Square retention remains good to this point. However, square shed will likely increase as plant bugs move into cotton. Although we often lose a portion of the bottom fruit to boll rot, these fruit play a significant role in helping maintain the proper balance in vegetative and reproductive development early in the season. Protect early fruit to insure shed does not exceed 20 percent at first flower. Back to top Cotton Boll Weevil.
Boll weevils continue to be an increasing concern in all areas.
Bobby Griffin, private consultant in Phillips and Jefferson Counties, reports that several fields have 15 percent punctures. Clay Fletcher, private consultant in St. Francis County, reports that pinhead square applications appear to have done a good job in knocking down weevil numbers, however, some fields had up to 5 applications, including strip treatments on field edges. Steve Rodery, county agent in Crittenden County, reports that most fields are receiving their 2 nd pinhead application this week between rains. Steve also indicates that several fields that were strip treated are now showing weevil punctures in the middle of the field. The frequent rain has caused many growers to be off on the timing of their pinhead square applications.