.4 a Zeal 72WG 1.0 oz 35.3 a 34.8 a 31.8 b 30.9 b 2.1 a Zeal 72WG 1.5 oz 22.7 a 52.4 a 52.9 b 33.2 b 1.7 a Zeal 72WG 2.0 oz 39.6 a 24.4 a 30.9 b 20.8 b 1.8 a Zeal 72WG 2.4 oz 48.1 a 53.5 a 37.4 b 18.6 b 2.9 a Portal 5EC 2.0 pt 42.4 a 53.7 a b 50.5 b 3.2 a Untreated Check 25.7 a 69.5 a a a 4.7 a Means in a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different (P=0.05, LSD). Mean comparisons performed only when AOV Treatment P(F) is significant at mean comparison OSL. 90

91 Table 2. Percent control of miticides from a replicated trial in tassel stage irrigated corn, Chris Bass Farm, Muleshoe, Texas, % Control of BGM Treatment / Formulation Rate amt / acre 7 DAT 14 DAT 21 DAT Oberon 4SC 4.25 fl. oz Oberon 4SC 6.0 fl. oz Comite II 48.0 fl. oz Onager 1E 10.0 fl. oz Zeal 72WG 1.0 oz Zeal 72WG 1.5 oz Zeal 72WG 2.0 oz Zeal 72WG 2.4 oz Portal 5EC 2.0 pt Untreated Check a a Number of BGM per leaf in the untreated check plots are shown. Percent control determined by Henderson s formula (Henderson and Tilton J. Econ. Entomology. Vol 48 (2): ). 91

92 Management of Spider Mites Infesting Pre-tassel Corn for Prevention of Economic Damage A Report to the Texas Corn Producers Board E. D. Bynum 1, P. Porter 1, E. Nino 1, M. Vandiver 1, and J. Michels 2 1 Texas AgriLife Extension Service 2 Texas AgriLife Research Summary A study was initiated in 2010 to determine how effective pre-tassel miticide applications are at preventing economic damage from spider mites. Understanding factors that contribute to mite development and survival during early vegetative growth will give producers a better knowledge of how to manage mite infestations so that the management options available are the most economical and best for preventing significant yield losses from spider mites. Field trials were conducted on two producer fields and at the Texas AgriLife Research station at Halfway to understand how effective early miticide applications to pre-tassel corn can be, and to assess the need for making these early applications. A trial near Dimmit, TX on 1.5 foot tall corn showed that mites migrating from adjacent natural grass fields were naturally controlled by predation from heavy migration of western flower thrips. The effectiveness of spraying miticides was overshadowed by this natural predation. A trial near Tam Anne, TX on 4 foot tall corn indicated miticide applications provide good control of mites (> 86%) which may have prevented damaging levels of spider mites after tassel. Unfortunately, a hail storm severely damaged the corn and prevented further evaluations. The trials at Halfway never developed spider mites throughout the entire season. This was probably due to heavy rains during June and July. Taken together, these trials show the unpredictability of early season pre-tassel spider mites to develop into damaging infestations, and they reinforce the need for scouting instead of making automatic application of miticides to pre-tassel fields. This one year study is only the beginning to understanding when producers and consultants can justify making decisions to spray. Continuation of this project will increase data information from different field situations that will improve our ability to know if and when pre-tassel miticide applications should be made to prevent damaging mite infestations. Introduction Spider mites infesting corn are responsible for significant economic losses for Texas producers from lost yield and excessive costs to control mite infestations. Mites will infest, on average, 50% of the corn acreage on the Texas High Plains yearly and cause 20% or more yield loss. The costs associated with making an application and purchasing chemicals can be as high 93

93 as $25 per acre per application. None of the transgenic corn hybrids being marketed for control of caterpillar pests or corn rootworm have any effect on spider mites. Mite infestations are most damaging after corn has tasseled and during the grain filling growth stages. There are three currently registered miticides that spider mites have not developed resistance to, but optimum spray coverage is required for them to be effective. Since spray coverage is key to effective control, producers and crop consultants have adopted the practice of spraying these products when corn is in the early to mid vegetative growth stages. Although this has become a common practice, producers and their consultants do not know exactly 1) when an application is justified or how long the chemical will be effective, 2) what impact natural predators and environmental conditions have on mite control or on the need to spray, 3) which vegetative stage and what mite infestation level justifies a chemical application and 4) which product would be most effective and economical under different mite infestation circumstances. Understanding the impact of these factors on mite management will allow control strategies to be identified so miticide applications can be used more effectively and economically. This information will reduce wasteful applications and improve the efficacy of the miticides when applications are needed. A study was initiated in 2010 to address these questions so producers will have a better knowledge of how to manage mite infestations and so that the management options available are the most economical and best for preventing significant yield losses from spider mites. Objective: 1. Evaluate miticide applications at vegetative growth states V3-V5 (up to 2 ft tall) and V6- v8 (approximately 4 ft tall) for prevention of damaging infestations. 2. Evaluate the efficacy of Comite, Oberon, and Onager when applied at the designated growth stages for economical season long damage protection. 3. Determine the impact natural predators and environmental conditions have on pre-tassel mite infestations related to early season miticide applications. Methods & Materials We initially established 6 trials on producer s fields and on fields at the Texas AgriLife Research Stations at Halfway and at Etter. At both the Halfway and Etter stations there were two fields, one for the early V3-V5 (1 to 2 ft tall corn) application study and one for the V6-V8 (3 to 4 ft tall corn) application study. A study for the early V3-V5 (1 to 2 ft tall corn) application was on a producer s field approximately 3 miles southeast of Dimmit, TX, off of Hwy 194. Another study for the V6 V8 (3 to ft tall corn) application was on a producer s field approximately 3 mile west and 3 miles north of Tam Anne, TX. Even though the two fields at Etter were hand infested with spider mites in June, plots were severely damaged by 4 hail storms during June and July and could not be utilized to collect data. Each of the other test fields were designed the same way. Plots were arranged in a randomized block design with 4 replications. All trials had the same treatments (Comite 3.38 pt/acre, Oberon 6 fl. oz./acre, Onager 12 fl. oz./acre, and an untreated 94

94 check). Each Oberon and Onager treatment was mixed with a 1% v/v crop oil concentrate. The following provides the experimental procedures (application dates, mite sampling, etc.) for each of the trials. Data for all tests were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance. AgriLife Research Station Halfway Corn was transgenic, planted on 40 inch rows, center pivot irrigated (drag hoses) to just a slight water stress. Record rainfall in early July eliminated water stress for approximately the first two weeks of the month. Plots were 4 rows wide by 35 feet long. Miticide applications (23 June) were made with a CO 2 backpack sprayer with four hollow cone nozzles delivering a total of GPA. Corn averaged 4.5 feet in height. Four consecutive rows were treated and data were taken from the center two rows. On each sampling date two leaves were pulled from each of three plants chosen at random from those near the center of each plot. Leaves were labeled, bundled and taken to the edge of the field for mite counting. An OptiVisor was used to provide magnification. All mites and beneficial arthropods were counted and recorded. Leaves in position 2 and 4 were pulled on 7 DAT. At 14 DAT, leaves from position 3 and 4 were collected, and at 21 DAT leaves from position 4 and 5 were chosen. Pollen shed occurred at 14 DAT. Data were collected at 7 (30 June), 14 (7 July), and 21 days (14 July) after application. A survey of plots on 28 days application revealed the presence of neozygites fungi and very significant mite mortality due to predation. Data collection at 28 days would not have been meaningful and hence was halted. Dimmit Trial A transgenic corn hybrid was planted on 30 inch rows and center pivot irrigated (LEPA). Plots were 6 rows wide by 50 feet long. Miticide applications (3 June) were made with a CO 2 backpack sprayer with five XR8002VS flat fan nozzles on 20 inch centers that was calibrated to deliver a total of 14.5 GPA. Corn averaged 1.5 feet in height. The four center rows were treated and mite data were taken from the 1 st and 4 th treated rows per plot. On each sampling date two leaves were pulled from each of five plants chosen at random from plants within 30 feet center of each plot. Leaves were labeled, bundled and taken to the edge of the field for mite counting. An OptiVisor was used to provide magnification. All mites and beneficial arthropods were counted and recorded. Leaves in position 2 and 4 (leaf 1 was the lowest leaf with at least 1/3 green leaf area) were pulled on the day treatments were made (before treatment) and on all post treatment sample dates. Pollen shed occurred at 35 DAT. Data were collected before treatment (3 June) and at 7 (10 June), 14 (17 June), 28 (1 July), 42 (15 July), 56 (29 July), and 68 days (10 August) after application (DAT). At the 68 DAT sample corn was in the dent growth stage where mite feeding does not cause further yield losses. Therefore, no further mite samples were collected. Harvest samples were collect 14 September by hand from one 17.4 ft linear section per plot. Ears were shelled with a small plot sheller and processed (weights, moisture content, bu weight) to determine yield. 95

95 Tam Anne Trial A transgenic corn hybrid was planted on 38 inch rows and center pivot irrigated (LEPA). Plots were 6 rows wide by 50 feet long. Miticide applications (24 June) were made with a CO 2 backpack sprayer with 4 XR8002VS flat fan nozzles on 19 inch centers that was calibrated to deliver a total of 15.5 GPA. Corn averaged 4 feet in height. All six rows were treated and mite data were taken from the 2 nd and 5 th treated rows per plot. On each sampling date two leaves were pulled from each of five plants chosen at random from plants within 30 feet center of each plot. Leaves were labeled, bundled and taken to the edge of the field for mite counting. An OptiVisor was used to provide magnification. All mites and beneficial arthropods were counted and recorded. Leaves in position 2 and 4 (leaf 1 was the lowest leaf with at least 1/3 green leaf area) were pulled on the day treatments were made (before treatment) and on all post treatment sample dates. Pollen shed occurred at 14 DAT. Data were collected before treatment (24 June) and at 7 (1 July), and 14 days (8 July) after application (DAT). The field was severely damage by hail after the 14 DAT sample and before the scheduled 28 DAT sample. Data collection would not have been meaningful and was discontinued. Results & Discussion Spider mite infestations are an extremely difficult problem for producers in the Texas High Plains because the miticide products that are toxic to mites are less effective when sprayed to tasseled corn, which is when mite infestations cause the worst damage and greatest yield loss. The primary reason for poor control on tassel stage corn is related to less than optimum spray coverage. Therefore, applications are often applied before tassel in an attempt to improve spray coverage and miticide efficacy and as a preventative treatment. Unfortunately, the effectiveness and benefits from making these early season applications are really unknown because there are many factors (climate, natural enemies, etc.) that can prevent mite infestations from ever reaching an economically damaging level. This project was initiated in 2010 to learn more about the dynamics of early season spider mite infestations and mite control efforts. The studies for this project were designed to learn how effective early season miticide applications are for season long mite management. This involves understanding what impact climatic conditions and natural predators have on early season spider mite populations and efficacy and residual control of miticide products. To understand these interactions all of the studies this year were conducted under natural field conditions. The trial near Dimmitt, TX was conducted to represent when miticides are automatically applied when producers spray Roundup herbicide for early weed control. The justification is that the application will control mites migrating from adjacent wheat fields and natural grass areas. The data showed mites moving into the corn field and starting to establish in the test plots on 3 June (Pre-treatment) (Figure 1, Table 1). But, mite populations were quickly removed in all plots by migration of western flower thrips (Figure 2 7 DAT, Table 2). All of the miticide 96

96 applications may have been killing mites, but the impact of western flower thrips predation overshadowed the miticides ability to provide season long control. Mite densities were reduced to such low levels by 14 DAT that for 68 DAT mites never developed to economically damaging infestations. This is also evident by yields and bushel weights being similar across all treatments (Table 3). The trial shows the importance of predator populations and the need for scouting early infestations instead of making automatic applications. Under these circumstances the costs of purchasing miticides and spraying could have been saved. The trial near Tam Anne, TX was conducted to represent applications to corn at later vegetative growth stages (V6 V8). Spider mites were present, but populations were relatively low (< 13 per 2 leaves) when miticides were applied on 24 June (Figure 3, Table 4). Predator numbers were also low and had very little impact on the spider mite populations (Figure 4, Table 5). All three miticide treatments provided good initial reductions of mite densities (> 86% control) (Figure 4, Table 4). The untimely damage by the hail storm prevented us from being able to assess the effectiveness of these sprays to protect corn during the tassel stage growth stages. This is because at 14 DAT the corn plants were in the silk growth stage which is when mite populations begin to increase rapidly. And, there were fields in the surrounding area that missed the hail and had to be sprayed for damaging mite infestations after corn had tasselled. The two fields at the Texas AgriLife Research station at Halfway, TX had extremely low levels of spider mites throughout the entire season. The field designated for applications at 1-2 ft tall corn never developed any spider mites. A few mites could be found occasionally on plants in the other trial when plants reached 4.5 feet in height. Even though mite populations were low, the field was treated on 23 June to determine if mite populations would develop later after tassel and if, so, would the miticides keep populations below damaging infestations. For 7 DAT and 14 DAT no spider mites were found in any test plots and by 21 DAT spider mites were only found in the untreated check plots (but at very low numbers). A survey of plots on 28 days application revealed the presence of neozygites fungus and very significant mite mortality due to predation. Data collection at 28 days would not have been meaningful and hence was halted. The low density of spider mites in this field and the other field at Halfway was probably due to heavy rains throughout June. These trials demonstrate the unpredictability of spider mite infestations and the need for scouting before making decisions to spray pre-tassel corn. This one year study is only the beginning to understanding when producers and consultants can justify making decisions to spray. Continuation of this project will increase data information from different field situations that will improve our ability to know if and when pre-tassel miticide applications can be made to prevent damaging mite infestations. 97

97 Figure 1. Spider mite densities before treatment and to 68 days after application (DAT). Dimmitt Trial. NS indicates no significant differences among treatments at each of the sample dates. Figure 2. Predator densities before treatment and to 68 days after application (DAT). Dimmitt Trial. NS indicates no significant differences among treatments at each of the sample dates. 98

98 Figure 3. Spider mite densities before treatment and at 7 and 14 days after application (DAT). Tam Anne Trial. Means for treatments having the same letter within a sample date are not significantly different according to Tukey s studentized range test (P=0.05, SAS Institute 2009). Figure 4. Predator densities before treatment and at 7 and 14 days after treatment (DAT). Tam Anne Trial. Means for treatments having the same letter within a sample date are not significantly different according to Tukey s studentized range test (P=0.05, SAS Institute 2009) 99

99 Figure 5. Percent control for miticides at 7 and 14 days after treatment. Tam Anne Trial. 100

100 Table 1. Mean number of spider mites at sample dates before treatment (Pretrt) and to 68 days after application (DAT). Miticides were applied 3 June when corn was 1 to 2 feet tall. Dimmitt Trial. Mean No.Mites / 2 leaves a Treatment Rate / ac Pretrt 7 DAT 14 DAT 28 DAT 42 DAT 56 DAT 68 DAT Comite II 3.38 pt 25.0 a 3.4 a 0.0 a 0.6 a 0.0 a 1.0 a 3.3 a Oberon 4 SC 6 fl oz 28.4 a 3.1 a 0.1 a 0.4 a 4.4 a 4.7 a 7.3 a Onager 1E 12 flo z 30.0 a 2.1 a 0.2 a 0.4 a 0.5 a 0.3 a 10.1 a Check 27.6 a 4.9 a 0.2 a 0.3 a 1.1 a 3.0 a 4.7 a a Means in a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Tukey s studentized range test (P=0.05, SAS Institute 2009). Table 2. Mean number of predators at sample dates before treatment (Pretrt) and to 68 days after application (DAT). Miticides were applied 3 June when corn was 1 to 2 feet tall. Dimmitt Trial. Mean No. Predators / 2 leaves a Treatment Rate / ac Pretrt 7 DAT 14 DAT 28 DAT 42 DAT 56 DAT 68 DAT Comite II 3.38 pt 3.9 a 24.4 a 5.9 a 0.1 a 0.9 a 0.2 a 0.2 a Oberon 4 SC 6 fl oz 2.6 a 24.5 a 3.8 a 0.5 a 0.0 a 0.1 a 0.1 a Onager 1E 12 fl oz 2.4 a 23.7 a 7.4 a 0.2 a 0.2 a 0.2 a 0.4 a Check 2.3 a 23.4 a 7.7 a 0.1 a 0.1 a 0.1 a 0.2 a a Means in a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Tukey s studentized range test (P=0.05, SAS Institute 2009). Table 3. Mean number of plant, bushel weight, and yield. Miticides were applied 3 June when corn was 1 to 2 feet tall. Dimmitt Trial. Treatment Rate / ac No.Plants a Avg Bu wt a Yield Bu/ac a Comite II 3.38 pt 24.5 a 60.3 a a Oberon 4 SC 6 fl oz 25.0 a 60.3 a a Onager 1E 12 fl oz 24.5 a 60.2 a a Check 24.0 a 60.4 a a a Means in a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Tukey s studentized range test (P=0.05, SAS Institute 2009). 101

101 Table 4. Mean number of spider mites (SM) per 2 leaves before treatment (Pretrt) and at 7 and 14 days after application (DAT) and percent control (%Control). Tam Anne Trial a. 7 DAT 14 DAT Treatment Rate / ac Pretrt b SM b Control SM b Control % % Comite II 3.38 pt 8.2 a 0.35 b b 96.0 Oberon 6 fl oz 5.15 a 0.8 b b 86.1 Onager 12 fl oz a 1.9 b b 93.1 Untreated Check 5.4 a 7.65 a 4.9 a a Miticide applications were made 24 June when corn was 4 feet tall. b Means in a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Tukey s studentized range test (P=0.05, SAS Institute 2009). Table 5. Mean number of predators per 2 leaves before treatment (Pretrt) and at 7 and 14 days after treatment. Tam Anne Trial a. Treatment Rate / ac Pretrt b 7 DAT b 14 DAT b Comite II 3.38 pt 0.4 a 0.1 a 0.5 a Oberon 6 fl oz 0.25 a 0.3 a 0.55 a Onager 12 fl oz 0.1 a 0.5 a 0.45 a Untreated Check 0.35 a 0.25 a 0.75 a a Miticide applications were made 24 June when corn was 4 feet tall. a Means in a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Tukey s studentized range test (P=0.05, SAS Institute 2009). Table 6. Mean number of spider mites per 2 leavers at 7, 14, and 21 days after treatment. Halfway Trial a Treatment Rate / ac 7 DAT b 14 DAT b 21 DAT b Comite II 3.38 pt 0 a 0 a 0 a Oberon 6 fl oz 0 a 0 a 0 a Onager 12 fl oz 0 a 0 a 0 a Untreated Check 0 a 0.04 a 1.9 a a Miticide applications were made 23 June when corn was 4.5 feet tall. a Means in a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Tukey s studentized range test (P=0.05, SAS Institute 2009). 102

102 Acknowledgements We would like to express our appreciation to the Texas Corn Producers Board for providing financial support of this project. Thanks are also extended to Bayer Crop Science, Chemtura AgroSolutions, and Gowan for providing the miticide products used in this trial. Data collection was conducted with the assistance from Rebecca Hager, Katelin Wall, John David Gonzales, Ray white, Kinzey Schacher, and Ryle Smith. Special thanks are extended to Mr. Mark Cluck at Dimmitt, TX and Mr. Davy Carthel at Tam Anne, TX for allowing us to conduct our trials on their farms. Trade names of commercial products used in this report are included only for better understanding and clarity. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Texas A&M University System is implied. Readers should realize that results from one experiment do not represent conclusive evidence that the same response would occur where conditions vary. 103

103 Efficacy of Declare and Cobalt Insecticides for Control of Greenbugs in Winter Wheat Cooperator: Robert Boozer Emilio Nino Extension Agent-IPM (Castro and Lamb Counties) Monti Vandiver Extension Agent-IPM (Bailey and Parmer Counties) Dr. Ed Bynum, Extension Entomologist (Amarillo, TX) SUMMARY Eight insecticide treatments were applied on April 8, 2010 to wheat infested with greenbugs to determine the efficacy of Declare and Cobalt insecticides for aphid control. The plots were established on Robert Boozer s field which is located approximately 14 miles West of Dimmitt, TX and ½ mile south of Hwy 86 on CR 28. In comparisons to the untreated check, applications of Declare at lb ai/ac mixed with Nufos at 0.75 lb ai/ac, Cobalt at 13 fl. oz/ ac, and Nufos at 0.5 lb ai/ac provided very effective control for 12 days after application. All rates of Declare provided moderate to good control 4 days after application but continued to improve by the 12 day after application sample. OBJECTIVE There are few insecticides registered for use to control greenbug infestations in wheat. In general, producers rely on the insecticide chlorpyrifos for control of greenbug and other aphid pests. Reliance on a single insecticide for control often is responsible for insects developing insecticide resistance. When other products with different modes of action are registered and available, management strategies can be developed to reduce the likelihood of resistance. The insecticide, Declare is a gama-cyhalothrin pyrethoid which is formulated as a capsulated suspension. The control efficacy of this particular pyrethroid and formulation for greenbug in winter wheat has not been documented. Cobalt is a relatively new registered product that contains a mixture of both chlorpyrifos and gamma-cyhalothrin. If these products are effective in controlling greenbugs, then additional options for resistance management may be available. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the insecticidal efficacy of Declare at different rates and Cobalt for control of greenbugs and to compare these products to the standard application of chlorpyrifos (Nufos ). Educational programs conducted by Texas AgriLife Extension Service serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, handicap or national origin. The information given herein is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Texas AgriLife Extension Service is implied. 105

104 MATERIALS & METHODS Agronomic Practices Location: Drill Width: Previous crop: Tillage System: Soil Moisture at Planting: Irrigation: Ca. 14 miles West of Dimmitt, TX and ½ mile South of Hwy 86 on CR inches Wheat Summer Fallow Conventional Adequate moisture for germination None Experimental Design The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design having four (4) replications. Plots were 13 ft. wide by 30 ft. long Weather Climatic conditions were relatively mild throughout the testing period. Daily Weather Conditions Date mint maxt Mean airt precip 4/07/ /08/ /09/ /10/ /11/ /12/ /13/ /14/ /15/ /16/ /17/ /18/ /19/ /20/

105 Insecticide Application Applications of Declare, gama-cyhalothrin,at rates of 0.01, , and 0.015; Declare (0.01 lbs ai/ac) mixed with Nufos (0.375 lbs ai/ac); Mustang Max at lbs ai/ac; Nufos at 0.5 lbs ai/ac, and Cobalt at 13 fl. oz/ac were made on April 8, Applications were made at 14.5 gpa with a CO 2 pressurized hand-carried boom held ca. 20 in. above the wheat. There were 5 (XR8002VS) nozzles on 20 inch centers across the boom which treated the middle 8 ft (100 inches) of each 13 ft. wide plot. On the morning of application the temperature was 33 o F and winds were from the W-SW direction at 2 mph. Insect Samples and Data Analysis The total number of greenbugs (nymphs and adults), predators (immature and adults), and aphid mummies were counted from each of three linear ft. drill row of wheat. Counts were taken one day before treatment and at 4, 6, and 12 days following application. Parasitic wasps became more noticeable after the insecticide applications and were sampled at the 6 and 12 day post treatment count dates. Data were analyzed using PROC GLM analysis of variance (SAS, 2009) and means were separated with Tukey s studentized range test (P=0.10). RESULTS & DISCUSSION At the time the experiment was initiated greenbug densities had become well established in all plots by the pre-treatment sample date. There was some variability from plot to plot, but there were no statistical differences for greenbug densities across treatments (Table 1). Greenbug predators (predominately Lady beetle larvae) and parasitized greenbug mummies were present in very low numbers. By 4 days after treatment (DAT) all insecticide treatments, with the exception of the Mustang Max treatment, significantly reduced greenbug numbers below that of the untreated check. The Declare (0.01 lbs ai/ac) mixed with Nufos (0.375 lbs ai/ac), Cobalt at 13 fl. oz/ac, and Nufos at 0.5 lbs ai/ac treatments suppressed greennbugs to lowest levels exceeding 98% control(table 1). The applications of Declare at the 0.01, , and lb ai/ac rates reduced greenbug numbers to 14, 9, and 12, respectively, compared to 92 greenbugs in the untreated check. This was a 74%, 86%, and 85% reduction in greenbugs for the three different Declare rates. Greenbug densities at the 6 DAT sample were very similar and consistent with the 4 DAT sample. Control with the mixture of Declare plus Nufos, and the Cobalt, and Nufos treatments was 99%. The level of control for the lb ai/ac rate of Declare increased to 95%, but control for the other rates of Declare remained below 90%. Control with Mustang Max improved slightly to 19%. By the 12 DAT sample greenbug densities in the untreated check and the Mustang Max 107

106 treatment remained statistically similar. All other treatments were statistically similar and were significantly less than the untreated check and the Mustang Max treatments. The level of control for all insecticide treatments, except Mustang Max was 95%. Predator densities and the number of parasitized greenbug mummies were relatively low throughout the testing period (Tables 2 and 3). By 12 DAT predator numbers were increasing in the untreated check plots, but not in the insecticide treated plots. This could be a result of predator mortality in the treated plots and/or immigration of predators into the untreated plots where greenbugs were still present. Significant numbers of parasitized mummies were never found on any sample date in any of the treatments, including the untreated check. Counts of parasitoid wasps at 6 and 12 DAT were 0.3 to 1.7 (avg. 1.1) and 0.5 to 2.4 (avg. 1.5), respectively. There was no detectable evidence of a particular insecticide treatment having a detrimental effect to the parasitoid wasps. These results show that applications containing chlorpyrifos provided quick reductions of greenbug densities and remained effective throughout the sampling period(12 DAT). All rates tested for the gamma-cyhalothrin pyrethroid, Declare, gave good greenbug control but maximum levels of control were slower compared to treatments which included chlorpyrifos. The highest rate of Declare provided comparable levels of control achived with chlorpyrifos treatments by 6 DAT. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We would like to express our appreciation to Mr. Robert Boozer for allowing us to conduct this trial on his farm. Also, thanks are extended to Cheminova, Inc. for providing financial support and insecticide products. 108

107 Table 1. Mean number of greenbugs at 1 day pre-treatment (Pre-trt) and at 4, 6, and 12 days after treatment (DAT) DAT 6 DAT 12 DAT Treatment Rate / ac Pre-trt ab GB ab % Control c GB ab % Control c GB ab % Control c Check a a a a Mustang Max lb ai a a b a 7.0 Declare 1.25 CS 0.01 lb ai a b b b 94.5 Declare 1.25 CS lb ai a 8.67 b b b 93.7 Declare 1.25 CS lb ai a b bc b 97.8 Declare 1.25 CS lb ai a 0.50 c cd b 99.3 Nufos 4E lb ai Cobalt d 13 fl oz 95.5 a 0.92 c d b 99.2 Nufos 4E 0.5 lb ai a 0.92 c cd b 96.2 CV Rep(Prob F) Trt(Prob F) a Means in a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Tukey s studentized range test (P=0.10, SAS Institute 2009). b Values were corrected using the formula Log(x + 1.0) prior to conducting ANOVA. c Percent control determined from the formula by Henderson and Tilton (1955). d Cobalt application rate was equivalent to 0.25 lb ai/ac of chlorpyrifos and lb ai/ac of gamma-cyhalothrin. 109

108 Table 2. Mean number of predators at 1-day pre-treatment (Pre-trt) and at 4, 6, and 12 days after treatment (DAT) Treatment Rate / ac Pre-trt ab 4 DAT ab 6 DAT ab 12 DAT Check 0.00 a 0.50 a 0.67 a 2.25 a Mustang Max lb ai 0.25 a 0.00 a 0.08 b 0.50 b Declare 1.25 CS 0.01 lb ai 0.08 a 0.08 a 0.25 ab 0.00 b Declare 1.25 CS lb ai 0.00 a 0.00 a 0.08 b 0.50 b Declare 1.25 CS lb ai 0.25 a 0.00 a 0.00 b 0.58 ab Declare 1.25 CS lb ai a 0.08 a 0.08 b 0.17 b Nufos 4E lb ai Cobalt c 13 fl oz 0.25 a 0.25 a 0.00 b 0.08 b Nufos 4E 0.5 lb ai 0.08 a 0.33 a 0.25 ab 0.33 b CV Rep(Prob F) Trt(Prob F) a Means in a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Tukey s studentized range test (P=0.10, SAS Institute 2009). b Values were corrected using the formula Log(x + 1.0) prior to conducting ANOVA c Cobalt application rate was equivalent to 0.25 lb ai/ac of chlorpyrifos and lb ai/ac of gammacyhalothrin. Table 3. Mean number of parasitized greenbug mummies at 1-day pre-treatment (Pre-trt) and at 4, 6, and 12 days after treatment (DAT) Treatment Rate / ac Pre-trt ab 4 DAT ab 6 DAT ab 12 DAT ab Check 0.08 a 1.08 a 1.08 a 1.25 a Mustang Max lb ai 0.42 a 1.83 a 0.50 a 1.17 a Declare 1.25 CS 0.01 lb ai 0.83 a 0.33 a 0.25 a 0.83 a Declare 1.25 CS lb ai 0.83 a 0.83 a 0.33 a 0.50 a Declare 1.25 CS lb ai 0.92 a 1.08 a 0.25 a 1.33 a Declare 1.25 CS lb ai a 0.50 a 0.08 a 0.75 a Nufos 4E lb ai Cobalt c 13 fl oz 1.08 a 1.58 a 0.42 a 0.33 a Nufos 4E 0.5 lb ai 1.42 a 2.17 a 0.25 a 0.50 a CV Rep(Prob F) Trt(Prob F) a Means in a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Tukey s studentized range test (P=0.10, SAS Institute 2009). b Values were corrected using the formula Log(x + 1.0) prior to conducting ANOVA c Cobalt application rate was equivalent to 0.25 lb ai/ac of chlorpyrifos and lb ai/ac of gammacyhalothrin. 110

109 Seed Treatment Trial in Irrigated Wheat Chris Bass and Kelly Kettner Farms, Muleshoe, TX Monti Vandiver Texas Agrilife Extension Service Objective: To evaluate the impact of Gaucho XT seed treatment for white grub, early season greenbug and disease in irrigated wheat. Materials and Methods: Two trials were established in attempt to meet the project goals. The tests were conducted in commercial wheat fields near Muleshoe, TX. The Bass trial was planted on Sept 3 in a conventional-till production system following wheat and irrigated using a center pivot sprinkler irrigation system. Plots were 30 feet wide 2500 ft in length. The Kettner trial was planted on Oct. 20 in a no-till production system following blackeyed peas and irrigated using a center pivot sprinkler irrigation system. Plots were 40 feet wide 2500 ft in length. The center 30 feet of the entire length of each plot were commercially harvested with an IH Combine with a calibrated yield monitor July 6. The tests were a RCB design with 3 replications. Treatments included the labeled rate of Gaucho XT seed treatment and an untreated check. Seed were treated at the same commercial seed treatment plant (Blackwater Agriculture Association) the day each trial was planted and were from the same lot as untreated seed. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and when a significant F test was observed, mean separation was performed using the least significant difference (LSD) at the 5% probability level. Results and Conclusions Early season white grub, greenbug and disease pressure were at such low levels meaningful counts could not be made. In the bass trial visual differences could be seen 6 days after planting (DAP) (Figure 1). Plant height and plants/row foot were significantly less in the Gaucho XT treated plots 6 DAP (Table 1). All visual differences were gone by 10 DAP. No differences were observed in plant height or plants/row foot 41 DAP. This trial was grazed out so no harvest data was available. No visual treatment affect was observed shortly after planting in the Kettner trial but slight differences in color did exist 20 days prior to harvest; the untreated plots were noticeably greener compared to the Gaucho XT Plots. No significant yield differences were present between the untreated and Gaucho XT treatments (Table 2). The grain from the untreated wheat did have slightly higher moisture content. Slight early and late season visual and early season differences in plant height and emergence did not seem to have any lasting impact. As one would expect the insecticide and fungicide in the Gaucho XT did not prove beneficial in the absence of insect and disease pressure. Acknowledgements: I would like to acknowledge and thank the following for their contributions to this trial: Kelly Kettner, producer; Chris Bass, producer; George LeGrande, BCS, Russ Perkins, BCS. Trade names of commercial products used in this report is included only for better understanding and clarity. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas A&M University System is implied. Readers should realize that results from one experiment do not represent conclusive evidence that the same response would occur where conditions vary. 111

110 Figure 1. Visual differences observed in a replicated wheat seed treatment study in irrigated wheat, Chris Bass Farm, Muleshoe, Texas, 2009/2010. Gaucho XT Untreated Table 1. Emergence data from a replicated seed treatment study in irrigated wheat, Chris Bass Farm, Muleshoe, Texas, /9/2009 9/9/ /20/ /20/2009 Treatment Height Plants Height Plants inchs /foot inchs /foot Untreated Check 3.0 a 21.0 a 8.47 a a Gaucho XT Seed Treatment 2.1 b 13.8 b 8.56 a a LSD (P=.05) CV Grand Mean Treatment Prob(F) Means followed by same letter do not significantly differ (P=.05, LSD) Mean comparisons performed only when AOV Treatment P(F) is significant at mean comparison OSL. Table 2. Yield data from a replicated seed treatment study in irrigated wheat, Kelly Kettner Farm, Muleshoe, Texas, 2010 Treatment Yield Moisture bu/ac % Untreated Check 61.7 a 13.2 a Gaucho XT 60.7 a 12.9 b LSD (P=.05) NS CV Grand Mean Treatment Prob(F) Means followed by same letter do not significantly differ (P=.05, LSD) Mean comparisons performed only when AOV Treatment P(F) is significant at mean comparison OSL. 112

111 Texas South Plains Valencia Variety Trials, 2010 with Multi-Year Summary Terry Co. Bailey Co. Cooperator Ronnie Jordan Douglas Harper Location Brownfield Muleshoe Experimental Design Modified RCBD (4 reps) Modified RCBD (4 reps) Plot Size 4 rows X 40" X 45' 4 rows X 40" X 40' Assistance from: Total Rainfall + Irrigation Sean Wallace, Extension assistant, Lubbock Inoculant EMD Optimize Lift (liquid) EMD Optimize Lift (liquid) Monti Vandiver, Bailey-Parmer IPM agent Avg. Nodules per Plant Curtis Preston, Bailey Co. ag. agent Fert. (lbs./a)--n/p2o5/k2o/s Scott Russell, Terry-Yoakum IPM agent Planting Date 5/12/10 5/28/10 Chris Bishop, Terry Co. IPM Agent Digging Date 9/23/10 (134 days) 10/5/09 (130 days) Threshing Date 10/1/10 10/13/ Terry Co Bailey Co. Average Average 27-May 27-May Yield Discolor 14-Jun 14-Jun Yield Discolor Yield Avg. Yield Avg. Variety Vigor Stand (lbs./a) %TSMK %Black Vigor Stand (lbs./a) %TSMK %Black (lbs./a) %TSMK (lbs./a) %TSMK Valencia C , , , , GENTEX , , , , GENTEX , , , , GENTEX , , , , GENTEX , , , , GENTEX , , , , GENTEX , , , , Kennedy , , , , TxL , , , , TxL , , , , Tamnut OL , NA , NA 3, , Average , , , , P-Value, Variety < < Fisher's Prot. Least Signif Diff, (0.05) 332 NS 374 NS Coefficient of Variation, CV (%) Average plant population 55,800 plants/a for Terry Co., and 64,000 plants/a for Bailey Co. Visual rating for early season vigor/emergence and stand: 0 = none, 1 = poor, 2 = fair, 3 = good, 4 = very good, 5 = excellent. Numbers in the column followed by the same letter are not significantly different at 95% confidence level. Texas AgriLife Research experimentals with Valencia parentage & high O/L trait coming from Spanish. Plants are darker green mid- and late season. Trials conducted by Calvin Trostle, Texas AgriLife Extension Service agronomist, Lubbock, , ctrostle@ag.tamu.edu 113

112 TEXAS RESISTANCE MONITORING PROGRAM REVEALS INCREASE IN CYPERMETHRIN SUSCEPTIBILITY IN HELICOVERPA ZEA (BODDIE) POPULATIONS IN 2010 Patricia V. Pietrantonio Department of Entomology Texas AgriLife Research College Station, TX Satnam Singh Punjab Agricultural University RS, Faridkot, India Visiting Fellow at Texas A&M University Dong Hun Kim Department of Entomology Texas A&M University Liliana Castillo REU (NSF) undergraduate student Department of Entomology Texas A&M University Lori Nemec Department of Entomology Texas AgriLife Research Roy D. Parker Texas AgriLife Extension Corpus Christi, TX Blaine Reed Reed Consulting Kress, Swisher, TX Kerry Siders Texas AgriLife Extension Levelland, TX Manda G. Cattaneo Texas AgriLife Extension Gaines, TX Monti Vandiver Texas AgriLife Extension Parmer, TX Noel Troxclair Texas AgriLife Extension Uvalde, TX Abstract The monitoring program in major cotton growing counties in Texas evaluated the susceptibility of males of bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), populations to the pyrethroid insecticide cypermethrin. Moths were captured near cotton fields using traps with synthetic pheromone. Bioassays were conducted with the adult vial test for which glass vials are coated with different concentrations of cypermethrin dissolved in acetone. Seven Texas counties were surveyed from April to October in Data were collected from all collaborators for estimation of lethal concentrations (LC 50 and LC 90 ), calculation of resistance ratios, and for likelihood ratio tests of equality and parallelism. Nueces populations exhibited the highest LC 50 (1.31 µg/vial) followed by Burleson (1.13 µg/vial) while maximum susceptibility to cypermethrin was exhibited by Hockley populations (LC µg/vial). The populations from Nueces and the Burleson Counties exhibited the highest LC 50 resistance ratios of 3.9 and 3.4, respectively, 115

113 indicating that in comparison to 2009 the Nueces population gained in susceptible individuals but yet remaining resistant, and the Burleson population maintained a similar resistance ratio to the 3.07 value for Uvalde populations with a LC 50 of 0.79 µg/vial had a resistance ratio of 2.3 in The resistance ratios for Uvalde and Nueces showed the most drastic decline in comparison to 2009 when they exhibited the highest LC 50 resistant ratios among counties surveyed, of 9.1 and 7.6, respectively. Populations in the High Plains of Texas remained susceptible except in Parmer County. We found only one adult each in Hockley and Parmer counties which survived concentrations of 10- and 30-µg/vial, respectively. The populations resistance levels for the state have shown some slight shifts towards susceptibility to pyrethroids except for Parmer Co. populations which for the first time showed a resistant population in July with a resistance ratio of 3. In summary, the Gaines, Hockley, Swisher, Nueces and Uvalde populations exhibited increased susceptibility with respect to 2009; however the Burleson populations maintained the same level of resistance compared to previous years. The overall slight decrease in resistance in 2010 may be attributed to several factors, such as the extensive area subjected to drought in 2009 which caused a decrease in planting of summer crops in South Texas, especially sorghum and cotton, reducing source populations from sorghum and likely causing high mortality of pupae in the soil. The drought must have also reduced emergence of H. zea from non-crop hosts, because most collaborators also reported a decrease in overall densities, especially in Rio Bravo, Mexico and in South Texas. Reduced acreage dedicated to several crops also caused an overall reduced pesticide usage in Perhaps a larger area was planted with Bt corn in Texas in 2010, reducing source populations in early to mid season. Finally, the impact of the area wide monitoring programs may not be neglected in creating awareness among growers regarding the resistance status of H. zea to pyrethroids ( Overall decreased population densities observed generally across the state may indicate areawide suppression by Bt crops in Texas. Introduction The purpose of this study was to monitor the susceptibility status of H. zea populations to the pyrethroid insecticide cypermethrin in the main cotton production areas of Texas in The Toxicology Laboratory (Texas AgriLife Research) in collaboration with AgriLife Extension Service personnel has monitored bollworm populations for pyrethroid resistance in Burleson and Nueces Co. since 1998 (Martin et al., 1999; 2000; Pietrantonio et al., 2000; Pietrantonio and Sronce, 2001), and has more intensely monitored resistance in multiple Texas counties since 2003 (Pietrantonio et al., 2004; 2005; 2006). Pyrethroid insecticide use is widespread in cotton, grain sorghum, and corn production for control of H. zea and other insect pests. Continued pyrethroid resistance monitoring of H. zea populations is an important tool for resistance management not only in cotton, but in other cropping systems as well. Materials and Methods The Adult Vial Test (AVT) was used to monitor the susceptibility of H. zea populations to cypermethrin as described (Pietrantonio et al., 2007). Cypermethrin concentrations evaluated were: 0.15, 0.3, 0.6, 1.0, 1.5, 2.5, 3.0, 5.0, 10.0, 30.0, and 60.0 μg/vial; the location-specific range depending on its resistance history. In 2010, locations monitored for resistance were seven Texas Counties in diverse production regions : Nueces County in the Coastal Bend; Uvalde County in the Winter Garden; Burleson County in the Brazos Valley; Parmer, Swisher, Gaines and Hockley Counties in the High Plains (see maps Figs. 8, 9). Data were corrected for control mortality and analyzed using PoloPlus, Probit and Logit Analysis (LeOra Software; Robertson et al., 2007), and dose-mortality regressions (probit lines) were plotted using SigmaPlot software. A field population collected in September 2005 from Burleson County was used as a baseline for susceptibility to cypermethrin, with corresponding LC 50 and LC 90 values of 0.33 μg/vial and 2.44 μg/vial, respectively. These values were used to calculate resistance ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and likelihood ratio tests for equality and parallelism as calculated by the method of Robertson et al. (2007). The lethal concentration resistance ratios of different populations were not considered significantly different if their 95% confidence intervals included 1 (Robertson et al., 2007). 116

114 Results and Discussion Nueces County Monitoring was conducted from April to October of 2010 in Nueces Co. Bollworm population densities were lower than in previous years. LC 50 resistance ratios for bollworm populations in Nueces Co. indicated a resistant population but the resistance ratios were about 3 to 4 with a maximum value of 9 for the upper confidence limit of the resistance ratio (Table 1), and were lower than seen in all previous years (Pietrantonio et al. 2007; Junek et al., 2008). The concentration-mortality probit line from October 2010 was parallel to those of all previous years except for In addition there was more use of pyrethroid insecticide on both sorghum and cotton in 2010 as a result of greatly reduced cost of these compounds as generics. Dr. R. Parker reported a gradual increase in survival throughout the season first with survivors observed at 5 µg/vial in April (Table 1) and July (not shown), and in October with about 10% survival at 5 µg/vial and a statistically significant resistance ratio for the LC 90. In previous years the percentage of survivors at 5 or more μg/vial decreased each year in late season compared with what had been recorded in mid-season. In 2010 survival at 5 μg/vial actually increased by the end of the season but populations had similar or lower resistance ratios in late season as in previous years. In 2010 individual moths only survived the 5 μg/vial while in 2008 and 2009 single moths survived the 10 μg/vial (Fig. 9). The methodology for trapping was as in previous years except that in 2010 there was more corn planted near the moth collection site. Table 1. Nueces Co. cypermethrin bioassay for male bollworms, Helicoverpa zea, collected from pheromone traps, Resistance ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by the method of Robertson et al. (2007). RR marked with * indicate that LC are significantly different from the LC of the susceptible population (p 0.05). Date n a Slope ± SE LC 50 b (95% CI) LC 90 b (95% CI) RR LC 50 (95% CI) RR LC 90 (95% CI) χ² (df) Burleson c ± ( ) 2.44 ( ) (3) 04/13-18/ ± ( ) 6.78 ( ) 3.79* ( ) 2.78* ( ) 4.41 (5) 6/22-26/ ± ( ) 3.26 ( ) 3.21* ( ) 1.34 ( ) 3.24 (3) 10/3,4/ ± ( ) 5.22 ( ) 3.95* ( ) 2.14* ( ) a Number of insects tested. b Lethal concentration expressed in micrograms of insecticide per vial with 95% confidence intervals (CI). c Bioassay of Burleson County September 2005 susceptible field population (4) 117

115 Nueces Co Adult Male Helicoverpa zea Cypermethrin, 24h 7 June 2005 May Probit 6 5 October 2010 June 2007 July 2006 June % Mortality 4 3 July June is equal to 2008, 2006, 2005, 2003; and is parallel to all but Concentration Cypermethrin (µg/vial) Figure 1. Concentration-mortality lines for the most resistant male bollworm populations collected from 2003 to 2010 in Nueces Co. and exposed 24 h to cypermethrin in the vial assay. Except for April, populations were less resistant than those surveyed in 2009, and the October 2010 probit line was parallel to those of all previous years except Uvalde County In Uvalde Co. monitoring was conducted in August, and populations and pressure in cotton remained low throughout the season; indeed Dr. Troxclair reported that 2010 was likely the year with the lowest ever pressure from bollworm in cotton and no treatment was applied to cotton in this area. The LC50 resistance ratios for August were on par with the baseline susceptible population (Table 2). The 2010 year showed a decline in the LC 50 and resistance ratios values compared to the year The concentration-mortality probit line of August 2010 was almost parallel to all lines from previous years except those from July 2005 and 2007 (Fig. 2). In spite of low resistance ratios this year one individual survived the threshold resistance concentration of 5µg/ vial. Table 2. Uvalde Co. cypermethrin bioassay for male bollworms, Helicoverpa zea, collected from pheromone traps, Resistance ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by the method of Robertson et al. (2007). RR marked with * indicate that LC are significantly different from the LC of the susceptible population (p 0.05). Date n a Slope ± SE LC 50 b (95% CI) LC 90 b (95% CI) RR LC 50 (95% CI) RR LC 90 (95% CI) χ² (df) Burleson c ± ( ) 2.44 ( ) (3) 8/20,24/ ± ( ) 2.49 ( ) 2.38 ( ) 1.02 ( ) 5.79 (4) a Number of insects tested. b Lethal concentration expressed in micrograms of insecticide per vial with 95% confidence intervals (CI). c Bioassay of Burleson County September 2005 susceptible field population. 118

116 Figure 2. Concentration-mortality lines for the most resistant male bollworm populations collected from 2004 to 2009 in Uvalde Co. and exposed 24 h to cypermethrin in the vial assay. The August 2010 population line was parallel to all lines except those for July 2005 and In Uvalde County, the pressure of H. zea was observed instead in corn as corn earworm larvae. For example, in non-bt corn planted on August 4, there were about 3-4 larvae per ear. Treatments against H. zea larvae were made in other crops such as green beans and sweet corn; the latter was treated every day due to high H. zea density. Burleson County Monitoring in Burleson Co. was conducted from June to August Resistance was detected only in the populations collected in August (Table 3), but the susceptibility to cypermethrin was maintained in the region with no major shift observed in the resistance levels compared to the previous year. The August 2010 line was parallel to the July 2000, 2003 and 2004 lines (Fig. 3). Table 3. Burleson Co. cypermethrin bioassay for male bollworms, Helicoverpa zea, collected from pheromone traps, Resistance ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by the method of Robertson et al. (2007). RR marked with * indicate that LC are significantly different from the LC of the susceptible population (p 0.05). Date n a Slope ± SE LC 50 b (95% CI) LC 90 b (95% CI) RR LC 50 (95% CI) RR LC 90 (95% CI) χ² (df) Burleson c ± ( ) 2.44 ( ) (3) 6/25,30/ ± ( ) 3.31 ( ) 2.31 ( ) 1.36 ( ) 3.80 (4) 8/6-30/ ± ( ) 5.26 ( ) 3.42* ( ) 2.15 ( ) 1.83 (5) Resistance ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) calculated by the method of Robertson et al. (2007). RR marked with * indicate that LC are significantly different from those of the susceptible population (p 0.05). a Number of insects tested. b Lethal concentration expressed in micrograms of insecticide per vial with 95% confidence intervals (CI). c Bioassay of Burleson County September 2005 susceptible field population. 119

117 Figure 3. Concentration-mortality lines for the most resistant male bollworm populations collected from 2000 and 2003 to 2010 in Burleson Co. and exposed 24 h to cypermethrin in the vial assay. The July 2009 population line was parallel with the July 2000, 2003 and, Parmer County Monitoring in Parmer Co. was conducted from July to August in The LC50 calculated from the July population was significantly different from those of the 2005 susceptible Burleson Co. field population (Table 4, Fig. 4). A slight decrease in susceptibility has been observed in the Parmer 2010 population compared to populations surveyed in previous years, which had remained on par with the baseline susceptible Burleson populations of The resistance ratio of 3.09 of the population collected in July was statistically significant indicating a resistant population. The LC 50 could not be calculated for the bioassay performed in August because only 72 moths were captured, but the highest concentration survived by a single moth was 2.5 μg/vial, indicating that both the level and frequency of resistance were low. The 2010 general bollworm pressure in cotton for the Parmer Co. area would be considered moderate for the most part and somewhat sporadic especially when compared to the extreme acute infestations observed in the past. Bt technology has been readily adopted in the area s corn and cotton production and may have played a role in this shift in population dynamics in cotton. Table 4. Parmer Co. cypermethrin bioassay for male bollworms, Helicoverpa zea, collected from pheromone traps, Resistance ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by the method of Robertson et al. (2007). RR marked with * indicate that LC are significantly different from the LC of the susceptible population (p 0.05). Date n a Slope ± SE LC 50 b (95% CI) LC 90 b (95% CI) RR LC 50 (95% CI) RR LC 90 (95% CI) χ² (df) Burleson c ± ( ) 2.44 ( ) (3) 7/23/ ± ( ) 2.87 ( ) 3.09* ( ) 1.17 ( ) 2.65 (3) a Number of insects tested. b Lethal concentration expressed in micrograms of insecticide per vial with 95% confidence intervals (CI). 120

118 Figure 4. Concentration-mortality lines for the most resistant male bollworm populations collected in 2003, 2007, and 2010 in Parmer Co. and exposed 24 h to cypermethrin in the vial assay. The July 2010 population line was neither parallel nor equal to probit lines from June 2003 and June 2007 populations. Swisher County Monitoring in Swisher Co. was conducted in August in 2010 (Fig. 5). The populations of this region maintained susceptibility with no significant difference in the LC 50 of the current year population and the baseline susceptible 2005 Burleson population (Table 5). Table 5. Swisher Co. cypermethrin bioassay for male bollworms, Helicoverpa zea, collected from pheromone traps, Resistance ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by the method of Robertson et al. (2007). RR marked with * indicate that LC are significantly different from the LC of the susceptible population (p 0.05). Date n a Slope ± SE LC 50 b (95% CI) LC 90 b (95% CI) RR LC 50 (95% CI) RR LC 90 (95% CI) χ² (df) Burleson c ± ( ) 2.44 ( ) (3) 8/23/ ± ( ) 2.89 ( ) 2.43 ( ) 1.18 ( ) 1.27 (3) Resistance ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) calculated by the method of Robertson et al. (2007). RR marked with * indicate that LC are significantly different from those of the susceptible population (p 0.05). a Number of insects tested. b Lethal concentration expressed in micrograms of insecticide per vial with 95% confidence intervals (CI). c Bioassay of Burleson County September 2005 susceptible field population. 121

119 Figure 5. Concentration-mortality lines for the most resistant male bollworm populations collected from 2003 to 2010 in Swisher Co. and exposed 24 h to cypermethrin in the vial assay. The August 2010 population line was parallel to those of August 2003, June 2005 and July Hockley County Monitoring in Hockley Co. was conducted from July to September in 2010 (Fig. 6). The populations of this region also maintained susceptibility with no significant difference in the LC 50 of the current year population and the baseline susceptible 2005 Burleson population (Table 6). There was an overall slight increase in the susceptibility compared to the 2008 populations. Due to the low number of insects (51) captured in July the results could not be analyzed by probit analysis but these insects were, overall, also susceptible. In the July bioassay, only one moth was resistant and survived 10 μg/vial dosage. Table 6. Hockley Co. cypermethrin bioassay for male bollworms, Helicoverpa zea, collected from pheromone traps, Resistance ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by the method of Robertson et al. (2007). RR marked with * indicate that LC are significantly different from the LC of the susceptible population (p 0.05). Date n a Slope ± SE LC 50 b (95% CI) LC 90 b (95% CI) RR LC 50 (95% CI) RR LC 90 (95% CI) χ² (df) Burleson c ± ( ) 2.44 ( ) (3) 9/6,8,12/ ± ( ) 3.31 ( ) 1.61 ( ) 1.36 ( ) 1.36 (3) Resistance ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) calculated by the method of Robertson et al. (2007). RR marked with * indicate that LC are significantly different from those of the susceptible population (p 0.05). a Number of insects tested. b Lethal concentration expressed in micrograms of insecticide per vial with 95% confidence intervals (CI). c Bioassay of Burleson County September 2005 susceptible field population. 122

120 Figure 6. Concentration-mortality lines for the most resistant male bollworm populations collected from 2003 to 2010 in Hockley Co. and exposed 24 h to cypermethrin in the vial assay. The September 2010 population line was parallel to those of August 2003 and August Gaines County The populations of Gaines Co. also maintained susceptibility with no significant difference between the LCs of August 2010 and the September 2005 susceptible Burleson population (Table 7). There was an overall increase in susceptibility compared to the August and September 2004 populations which had LC 50 values of 1.76 and 2.36µg/vial, respectively (Pietrantonio et al., 2005). Despite the high susceptibility shown by this year s population, one resistant adult was found surviving the concentration of 5 µg/vial (Fig. 7). Table 7. Gaines Co. cypermethrin bioassay for male bollworms, Helicoverpa zea, collected from pheromone traps, Resistance ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by the method of Robertson et al. (2007). RR marked with * indicate that LC are significantly different from the LC of the susceptible population (p 0.05). Date n a Slope ± SE LC 50 b (95% CI) LC 90 b (95% CI) RR LC 50 (95% CI) RR LC 90 (95% CI) χ² (df) Burleson c ± /11-17/ ± ( ) 0.45 ( ) 2.44 ( ) 4.77 ( ) (3) 1.37 ( ) 1.95 ( ) 5.66 (5) a Number of insects tested. b Lethal concentration expressed in micrograms of insecticide per vial with 95% confidence intervals (CI). c Bioassay of Burleson County September 2005 susceptible field population. 123

121 Figure 7. Concentration-mortality lines for the most resistant male bollworm populations collected from 2004 and 2010 in Gaines Co. and exposed 24 h to cypermethrin in the vial assay. Conclusions The 2010 monitoring program revealed similar or lower levels of bollworm cypermethrin resistance than seen in 2009 except for Parmer Co. Population densities of H. zea were relatively low throughout most growing areas compared with previous years, perhaps a consequence of the excessive drought and a large reduction in overall cropping acreages during Populations exhibiting the highest LC50 resistance ratios were from Nueces and Burleson Counties, with resistance ratios of 3.95 and 3.42, respectively. All the counties had LC50 resistance ratios of less than 5 (Fig. 8) and all of these values are lower than those observed in previous seasons (Pietrantonio et al., 2007; Junek et al., 2008) except for Parmer Co. A few moths from each county (Burleson, Uvalde, Gaines and Nueces) survived 5 μg/vial (Fig. 9). Populations from Nueces, Burleson and Parmer Counties were significantly more resistant than the 2005 susceptible Burleson Co. field population but the level of this difference was relatively low based on resistance ratios values. Populations were also different based on likelihood ratio tests for equality. This is the first year in which the Nueces County populations did not reach a resistance ratio of 5 or higher for the LC 50 since we began monitoring in 2003 when the resistance ratio was 9 (Pietrantonio et al., 2004). Resistant individuals are, however, still present in these populations and increased pyrethroid pressure may increase the frequency of resistance in All other locations tested maintained general susceptibility to pyrethroids for

122 Figure 8. Highest LC 50 resistance ratios for populations in counties in 2010: The LC 50 obtained for the different counties are respectively divided by the LC 50 value of the 2005 susceptible population from Burleson Co. Values in blue represent a resistance ratio not significantly different from 1 (no resistance in the population). Values in yellow represent a resistance ratio significantly different than 1, but less than 5 (e.g., 2, 3, 4) (resistance is present but likely does not result in field control failures). Values in red represent a resistance ratio greater than 5, indicating a highly resistant population with possibility of field control failures. None of the populations were highly resistant in µg/Vial 10µg/Vial 30µg/Vial Figure 9. Highest concentration of cypermethrin in μg/vial at which individual moth survivorship was observed in Acknowledgements We thank the Texas State Support Committee of Cotton Incorporated for funding this project (co-pis: P.V. Pietrantonio and C. Sansone). Dr. Pat O Leary, Cotton Inc. Senior Director is acknowledged for her continuous support and management of the project for Texas. L. Castillo was a visiting undergraduate student from Greenville College (IL) in P. Pietrantonio s laboratory supported by the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU-NSF) summer program to the Department of Entomology at TAMU. 125