Cotton root-knot nematode is the most important nematode pest to cotton with losses averaging 33,360 bales/year during the period 1989 through 1998. This pest is a problem primarily in sandy and sandy-loam soils, but can be found in loamy soils.
The emphasis on reducing costs and improving profitability is a driving factor for research focused on finding alternative management approaches to fumigants and other nematicides. In addition, interest by society and regulators in seeking reduced risk approaches to pest management is driving the search for alternative nematode…
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The cotton aphid is found in a variety of habitats throughout the San Joaquin Valley. Management of this insect will in all likelihood require the integration of every management tactic available. In an attempt to enhance one management tactic, biological control, a multi- agency cooperative project was established in 1996. The long-term objective of this project is to build a natural enemy complex for the cotton aphid using natural enemies not currently found in California. This complex should complement…
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Introduction:
During the last 10 years, the cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii) has developed from a non-pest to one of the most significant insect pests of California cotton. For instance,in1997, cotton aphid outbreaks were severe and an estimated 3.5% yield loss occurred despite -$40/acre control costs which were incurred. Cotton aphid infestations during the mid-season (July to mid-August) reduce cotton lint yields since the aphids act as a significant sink, competing with the bolls, for energy. The late-season infestations (mid-Aug.to Sept.) are problematic because the aphids deposit honeydew on the exposed cotton lint, which reduces the lint value. Reasons for this change in pest status of cotton aphid are unclear; however, one of the most noticeable changes in cotton production over the last 10 years is the use of a plant growth regulator instead of irrigation and nitrogen deficits to limit early-season cotton vegetative growth. This has allowed cotton production practices in the SJV to evolve to higher nitrogen fertilization and irrigation inputs.
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Vern J. Elliott USDA-ARS
Shafter Research and Extension Center
17053 N. Shafter Ave. Shafter, CA 93263
(661) 746-8003
Fax (661) 746-1619
vjelliott@ucdavis.edu
Sticky cotton, the contamination o f cotton lint by insect honeydew, is a serious problem that makes it difficult for the textile industry to process the cotton fiber. This stickiness reduces the price paid to the grower and damages the quality reputation of entire production areas. Although insect management is playing the major role in reducing or preventing sticky cotton, remedial measures to reduce the stickiness of contaminated lint are still needed. Bioremediation, the use of microorganisms to degrade the contaminating sugars, may offer an economical and effective way to reduce the stickiness of lint.
Objectives of the current USDA ARS project are to examine the ability o f different strains o f yeast to utilize the sugars in insect honeydew, to select strains…
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