General Information
This publication was prepared to help producers manage insect populations in Kansas cotton fields. The information was correct at the time of printing, but labels frequently change without warning. It is impractical to include all of the usage, safety and precautionary statements for any given product in this publication. Users should check labels carefully before applying a product to ensure safe and legal use.Remember that illegal contamination of the treated crop or commodity can occur if pesticides are misused. K-State entomologists assume no responsibility for product performance, personal injury, property damage or other types of loss resulting from the purchase, handling or use of the pesticides listed.
As with all pesticides, the user bears responsibility for correct use. If there is any question about the intended use, contact the manufacturer of the product, K-State Research and Extension, or the Kansas Department of Agriculture before applying. Always read and follow label directions carefully. Never use a pesticide when the validity of the label or the intended use is in doubt. The mention of commercial products in this publication does not imply approval to the exclusion of other similar products.
Kansas cotton growers escape most of the damaging insects found deeper in the Cotton Belt. But there are potential pests, and growers will need to watch for signs and symptoms of developing problems. While information from other cotton-growing states may help identify and manage many of these problems, local growing conditions and yield expectations require management recommendations and will probably need to be adjusted for Kansas. Inputs for managing insect pests must balance with the short growing season and limited yield potentials. The potential for insect damage must be compared to the crop’s yield potential in relation to the time of the season. The following are a few of the insect problems that have been identified in Kansas cotton and some management considerations.
Using Insecticides Safely
Injury or death can result from swallowing, inhaling or prolonged skin contact with insecticides. The risk of injury from ingestion is greatest among pets, livestock and young children. Skin absorption and sometimes inhalation usually pose the greatest risk to users. Handle all pesticides with care and use them only when needed. Avoid spilling concentrates on the skin or clothing.
If a spill occurs, remove contaminated clothing immediately, and wash with soap and water. If in the eyes, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek prompt medical attention. If exposed and in need of medical treatment, take the pesticide label with you. For poison control information call 800-332-6633 or the new nationwide number 800-222-1222.
Wear protective equipment (respirators, clothing, etc.) as specified on the label. Bathe and change clothing frequently. Launder contaminated clothing separately.
Protect fish, wildlife and other nontarget organisms. Do not dispose of unused pesticides where the runoff may contaminate streams, lakes, or drinking water supplies, nor apply in a manner that could pollute such sites.
Consider the presence of honeybees before applying insecticides. Avoid drift to beehives or adjacent blooming crops. Notify the bee owner before applications are made in the general vicinity. Applying treatment late in the day when bees are not foraging may help to reduce the risk.
Read the label carefully. It is a legal document. It tells what, where, how and when the product can be used.
Endangered Species
Producers in Meade, Clark, Comanche, Stafford, Reno, Rice and Barton counties should be aware of the endangered species protection program established by the EPA in their counties.
Local K-State Research and Extension offices have more information or visit the Web site www.epa.gov/espp/kansas/kansas.htm.
Worker Protection Standard
The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) is a series of federal regulations pertaining to pesticides used in agricultural plant production on farms, forests, nurseries, and greenhouses. You must comply with these regulations if you are an agricultural pesticide user and/or an employer of agricultural workers or pesticide handlers. For details, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency publication, The Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides — How to Comply, What Employers Need to Know. This publication is available at your local K-State Research and Extension office.
Cotton Insect Control Recommendations – OSU Extension Agents’ Handbook of Insect, Plant Disease and Weed Control, E-832.
Cotton Insects –The Entomology Department of Clemson University. http://entweb.clemson.edu/cuentres/cesheets/cotton/ Cotton Insects – BugwoodWiki. http://wiki.bugwood.org/Cotton
Cotton Insects – Kansas Insect Newsletter. Aug. 13, 2002. No. 6 – Leroy Brooks /doc/extension-newsletters/august-13-02.pdf Cotton Insects and Diseases - Texas A & M, Lubbock - http://lubbock.tamu.edu/ipm/AgWeb/photo_galleries/photocotton/index.htm
Cotton Insect Sampling Videos
http://lubbock.tamu.edu/ipm/AgWeb/videos/Cotton/cottonvideos.html
Cotton Worms" Bynum, Byrns, Fucks, Minzenmayer and Multer, Texas A&M - http://lubbock.tamu.edu/ipm/AgWeb/2007Publications/CottonWormsID.pdf
Field Key to Larvae in Cotton
http://pods.dasnr.okstate.edu/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-2344/EPP-7161web.pdf
Identification, Biology and Sampling of Cotton Insects. G.T. Bohmfalk, R.E. Frisbie, W.L. Sterling, R.B. Metzer and A.E. Knutson. http://entowww.tamu.edu/extension/bulletins/b-933.html
Images of Cotton Insects of Texas
http://insects.tamu.edu/images/insects/color/cotton/cindex.html
This publication was prepared to help producers manage insect populations with the best available methods proven practical under Kansas conditions. Pesticide label directions and restrictions are subject to change, and some may have changed since this publication was written. Kansas State University entomologists assume no responsibility for product performance, personal injury, property damage, or other types of loss resulting from the handling or use of the pesticides listed. Remember, it is illegal to use a pesticide in a manner that is inconsistent with the label. The user bears responsibility for correct use. Always read and follow label directions carefully.