agriculture

Entomologists with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service have released a new statewide guide on managing insect pests of cotton. The highlights of new guide include 1) description of economic arthropod pests of cotton in Texas, including their associated damage to crop growth stages, 2) description of the various sampling methods for these pests, 3) information on Bt traits available in market and their relative efficacy, and 4) description of action thresholds and management tools for each pest. Here is a link to access online version of the guide. https://lubbock.tamu.edu/files/2018/01/Cotton-Insect-Management-Guide.pdf It can also be downloaded from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension bookstore at no cost. http://www.agrilifebookstore.org/Managing-Cotton-Insects-in-Texas-p/ento-075.htm

Suhas Vyavhare, Extension Cotton Entomologist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service The EPA has approved the Section 18 Emergency Exemption for use of Transform WG in Texas to control plant bugs in cotton. This exemption is effective March 1, 2018 and expires October 31, 2018. Pests and application rates: Plant bugs (1.5 � 2.25 oz Transform WG per acre) Spray drift management: Applications are prohibited above wind speeds of 10 mph Restrictions: -    Pre-harvest Interval: Do not apply within 14 days of harvest. -    A restricted entry interval (REI) of 24 hours applies to all applications. -    Minimum Treatment Interval: Do not make applications less than 5 days apart. -    Do not make more than four applications per acre per year. -    Do not make more than two consecutive applications per crop. -      Do not apply more than a total of 8.5 oz of Transform WG (0.266 lb ai o...