We are also seeing evidence of the 'bug' complex in fields. Stink bug thresholds are discussed by Dr. Layton earlier in this letter, but when we see dirty blooms and also pock marked thumb sized bolls it is time to get the 'prayer cloth' out and get on our knees looking for 'bugs'. The green and brown stink bugs can be found in many fields and there is usually a smattering of tarnished plant bugs, as well as a few clouded plant bugs. Damage from all may combine to warrant a spray. Malathion applications seem to have reduced the need in those fields, which have received a weevil spray.
Weevils continue to appear in very unlikely places.
The continued presence of the 'niggling' few are just enough to cause problems and irritation. It is suspected that there are small pockets of cotton which are not being trapped or treated and this may be the source of some of the weevils we are seeing. Some of the problem may be ornamental cotton in flowerbeds. It would be good if we could convince everybody to refrain from planting ornamental cotton for the next 24 months. It might save the Mississippi cotton farmer many dollars.