Cotton Pests: Scouting and Management

Abstract

From emergence until harvest, various pests attack the roots, leaves, stems or fruit (squares, blooms and bolls) of cotton. Growers and their field scouts must be vigilant in locating these pest outbreaks so that timely control measures can be undertaken. Diseases, including nematodes, reduced cotton production in Missouri an estimated 8.7 million pounds in 2001, 19.6 million pounds in 2002, and 39.7 million pounds in 2003. The value of the loss in 2003 was $17.1 million. Clearly cotton diseases are a serious detriment to the cotton farmer's income and the economy of Missouri.