Implementing IPM in Cotton in Arizona & Mexico

Cotton

Cotton Agronomy

Cotton Pests

Cotton Publications

Jun 2022

NCC Response To Sulfoxaflor

Publication (PDF, 1MB)

Authors: Peter C. Ellsworth and Alfred J. Fournier

Arizona Pest Management Center response to National Cotton Council query on the use of Sulfoxaflor in Arizona cotton.
Oct 2020

Symptom Identification and Management of Cotton Seedling Diseases

Publication (PDF, 1.2MB)

Authors: Jiahuai Hu, Randy Norton

Seedling diseases, also known as damping-off (seedling death), are caused by several common soil-inhabiting fungi acting alone or collectively during pre-emergence and postemergence of cotton seedlings. Seedling diseases are common but often a minor problem in cotton production areas of Arizona in most years. However, significant stand loss to seedling diseases can occur sporadically in some fields without good crop rotation history.
Sep 2020

Fusarium Wilt of Cotton

Publication (PDF, 1.8M)

Authors: Jiahuai Hu, Randy Norton

Fusarium wilt is a destructive vascular wilt and root rot of many plant species, including all species of domesticated cotton.
Sep 2020

Alternaria Leaf Spot of Cotton

Publication

Authors: Jiahuai Hu and Randy Norton

Alternaria leaf spot of cotton is also known as Alternaria leaf blight. The disease was first identified in cotton in the US in 1918 and is now distributed worldwide. Alternaria leaf spot has been considered a minor disease in the cotton growing areas of Arizona.
May 2019

Spray Legally: Summary of Enlist™, Engenia® and Xtendimax® Application Use Requirements on Cotton

Publication (PDF, 304KB )

Authors: William B. McCloskey, Naomi M. Pier

Enlist™ One and Enlist Duo are water-based formulations of 2,4-D that can only be sprayed on cotton varieties with Enlist traits. XtendiMax® with VaporGrip® Technology and Engenia® Herbicide are water-based formulations of dicamba that can only be sprayed on cotton varieties with XtendFlex traits. The EPA labels for these 2,4-D and dicamba products include many requirements designed to reduce off-target movement and help limit damage to downwind crops and other susceptible plants. These are summarized in this table comparing 2,4-D and dicamba herbicide products. Check labels and websites for current requirements before spraying.
Dec 2018

Promoting the Use of Predators

Publication (PDF, 5.7MB)

Authors: Peter C. Ellsworth, Naomi Pier, Alfred J. Fournier, Steven E. Naranjo, Timothy Vandervoet

New research has identified critical levels of predators that impact economic spray decisions for whiteflies. By working with the beneficials found naturally within a field, reliance on chemical controls could effectively be reduced.
Oct 2018

Crop Protection & Pest Management Program Saves Lives, Dollars and the Environment in Arizona

Publication (PDF, 2.5MB)

Authors: Arizona Pest Management Center (APMC)

This piece highlights impacts of University of Arizona Extension IPM programs, funded by USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).
Jul 2018

Interactions Between Insects & Weeds in Desert Crops - July 2018

Publication (PDF, 356KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

There is a positive correlation between weeds and insects. This article describes the relationship between weed management and insects. It details how weeds can be a refuge for beneficial insects and how they can also act as a reservoir for insect pests. The impact that weeds have on insecticide application is also discussed.
May 2018

Cotton Stem Blight and Boll Rot

Publication (PDF, 779KB)

Authors: Jiahuai Hu

Cotton stem blight and boll rot is caused by the necrotrophic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. This pathogen can attack hundreds of plant species including many important agricultural crops such as vegetables, legumes, sunflowers, canola, many flowering bedding plants, and stone fruits.
Feb 2017

Cotton Variety Testing Results - 2016

Publication (PDF, 4.36MB)

Authors: Randy Norton, Ayman Mostafa

Variety selection is one of the most important decisions a grower will make contributing to the success of a cotton crop. It is critical, that a grower have as much information as possible in order to make an informed decision regarding variety selection.
Jun 2016

Pesticide Use Data – Why Getting It Right Matters

Publication (PDF, 1.1MB)

Authors: Al Fournier, Peter Ellsworth, Naomi Pier and Wayne Dixon

Pesticide use data in Arizona has many benefits grower communities. The accuracy of the data impacts the quality of UA outreach, publications, reports, and EPA registration review. This document provides tips and resources to help improve data quality.
Jun 2015

Estimating the Vegetative/Reproductive Balance in Cotton Growth

Publication (PDF, 300KB)

Authors: J. C. Silvertooth

A healthy, well-developed cotton plant that is capable of high yield requires a strong root system, mainstem structure, sufficient leaves, and numerous fruiting branches to support a good boll load. Too small a vegetative structure on the plant results in reduced yield potential, and too much vegetative development, which is usually done at the expense of fruit set and yield.
Jun 2015

Early Season Crop Management

Publication (PDF, 319KB)

Authors: J. C. Silvertooth

The approaches and techniques used to produce a cotton crop in Arizona can vary to some degree from county to county, or from farm to farm. However, one of the objectives that has become increasingly common across Arizona is that of achieving earliness with a crop.
Jun 2015

Soil Management and Soil Testing for Irrigated Cotton Production

Publication (PDF, 436KB)

Authors: J. C. Silvertooth

Whenever studying cotton, it is a natural tendency to focus on the above ground portions of the plant. However, an equally important part of the plant is the root system, The soil is a focal point of any farming operation.
Jun 2015

General Maturity Groups for Cotton Varieties

Publication (PDF, 289KB)

Authors: Silvertooth, Jeffrey C.

Three maturity groupings are often used to classify cotton varieties, consisting of: 1) short season or more determinate plants, 2) medium season varieties, and 3) long or full season varieties which are more indeterminate in nature. Classification of cotton varieties into one of these three categories is not necessarily straightforward in all cases. In fact, it easily can become a process of “splitting hairs” when making maturity grouping designations for cotton varieties. Nevertheless, maturity designations are commonly assigned to most commercially available varieties, which can effect selection and management.
Jun 2015

Determining the Mainstem Node Number for Cotton

Publication (PDF, 329KB)

Authors: J. C. Silvertooth and Paul W. Brown

To systematically monitor a young crop effectively, it is important to understand the fundamentals about counting and identifying nodes on the plant.
Jun 2015

Physiology of Cotton Defoliation

Publication (PDF, 529KB)

Authors: Felix Ayala and J. C. Silvertooth

This bulletin deals with the physiology of cotton defoliation and attempts to describe what conditions must exist inside the plant in order for defoliation to occur. It is important to understand the basic physiological processes involved in order for best crop management practices to accomplish a successful defoliation.
Jun 2015

Early Cotton Development

Publication (PDF, 281KB)

Authors: J. C. Silvertooth

After stand establishment, the next critical stage in the development of a cotton crop is the initiation of the first squares, or floral buds, which could develop into the plants’ first boll. This is an important step for a cotton crop and one which is usually followed closely by the attentive farmer.
Jun 2015

Water Management for Defoliation

Publication (PDF, 316KB)

Authors: Silvertooth, Jeffrey C.

There are several factors which are important to consider in managing defoliation. Factors such as plant-water relations, Nitrogen (N) fertility status, the extent of honeydew deposits on the leaves from insects such as the sweet potato whitefly or aphids, and weather conditions following the defoliant application are all important in terms of the final defoliation results.
Jun 2015

Soil Fertility and Soil Testing Guideline for Arizona Cotton

Publication (PDF, 293KB)

Authors: J. C. Silvertooth

According to all available evidence, there are 20 total nutrients necessary for complete plant growth and development. Not all are required for all plants, but all have been found to be essential to some.
Feb 2015

Insect Management on Desert Produce: Corn earworm / Tobacco budworm

Publication (PDF, 271KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

A serious pests to heads of lettuce, the Corn Earworm can cause serious damage. This article describes their development, Economic Damage, and suggestions for their management.
Feb 2015

Insect Management on Desert Produce: Corn earworm / Tobacco budworm 2015

Publication (PDF, 271KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

This article describes the Corn Earworm and where it can be found. It covers it's physical description, economic damage, insecticidal control, and methods for identifying this insect.
Feb 2015

Cotton (Texas) Root Rot

Publication (PDF, 707KB)

Authors: Mary Olsen

The most important disease of woody dicotyledonous plants in Arizona is Phymatotrichopsis root rot (Cotton or Texas root rot) caused by a unique and widely distributed soil-borne fungus, Phymatotrichopsis omnivora. This article talks about the diseases distribution, symptoms/signs, biology, identification, sampling, and control.
Dec 2014

Genetic Diversity and Fungicide Sensitivity of Phymatotrichopsis omnivora

Publication (PDF, 383KB)

Authors: Chitrampalam, P. and Olsen, Mary W.

Cotton root rot, caused by Phymatotrichopsis omnivora, is the most destructive disease of dicotyledonous plants in Arizona. There are no known reliable control methods for this disease, and the difficulty in its management is most often directed at its survival deep in soils and its wide host range. Genetic diversity in P. omnivora and its potential role in disease are unknown. Isolating the fungus and reproducing the disease in the greenhouse or laboratory are problematic, making it difficult to assess the efficacy of potential treatments.
Sep 2014

Insect Management on Desert Vegetables and Melons: Whiteflies 2014

Publication (PDF, 592KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

This article describes the sweetpotato whitefly (SWF) in great depth and their relation to Desert Vegetables and Melons. It includes it's history of development and damages it has caused. The article also describes the management of SWF, including sampling/monitoring, natural/biological control, cultural practices, and insecticidal control.
Aug 2014

Methods of Measuring for Irrigation Scheduling - When

Publication (PDF, 1.3MB)

Authors: Martin, Edward C.

Proper irrigation management requires that growers assess their irrigation needs by taking measurements of various physical parameters. Some use sophisticated equipment while others use tried and true common sense approaches. Whichever method used, each has merits and limitations. In developing any irrigation management strategy, two questions are common: “When do I irrigate?” and “How much do I apply?” This bulletin deals with the WHEN.
Feb 2014

Diagnosing Nutrient Deficiencies Quick-Reference

Publication (PDF, 429KB)

Authors: Shawna Loper

Nutrient deficiencies can be identified in field through visual observations. However, additional analysis, either plant or soil testing is often necessary to confirm nutrient stress. The following is a quick-reference flow chart that can be used in field to identify potential nutrient deficiencies. Each nutrient has unique deficiency symptoms. Deficiencies will appear in many ways. It can be confused with other plant problems like pathogens or spray damage. But nutrient deficiencies can often be recognized because they tend to form symmetrical patterns, where both sides of leaf or plant parts show the same pattern.
Jul 2013

Measuring Water Applications

Publication (PDF, 144KB)

Authors: Ayman Mostafa

One of the challenges in using surface irrigation systems is determining the effective amount of water applied to a field. To get a good estimate, you must first calculate the gross amount of water applied and then, taking into system efficiencies, determine the amount of effective water applied (what the plants actually receive).
Jul 2013

Stink bugs in cotton, alfalfa, and other Arizona crops

Publication (PDF, 510KB)

Authors: Peter Ellsworth and Lydia Brown

In Arizona, we have many species of stink bugs; the species pictured above are encountered in cotton, alfalfa, and other crops. Some are occasional or potential pests of cotton. In the article the Brown Stink Bug (BSB), Eushistus servus, is discussed which has been a pest of cotton, especially in the past few years.
Jun 2013

Insect Management on Desert Vegetables and Melons: Whiteflies - Jun 2013

Publication (PDF, 531KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

This article describes the sweetpotato whitefly (SWF) in great depth and their relation to Desert Vegetables and Melons. It includes it's history of development and damages it has caused. The article also describes the management of SWF, including sampling/monitoring, natural/biological control, cultural practices, and insecticidal control.
Jun 2013

Operation of Yield Monitors in Central Arizona: Grains and Cotton

Publication (PDF, 1.19MB)

Authors: Pedro Andrade-Sanchez and John T. Heun

Yield maps can be an important management tool to quantify the impact of management practices including water, fertility, pest control, variety selection, etc. Yield monitoring technology provides farm managers with information to improve input utilization, therefore many guidelines for their use are available online, including university cooperative extension bulletins for grain crops, and cotton.
Apr 2013

Insect Management on Desert Vegetables and Melons: Whiteflies - Apr 2013

Publication (PDF, 494KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

This article describes the sweetpotato whitefly (SWF) in great depth and their relation to Desert Vegetables and Melons. It includes it's history of development and damages it has caused. The article also describes the management of SWF, including sampling/monitoring, natural/biological control, cultural practices, and insecticidal control.
Jan 2013

Seedcorn Maggot 2013

Publication (PDF, 230KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

Contains a description of the seedcorn maggot. This document also goes into the damages that are caused by this pest, and then covers some suggestions relating to management.
Jan 2013

Cotton IPM: A Quiet Revolution Reduces Costs, Losses and Risks for Arizona’s Cotton Growers

Publication (PDF, 88KB)

New technologies have enabled cotton growers to reduce their spray applications significantly while achieving among highest cotton yields worldwide. Arizona now produces the highest yielding cotton in the world, well over 1,500 pounds of fiber per acre, far exceeding the U.S. national average of about 750 pounds per acre. These technologies also help growers implement more ecologically based, sustainable IPM programs and become less dependent on broadly toxic insecticides.
Jul 2012

Everyone’s a Winner with Selectivity

Publication (PDF, 1.0MB)

Authors: Peter C. Ellsworth, Lydia Brown (University of Arizona) & Steven Naranjo (USDA-ARS)

Using selective chemistries is safer for the user and environment. This includes the beneficial predators found within fields that are important for controlling pests such as whiteflies and Lygus bugs. Selective chemistries are an important component of Arizona’s insect cotton IPM program. Current research is being conducted on the newest chemistries to determine their selectivity towards non-target organisms, such as beneficials.
Jun 2012

2011- 2012 Spring Melon CYSDV Survey

Publication (PDF, 92KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

For both the year 2011 and 2012 in the locations of Yuma Valley, Gila Valley, Dome/Wellton, data was gathered into the categories of Total Melon Sites surveyed, Melon acres adjacent to within .25 miles of cotton and the number of sites where CYSDV symptoms were observed.
Apr 2012

Insect Management on Desert Vegetables and Melons: Whiteflies - 2012

Publication (PDF, 856KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

This article describes the sweetpotato whitefly (SWF) in great depth and their relation to Desert Vegetables and Melons. It includes it's history of development and damages it has caused. The article also describes the management of SWF, including sampling/monitoring, natural/biological control, cultural practices, and insecticidal control.
Dec 2011

Measuring Water Flow in Surface Irrigation Ditches and Gated Pipe

Publication (PDF, 1.28MB)

Authors: Edward C. Martin

Measuring water in surface irrigation systems is critical for peak efficiency management. Irrigation management decisions should be made based on the amount of water applied and how this relates to the consumptive use demands of the plants and the soil water holding capacity.
Dec 2011

Determining the Amount of Irrigation Water Applied to a Field

Publication (PDF, 535KB)

Authors: Edward C. Martin

Critical to any irrigation management approach is an accurate estimate of the amount of water applied to a field. Estimating the amount of water applied to a field or to a set is fairly easy for surface systems.
May 2007

Integrated Pest Management Protecting Arizonaʼs Environment, Human Health and Economic Vitality

Publication (PDF, 6.2MB)

Arizona’s unique and sensitive environment requires not only protection from the ravages of pests but also from risks due to practices designed to control them. This article explains a few ways that Integrated Pest Management help improve our interactions with environment.
May 2003

Cross-commodity Guidelines for Neonicotinoid Insecticides in Arizona

Publication (PDF, 175KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo, Peter C. Ellsworth, Timothy J. Dennehy, Robert L. Nichols

This document outlines some of the guidlines for Neonicotinoids, which were relatively new at the time. The plans within the document aim to help keep Neonicotinoids as a cost efficient and effective form of whitefly management for the future.
Aug 1998

Beet Armyworm

Publication (PDF, 74KB)

Authors: Tim C. Knowles

Beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua) caterpillars are smooth skinned with few or no hairs on the body, may be olive green to almost black in color down the middle of the back, and have a yellow stripe on each side of the body. This publication details the Beet Armyworm. It's description, biology, damages it causes, and methods of controlling it are discussed.
May 1991

Nitrogen Management Guide for Cotton

Publication (PDF, 493KB)

Authors: Thomas A. Doerge, Robert L. Roth, Bryant R. Gardner

Nitrogen is the nutrient that is required most often and in larger amounts than other nutrients for cotton production.

Cotton Presentations

Jun 2017

Implementing IPM in Cotton in Arizona & Mexico

Presentation (PDF, 1.904MB)

Authors: Ellsworth, P. and Naranjo, S.

Location Presented: Presented at the 14th International Symposium on the Biosafety of GMOs, Guadalajara, Mexico

Cotton IPM Shorts

Jul 2020

Cotton Insecticide Use Guide - Knowing and Balancing Risks (PDF, 1 MB)

Many factors must be considered when choosing an insecticide, such as cost, efficacy, risk of resistance, and safety to non-target organisms. This Cotton Insecticide Use Guide summarizes the diverse risks of insecticides used to control three pests, helping you make well informed pest management decisions.
Jun 2020

Selective and Effective Cotton Chemistry, Mexican Products (PDF, 1 MB)

Cotton insecticide target efficacy, impact on non-target arthropods and other pesticide risks.
Jun 2020

Utilización de Depredadores en Algodón (PDF, 3 MB)

La guía del inspector acompañante para “Making Whitefly & Predator Counts”. Esta guía portátil proporciona instrucciones para el muestreo de mosca blanca y predators. La tablas proporcionan una guía para tomar decisiones sobre cuando fumigar para manejar eficazmente mosca blanca. Disponible tanto en inglés como en español.
May 2020

Cotton Fleahoppers in Cotton (PDF, 4 MB)

Cotton fleahoppers are present in cotton during early squaring but rarely require chemical control. These piercing-sucking pests feed on small squares and new terminal growth. Cotton at early squaring is at risk for losing fruiting sites due to blasting of small squares, which can delay timeliness of fruiting, however, yield loss is rare.
Apr 2020

False Chinch Bugs in Cotton (PDF, 1 MB)

False chinch bug nymphs, not adults, contribute to significant early-season stand loss in cotton. Best management practices include timely removal of weeds from surrounding fallow or wasteland areas. Chemical control of nymphs should only be considered during mass migrations when abundant false chinch bugs occur per plant, only where they are entering the field plus 50 feet further into the field, and usually only as a banded application over the crop.
Jun 2019

Making Use of Predators in Cotton (PDF, 1 MB)

The companion visor guide to “Making Whitefly & Predator Counts”. This portable guide provides instructions for sampling both whiteflies and their predators. Tables provide a guide for making spray decisions to effectively manage whiteflies. English version.
May 2019

Avoiding 2,4-D and Dicamba Off-Target Movement from Cotton (PDF, 1 MB)

Off target movement of the auxin herbicides, 2,4-D and dicamba, will cause substantial injury to downwind, sensitive crops such as cotton, grapes, melons and other broadleaf plants. This publication provides guidelines for preventing off target movement.
May 2019

Spray Legally: Summary of Enlist™, Engenia® and Xtendimax® Application Use Requirements on Cotton (PDF, 1 MB)

This publication summarizes best use practices and label requirements for auxin herbicides.
Jan 2019

Predator “Thresholds” (PDF, 6 MB)

Understanding levels of key predators in the field can help you make more confident whitefly spray decisions. New research has identified critical levels of predators that impact economic spray decisions for whiteflies. By monitoring the number of key predators in the field when whiteflies are at or approaching standard whitefly thresholds, pest managers may confidently defer sprays, or alternately, may wish to advance a spray prior to reaching threshold, based on predator population levels.
Jan 2019

Making Whitefly & Natural Enemy Counts (PDF, 6 MB)

Biological control can be incorporated into whitefly management by sampling 4 key predators and comparing them to whitefly populations. High ratios of predators to whiteflies indicate control and may defer a control spray. Low ratios indicate a lack of control and may advance a whitefly spray.
Jul 2014

Save Money the Easy Way with Bio-control (PDF, 1 MB)

Learn more about the relationship between 4 key predators and whitefly bio-control in the cotton system.
Jun 2014

Minute Bug with Enormous Impacts on Insect Pests (PDF, 2 MB)

Orius spp. (Family Anthocoridae) are valuable natural enemies in cotton and abundant throughout the season. These predators have a large impact on various cotton pests and can be used as an indicator of the natural enemy community's ability to suppress whiteflies.
Jun 2014

Untangling the Web...Spiders in Arizona Fields! (PDF, 3 MB)

Spiders can play an important role in Arizona crop fields, contributing to the biological control of pest insects. Crab Spiders, Misumenops celer, are particularly good indicators of the natural enemy community's ability to suppress whiteflies.
Jun 2013

Sampling Soil for Root Knot Nematode (PDF, 2 MB)

Root knot nematode is the only economically important nematode pest of cotton. This IPM Short describes how to sample soils for the presence of this pest.
Aug 2012

Under the Radar, Deep in the Canopy Brown Stink Bugs in Arizona Cotton (PDF, 2 MB)

Brown Stink Bugs (BSB), rarely economic pests of Arizona cotton, are widely reported this year and can be quite damaging. Arizona research confirms that sweep net sampling is ineffective for assessing BSB levels! This IPM Short provides very effective sampling procedures. Management guidelines for AZ are unavailable, but stink bug efficacy information from the Southeastern U.S. is included for consideration.
Aug 2012

Fuera del Radar, Escondidas en el Follaje Chinches Apestosas Cafés en Algodón de Arizona (PDF, 2 MB)

A Spanish language version of "Under the Radar, Deep in the Canopy Brown Stink Bugs in Arizona Cotton"
Jul 2012

To Stop or Not to Stop, That is the Question A Guide to Terminating Lygus Controls (PDF, 2 MB)

This is a guide to terminating Lygus Controls. It aims to help you know when you should consider stopping your chemical control.
Jul 2012

¿Aplicar o No Aplicar?, He Ahí el Dilema Guía para finalizar el control de Lygus (PDF, 2 MB)

¿Aplicar o No Aplicar?, He Ahí el Dilema Guía para finalizar el control de Lygus
Jul 2012

¡Seamos Selectivos! (PDF, 1 MB)

A Spanish language version of Being Selective!
Jul 2012

In 7 Minutes or Less! (PDF, 3 MB)

An illustrated guide to the rapid and efficient sampling of sweetpotato whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) in cotton.

Cotton Advisories

Check the AZMET web site for current Advisories.

Cotton Videos

Jul 2012

Estimating the Vegetative/Reproductive Balance in Cotton - III. Nodes Above White Flower

Nodes above white flower also knows as NAWF is one of the parameters used while considering the vegetative and reproductive balance of cotton.

Authors: Mostafa A.M., G. Wang, N. Randy

Source Name: AZFieldcropIPM

Source URL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQBGOWb8618LVsy59L9z7Bg

Jul 2012

Estimating the Vegetative/Reproductive Balance in Cotton - II. Fruit Retention

Fruit retention can be used to help determine the vegetative and reproductive balance of cotton.

Authors: Mostafa A.M., G. Wang, N. Randy. 2012

Source Name: AZFieldcropIPM

Source URL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQBGOWb8618LVsy59L9z7Bg

Jul 2012

Estimating the Vegetative/Reproductive Balance in Cotton - I. Height to Node Ratio

Checking the height to node ratio can give you an indication of the vegetative and reproductive balance in the cotton. You take the height divided by the number of nodes.

Authors: G. Wang, N. Randy

Source Name: AZFieldcropIPM

Source URL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQBGOWb8618LVsy59L9z7Bg

Jul 2012

Basic Structure of a Cotton Plant

The basic structure and anatomy are discussed. Stems, buds, flowers, stipules, petals, bolls and fruiting phases are discussed.

Authors: Mostafa A.M., N. Randy

Source Name: AZFieldCropIPM

Source URL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQBGOWb8618LVsy59L9z7Bg

ARIZONA PEST MANAGEMENT CENTER