Advancing U.S. Cotton IPM

Abstract

This 2024 Better Cotton Large Farm GIF project evaluated six highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) used in U.S. cotton and advanced integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to reduce reliance on broadly toxic insecticides. Through key informant surveys representing over 10 million cotton acres, pesticide use analyses, and regulatory risk assessments, we assessed current use patterns, pest targets, and barriers to phase-out.

Five of the six HHPs were used on less than 5% of acres on average, with no predicted yield losses if discontinued. Fenpyroximate showed minor potential impacts (<0.1%) under specific mite resistance scenarios. Chlorpyrifos presented comparatively greater ecological and occupational risks, supporting accelerated phase-out.

We also recommend transitioning from aggregate annual pesticide reporting to field-level spray records to better measure progress in pest management.

Commercial-scale on-farm demonstrations in Arizona showed that predator-based thresholds eliminated the need for whitefly sprays without economic loss, demonstrating that conservation biological control can reduce pesticide inputs while sustaining productivity.