Abstract

This study incorporated economic decision criteria into insect pest simulation models for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) pest management in the Texas Coastal Bend. The objective was to determine yield decline by cultivars and growth stage at infestation, and economic loss assuming no insecticide treatment. The analysis suggested that cotton cultivars were not equally affected by fleahoppers (Pseudatomoscelis seriatus Reuter) or bollworms (Heliolithis zea Boddie). In addition, the analysis indicated that for CAMD-E cultivar there was a breakeven treatment point at 23% fleahopper numbers and 4% bollworm damaged squares, respectively. Results indicate economic incentive for chemical control at a very low infestation level for some cultivars but not for others. Further, these results indicate that the economic incentive differed among cultivars, the two insect pests species, and the growth stage of the plant when attacked.

Copyright © 1990. . Copyright © 1990 by the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America, 5585 Guilford Rd., Madison, WI 53711 USA