Contact: Edith A. Chenault, (979) 845-2886,e-chenault1@tamu.edu
COLLEGE STATION — Some of the state’s cotton farmers are “beeting” themselves senseless trying to overcome armyworm infestations, the Texas Agricultural Extension Service reports.
Extension entomologist Cliff Hoelscher of College Station said beet armyworms are very prevalent right now, and the Texas drought is only adding to the problem.
“Dry weather seems to make them leave their weed host,” he said. “This only leads them to target in on cotton and other crops.”
Hoelscher said by attacking crops when they are dry and weak, plants suffer more than they would if they had received rain.
“The damage is much more severe in dry weather,” he said. “Plants don’t have the strength to recover after being hit by an infestation during this time.”
Hoelscher said the insects ruin cotton crops by feeding on the fruiting structure of the plant.
“They feed on squares and small bolls as well,” he said. “But the economic loss is caused when they eat the fruiting structures.”
Some areas of the state are suffering more than others, Hoelscher said.
“The South Plains are being hit pretty hard,” he said. “But around the Brazos River area, the problem isn’t as severe. Some of the producers are preparing for problems, though, by applying defoliant to the cotton.”
Hoelscher said the beet armyworm is very difficult to kill with conventional insecticides because of their behavior and insecticide tolerance.
“This pest cannot be curbed as easily as many others,” he said. “It takes newer, more expensive materials to achieve control.”
District Extension director Bob Robinson of Amarillo said the Panhandle is being hit with heavy infestations as well, but not just in cotton.
“Peanuts are rated fair to good,” he said. “But, there is considerable defoliation occurring as a result of beet armyworms.”
Robinson said he is also seeing problems in other crops.
“Soybeans are rated good,” he said. “although a few light infestations have been reported in some areas.”
District Extension economist Jose Pena of Uvalde said Southwest Texas is suffering from the drought.
“The region has not received any rain in the last two months,” he said. “Pastures and ranges have remained dormant since last summer.”
Pena said many households are suffering as well.
“Many homes are losing their lawns because of watering restrictions,” he said. “Several communities are having to truck in drinking water.”
District Extension director Galen Chandler of Vernon said the dryland crop is not progressing well due to high temperatures and dry moisture.
“Range and pasture conditions continue to decline,” he said. “But, cattle are maintaining a fair body condition.”
Chandler said cattle producers are getting more concerned.
“Low stock tank water is a problem,” he said. “And some supplemental feeding is occurring across the district.”
The following specific livestock, crop and weather conditions were reported by district Extension directors:
PANHANDLE: soil moisture is very short to short. Corn is rated fair to good; corn borer moths active. Cotton is rated poor to good; heavy infestations of beet armyworms. Cattle doing well. Ranges poor to good; grasses continue to decline from lack of moisture.
SOUTH PLAINS: soil moisture is short. Cotton and corn in fair to good condition, with some beet armyworms causing damage to cotton. Irrigated sorghum looking good with early fields changing color. Watermelon harvest in progress.
ROLLING PLAINS: soil moisture is short. Cotton crop in various stages from matchhead square to cut-out. Irrigated peanuts look good and are pegging, but wilt down in the heat of the day. Range and pasture conditions continue to decline.
NORTH TEXAS: soil moisture is very short. Pasture conditions continue to decline due to lack of rain. Some supplemental feeding started. Many cattle being hauled to market. Peaches continue to come to market. Harvest of milo and corn.
EAST TEXAS: soil moisture is very short. Pasture conditions declining. Ponds, creeks low. Hay production halted. Early marketing of calves taking place. Some early hay feeding under way. Pea harvest under way. Scab present in pecans.
FAR WEST TEXAS: soil moisture is very short. Dryland cotton stressing very heavily. Very dry conditions continue, small amounts of rain helping. Some ranchers still reducing herd sizes due to lack of forage. Tomatoes being harvested.
WEST CENTRAL TEXAS: soil moisture is very short. Hot, dry, windy conditions continue with extreme fire danger. No rain reported. Most cotton fields have been plowed for insurance. Most gardens and pastures burning up with no forage availability.
CENTRAL TEXAS: soil moisture is very short. Peanut crop is deteriorating from marginal soil moisture and grasshopper damage. Crops are drying down quickly. Pasture conditions declining; tank levels low.
SOUTHEAST TEXAS: soil moisture is very short to short. Pastures hurting from lack of rain. Corn and rice look good. Cotton being irrigated. Supplemental feeding of cattle continues.
SOUTHWEST TEXAS: soil moisture is short. Pastures and ranges have remained dormant since last summer. Households losing lawns because of water restrictions. Several communities beginning Stage Three water rationing. Wildlife suffering.
COASTAL BEND: soil moisture is very short. Crops in good condition. Corn harvest complete with yields above average. Cotton harvest continues with fair to good yields. Rice harvest under way with yields good. Pastures in need of rain.
SOUTH TEXAS: soil moisture is short. Cotton harvest in full swing. Sorghum harvest complete. Sugarcane crop growing rapidly. Pastures in fair condition. Livestock culling active. Land preparations under way for fall planting.
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