A team led by graduate student Seth Dorman scouted 34 VA fields for plant bugs this week. Plant bugs were found in all but 4 fields, 6 fields were over threshold. Prior to bloom, fields require treatment if you find 8 plant bugs in 100 sweeps AND less than 80% square retention.

Nymphs are increasing in number. Young nymphs are small (aphid-sized) and thus, can be harder to scout for. They will be captured in sweep nets – be mindful when checking the bottom of the net. I recommend sampling with a black beat cloth later in the season to help identify nymphs in blooming cotton.

I will continue to provide updates and recommendations as cotton begins to bloom in our area. My thanks to Seth Dorman and team for their continued effort.