Plant bug populations have been spotty, and lower overall than this time last year (click to see map). 10% or fewer of Virginia fields need insecticide applications this week, but, unfortunately, a much higher percentage will end up treated. Before making a decision to spray without scouting consider several things:
- Your risk of aphids and spider mites increases, especially if it does not rain soon.
- Your risk of subsequent plant bug infestations increases.
- You spend money that you did not have to spend.
Spraying for plant bugs at or exceeding threshold will pay off. Keep in mind that sprays during flowering typically yield higher returns. These two Focus on Cotton presentations by NCSU (click here) and VT (click here) will tell you what you need to know about plant bugs in our region (follow links).
If you need help scouting, ANR agents Josh Holland (Southampton) and Elizabeth Pittman (Suffolk) will be hosting scouting clinics in July. More information coming soon. Beat sheets are available to you free of charge at these events and at the Taylor lab at the Tidewater AREC. Stop by anytime Monday through Friday 8 am – 4 pm. We are closed next Thursday and Friday.
A big thank you to FMC, BASF, and Corteva for sponsoring this round of beat sheets!!
A big thank you to Josh Holland for his help scouting this week!
Click this link for interactive map with insect density and square retention data (click points for summary data).
