Yields for both the Tracer and methyl parathion plots tended to be higher, but only the methyl parathion plots were significantly higher. Significant increases were experienced through the use of pyrethroids when compared to all other treatments. Though indiscriminate use of insecticides is discouraged, late season over sprays of transgenic Bt cotton should be encouraged where insect scouting indicates a treatable level. Though transgenic Bt cottons have improved the control of tobacco budworm in Georgia cotton, the use of proper insect scouting techniques and procedures remains as important as ever in the determination of effective, economical insecticide use. Properly trained insect scouts still remain the first line defense against economic lose due to insect pests.
More study is needed relating to stink bug threshold and treatment levels.
Transgenic Bt cotton has increased the importance of this insect pest because control is no longer accomplished through the use of insecticides against other target insects. Scouting procedures, lose estimates and treatment triggers need to be determined to insure environmentally safe and economically sound use of over sprays on transgenic Bt cotton. The authors would like to thank the farmer cooperators in Dodge, Dooly, and Worth Counties, GA for the assistance in the successful completion of this study. References Greene, J. K., S. G. Turnsipseed, and M. J. Sullivan. Treatment Thresholds for Stinks Bugs in Transgenic Bt Cotton.