Larvae feed on 6 to 7 squares and 2 to 3 bolls during their developmental period. Bolls fed upon usually rot and don't develop further. Scouting The examination of cotton plants for bollworm and tobacco budworm larvae involves looking for and counting the eggs, larvae, damaged squares, and bolls at each sample site during the whole plant search. Treatment levels are based on average numbers found per row feet. Many of the eggs and young larvae are found in terminal areas of plants around the tender new growth, but the entire plant should be examined for eggs and small larvae.
Small larvae feeding on the terminals cause the tender growth to appear brown and slightly ragged.
Later in the season, eggs are laid on squares and blooms lower in the plant. Larval damage to squares and bolls is indicated by a feeding hole in the side of the fruiting structure. The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status or any other legally protected status, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The mention of any commercial product in this web site does not imply its endorsement by the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service over other products not named nor does the omission imply that they are not satisfactory.