Theory of Heliothis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Management Through Reduction of the First Spring Generation: A Critique

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Abstract
Heliothis might be managed effectively by directing control measures at the first generation in spring weed hosts. During the spring, the total population is relatively small and occupies a much smaller acreage than in July, when conventional control practices are initiated. Substantial population reduction in April and May might retard population growth to the extent that economic thresholds in cotton might not be reached until much later in the season, thereby reducing insecticide costs and overall insecticide input. Two potential flaws in this theory relate to questions concerning the origin of spring Heliothis populations and possible large-scale moth immigration in spring and/or summer. In addition, certain control measures initiated in the spring could be more detrimental to predators and parasitoids than to Heliothis and thus diminish the regulatory abilities of natural enemies. Various control tactics are discussed with reference to their likely impact on Heliothis and its natural enemies.

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