The Mid-South region has the highest costs to produce cotton. To be competitive with state's that have eradicated boll weevils, Mississippi needs 3 to 5 cents per pound more at the market. The 1997-98 winter was one of Mississippi's mildest winters in 20 years, which is a major concern for 1998 boll weevil control. Dr. Blake Layton, entomologist with Mississippi State University's Extension Service, said trapping boll weevils will help growers make control decisions for cotton's No. 1 pest. The trapping program is run on a volunteer basis in the Delta and through the eradication program in Mississippi's hill section.
Trapping helps growers in a number of ways.
Traps are a key part of the eradication program as they are used to determine whether or not fields are infested with boll weevils. Growers outside the eradication program can use trap numbers to determine the need for and timing of pinhead square treatments. Many growers will likely choose to plant some of their acreage in Bt cotton, which is resistant to tobacco budworms. Increased boll weevil control tends to reduce the beneficial insects that help control pests such as budworms. Reducing beneficial populations will be a concern throughout the state, both inside and outside the eradication area.