Pink Bollworm Suppression Through Crop Termination12

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Abstract
Four irrigation termination dates and 3 levels of Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) infestations were evaluated over a 3-yr period for effects on cotton-lint yields and overwintering pink bollworm populations. Results indicated that an optimum last-irrigation date in the Yuma valley can be utilized which maintains yields and at the same time minimizes the number of pink bollworm larvae successfully overwintering. A last-irrigation date of ca. Aug. 1 accomplished both. An earlier termination date caused significant yield reductions while later dates, although maintaining yields, resulted in significantly greater moth emergence the following spring. A comparison of 3 levels of infestation showed that untreated infestations caused significant yield losses when compared to those treated with insecticides on schedule from the time of 1 st boll formation or from the time when a 15% boll infestation level was reached. Comparisons among yields from any of the irrigation-termination treatments showed no significant difference between the 2 control schedules. However, when comparing yields among all irrigation-termination treatments relative to level of control, treatments initiated at 1st boll formation did significantly increase yields. The utilization of production practices to shorten the growing season while maintaining yields resulted in a conservation of irrigation water, a decrease in insecticide usage, and a reduction in overwintering pink bollworm larvae. On an area-wide basis this has the potential of relegating the pink bollworm to minor-pest status.

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