Rationale for Sampling Pink Bollworm Eggs in Cotton Management Programs

Abstract

Management decisions for pink bollworm (PBW) control, based on larval infestation levels, are hindered by an inherent time lag between the period of increasing adult populations (primary target stage) and when treatments are actually applied (typically 6 to 10 days). It is suggested that this time lag is too long in many cases for optimal control; i.e., larval infestations may become well established between applications. An alternative approach based on monitoring PBW eggs laid on bolls is presented.