A close up of cotton in a field.
Participants will learn how to scout for insect pests and weeds and be able to recognize damage in their cotton crops during pest scouting schools held in Buckholts, El Campo and Ennis in May. (Sam Craft/Texas A&M AgriLife)

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will host three cotton scouting schools in Buckholts, El Campo and Ennis in May.

The events will be held at the following dates, times and locations:

  • Southern Blacklands: 8:30 a.m.-noon, May 9, Buckholts Community Center, 110 W. Main St., Buckholts.
  • Gulf Coast: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., May 14, Taiton Community Center, 14221 Farm-to-Market Road 961, El Campo.
  • Central Blacklands: 8:30 a.m.-noon, May 16, KJT Auditorium, 1216 S. Paris St., Ennis.

The cost to register is $10 and an RSVP is needed from those planning to attend by the following deadlines and locations:

  • Buckholts: Registration deadline is May 6. Contact the AgriLife Extension office in Milam County, 254-697-7045.
  • El Campo: Registration deadline is May 9. Contact the AgriLife Extension office in Wharton County, 979-532-3310.
  • Ennis: Registration deadline is May 10. Contact the AgriLife Extension office in Ellis County, 972-825-5175, or in Hill County, 254-582-4022.

There will be two Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units available for private pesticide applicator license holders and lunch will be provided at each location.

Pest scouting helps protect cotton crops

The scouting schools will help participants learn how to scout for insect pests and weeds that may be affecting their cotton crops. Participants will also learn how to identify if their crops are being affected by disease caused by pests or damage caused by weeds, as well as how to make recommendations based on their scouting results.

On the agenda

The topics and speakers will be:

  • Cotton growth and development — Tyler Mays, AgriLife Extension integrated pest management agent, Hillsboro.
  • Cotton insect pest management — David Kerns, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension entomologist, state integrated pest management coordinator and assistant department head in the Department of Entomology, Bryan-College Station.
  • Common weeds of cotton — Matt Matocha, AgriLife Extension integrated pest management specialist, Stiles Farm, Thrall.

For more information, contact Mays at 254-582-4022.

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