This page contains links to educational information from current research in field
crops by University of Arizona Researchers. The purpose is to inform PCAs, growers
and other interested parties of new trends, recommendations and developments in
the field. We hope that the information provided here is helpful for those involved
in the industry.
Making Use of Predators in Cotton (PDF, 289KB) June 2019
The companion visor guide to “Making Whitefly & Predator Counts”. This portable guide provides instructions for sampling both whiteflies and their predators. Tables provide a guide for making spray decisions to effectively manage whiteflies. English version.
Utilizando los Predatores en Algodon (PDF, 380KB) June 2019
La guía del inspector acompañante para “Making Whitefly & Predator Counts”. Esta guía portátil proporciona instrucciones para el muestreo de mosca blanca y predators. La tablas proporcionan una guía para tomar decisiones sobre cuando fumigar para manejar eficazmente mosca blanca. Disponible tanto en inglés como en español.
Avoiding 2,4-D and Dicamba Off-Target Movement from Cotton (PDF, 558KB) May 2019
Off target movement of the auxin herbicides, 2,4-D and dicamba, will cause substantial injury to downwind, sensitive crops such as cotton, grapes, melons and other broadleaf plants. This publication provides guidelines for preventing off target movement.
Blister Beetle Basics (PDF, 4.71MB) May 2019
A guide to recognizing Arizona’s diverse blister beetles and how to distinguish them from other similar beetle species.
Blister Beetles in Food? (PDF, 7.24MB) May 2019
Blister beetles produce a toxic compound called cantharidin, which can be lethal to horses and unpleasant to humans and other animals. This publication provides guidelines to help growers avoid blister beetle contamination.
Predator “Thresholds” (PDF, 5.61MB) January 2019
Understanding levels of key predators in the field can help you make more confident whitefly
spray decisions. New research has identified critical levels of predators that impact
economic spray decisions for whiteflies. By monitoring the number of key predators in the
field when whiteflies are at or approaching standard whitefly thresholds, pest managers may
confidently defer sprays, or alternately, may wish to advance a spray prior to reaching threshold,
based on predator population levels.
Making Whitefly & Predator Counts (PDF, 5.61MB) January 2019
This guide provides instructions for sampling both whiteflies and their predators, to aid in whitefly spray
decisions which factor in the influence of key predators on suppressing whitefly population growth.
Tables indicate when predator levels are sufficient to defer a whitefly spray, or alternately, to advance
a spray ahead of threshold, based on a scientific understanding of how predator levels impact whitefly population growth.
Insect Management
Making Use of Predators in Cotton (PDF, 289KB) June 2019
The companion visor guide to “Making Whitefly & Predator Counts”. This portable guide provides instructions for sampling both whiteflies and their predators. Tables provide a guide for making spray decisions to effectively manage whiteflies. English version.
Utilizando los Predatores en Algodon (PDF, 380KB) June 2019
La guía del inspector acompañante para “Making Whitefly & Predator Counts”. Esta guía portátil proporciona instrucciones para el muestreo de mosca blanca y predators. La tablas proporcionan una guía para tomar decisiones sobre cuando fumigar para manejar eficazmente mosca blanca. Disponible tanto en inglés como en español.
Blister Beetle Basics (PDF, 4.71MB) May 2019
A guide to recognizing Arizona’s diverse blister beetles and how to distinguish them from other similar beetle species.
Blister Beetles in Food? (PDF, 7.24MB) May 2019
Blister beetles produce a toxic compound called cantharidin, which can be lethal to horses and unpleasant to humans and other animals. This publication provides guidelines to help growers avoid blister beetle contamination.
Predator “Thresholds” (PDF, 5.61MB) January 2019
Understanding levels of key predators in the field can help you make more confident whitefly
spray decisions. New research has identified critical levels of predators that impact
economic spray decisions for whiteflies. By monitoring the number of key predators in the
field when whiteflies are at or approaching standard whitefly thresholds, pest managers may
confidently defer sprays, or alternately, may wish to advance a spray prior to reaching threshold,
based on predator population levels.
Making Whitefly & Predator Counts (PDF, 5.61MB) January 2019
This guide provides instructions for sampling both whiteflies and their predators, to aid in whitefly spray
decisions which factor in the influence of key predators on suppressing whitefly population growth.
Tables indicate when predator levels are sufficient to defer a whitefly spray, or alternately, to advance
a spray ahead of threshold, based on a scientific understanding of how predator levels impact whitefly population growth.
Maps Provide Directions for Resistance!
(PDF, 413KB) June 2016
Chemical Use Maps available to PCAs on a secure website show where whitefly insecticides
(6 modes of action) were used in the previous year, at the section level. PCAs and
growers can view previous use in sections surrounding their fields to help guide
insecticide choices for whitefly management this year. These maps can be a tool
to help put first principles of resistance management to work.
Pesticide Use Data - Why Getting it Right Matters
(PDF, 1MB) June 2016
Accurate data on agricultural pesticide use in Arizona has many uses that benefit
grower communities. The accuracy of pesticide use data impacts the quality of UA
outreach, publications and reports. This short provides tips and resources to help
improve data quality.
First Principles of Resistance Management
(PDF, 656KB) June 2015
Insecticide resistance threatens economic and effective pest control, especially
when chemistries are used to target a common pest across multiple crops such as
whiteflies. Difficulty in discovery of new chemistries and increasing costs of regulation
of new chemistries make it essential that we preserve and extend the life of the
currently available modes of action through integrated resistance management (IRM)
programs.
Save Money the Easy Way with Bio-control
(PDF, 507KB) July 2014
Learn more about the relationship between 4 key predators and whitefly bio-control
in the cotton system.
Minute Bug with Enormous Impacts on Insect Pests
(PDF, 1.35MB) June
2014 Orius spp. (Family Anthocoridae) are valuable natural enemies in cotton
and abundant throughout the season. These predators have a large impact on various
cotton pests and can be used as an indicator of the natural enemy community's ability
to suppress whiteflies.
Under the Radar, Deep in the Canopy Brown Stink
Bugs in Arizona Cotton
(PDF, 1.9MB) August 2012
Mobile-friendly HTML version
Brown Stink Bugs (BSB), rarely economic pests of Arizona cotton, are widely reported
this year and can be quite damaging. Arizona research confirms that sweep net sampling
is ineffective for assessing BSB levels! This IPM Short provides very effective
sampling procedures. Management guidelines for AZ are unavailable, but stink bug
efficacy information from the Southeastern U.S. is included for consideration.
Being Selective!
(PDF, 454KB) July 2012
Information on using selective control to protect both the environment and the user.
¡Seamos Selectivos! (PDF, 597KB)
July 2012
A Spanish language version of Being Selective!
In 7 Minutes or
Less!
(PDF, 2.18MB) July 2012
An illustrated guide to the rapid and efficient sampling of sweetpotato whiteflies
(Bemisia tabaci) in cotton.
¡En 7 Minutos
o Menos!
(PDF, 2.4MB) July 2012
Una guía ilustrada a la rápida toma de muestras de camote mosca blanca.
Anatomy of a Cotton Sweep
(PDF, 1.0MB) June 2012
A guide to the proper use of a sweep net for sampling key pests in cotton.
Pale-striped Flea Beetles in Young Cotton Stands
(PDF, 2.2MB) April 2012
A guide to protecting young and emerging cotton from flea beetle damage and the
factors to consider in determining control options.
Assassin Bugs Top the Food Web
(PDF, 1.6MB) August 2011
Assassin bugs are "apex" or top predators in the cotton food web contributing to
biological control of pests, including Lygus and whiteflies. Two common genera are
Zelus and Sinea .
jee-AH-kor-is, Big-eyed Bugs Have Big Appetite for Pests
(PDF,
1.3MB) June 2014
Two species of big-eyed bugs (genus Geocoris) prey on many pest species
in cotton and other Arizona crops, providing free pest control that can be
promoted through the use of selective chemistries.
Archive: August 2011
Untangling the Web...Spiders in Arizona Fields!
(PDF, 2.3MB) June 2014
Spiders can play an important role in Arizona crop fields, contributing to the biological
control of pest insects. Crab Spiders, Misumenops celer, are particularly
good indicators of the natural enemy community's ability to suppress whiteflies.
Archive: July 2011
Keeping Cotton Green! (PDF,
608KB) July 2011 (Revised: July 2014)
This guide describes "selectivity" and the role that selective insecticides can
play in conserving natural enemies while still controlling our two key pests of
cotton, whiteflies and Lygus bugs.
¡Manteniendo Verde al Algodón!
(PDF, 791KB) July 2012 (Revised: July 2014)
A Spanish language translation of Keeping Cotton Green!
Soft-Bodied
Collops Likes Soft Bodies
(PDF, 461KB) June 2014
Beetles in the genus Collops are valuable predators in cotton. These generalist
predators prey upon many cotton pests and can be used as an indicator of the natural
enemy community's ability to suppress whiteflies.
Archive: July 2011
Collops
de Cuerpo Blando
(PDF, 115KB) July 2012
A Spanish language translation of Soft-Bodied Collops Likes Soft Bodies
$1+
Cotton? New Thresholds?
(PDF, 1.9MB) June 2011
While cotton value has increased recently, an economic analysis shows that current
recommended thresholds for Lygus and whitefly management in cotton are still the
best approach to maximizing profit.
Drapetis:
A Natural Enemy
(PDF, 2.8MB) June 2011
Learn how to identify Drapetis, or dance flies. These are important
and abundant predators in cotton and other crops.
Avoiding 2,4-D and Dicamba Off-Target Movement from Cotton (PDF, 558KB) May 2019
Off target movement of the auxin herbicides, 2,4-D and dicamba, will cause substantial injury to downwind, sensitive crops such as cotton, grapes, melons and other broadleaf plants. This publication provides guidelines for preventing off target movement.
Auxin herbicides in Arizona Cotton: Avoiding Off-Target Movement
(PDF,
362KB) June 2017
Off target movement of 2,4-D and dicamba can cause substantial injury to downwind
sensitive plants, a potential liability issue for applicators. This short outlines
herbicide label requirements and best practices to prevent drift of auxin herbicides.
Preplant and Preemergence
Dinitroaniline Herbicides in Cotton
(PDF, 2.68MB) February 2013
Dinitroaniline (DNA or "yellow") preemergence residual herbicide at the beginning
of the cotton season provides a foundation for season-long weed management. The
discovery of glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth in central Arizona last year underscores
the importance of diversity in weed control tactics. This short outlines effective
use practices for DNA herbicides.
An
Impending Disaster for Arizona Cotton? Glyphosate Resistant Palmer Amaranth
(PDF, 2.35MB) July 2012
A probable case of glyphosate (Roundup) resistant Palmer Amaranth was discovered
in an Arizona cotton field where glyphosate was the only herbicide used. Seed collection
and testing later confirmed resistance. This short provides important tips to delay
the spread of resistance.
Considering
Roundup Ready Alfalfa
(PDF, 1.38MB) October 2011
Now available for planting -- should you consider Roundup Ready alfalfa? This guide
describes the advantages and disadvantages of planting Roundup Ready alfalfa and
also outlines application rates.
Increasing
Glyphosate Activity
(PDF, 322KB) July 2011
A guide to the many glyphosate products available, and steps you can take to maximize
their efficacy.
Other Pest Management
Sampling Soil for
Root Knot Nematode
(PDF, 1.27MB) June 2013
Root knot nematode is the only economically important nematode pest of cotton. This
IPM Short describes how to sample soils for the presence of this pest.
Crop Management
Phosphorus fertilizer for alfalfa
(PDF, 530KB) August 2017
Phosphorus is the primary mineral nutrient likely to be required by an alfalfa crop
in Arizona. A single application of phosphorus fertilizer at planting time may be
sufficient for the life of the stand in certain situations. However, on soils with
a high phosphorus fixing capacity, a single application of phosphorus fertilizer
at planting time may not be sufficient.
Small Grain Irrigation
(PDF, 413KB) December 2011
This guide discusses irrigation issues for small grains production.
Fertilizing Small Grains
(PDF, 432KB) December 2011
Guidelines are provided for rates and timing for fertilization of small grains.
Small Grain Planting
Dates and Rates
(PDF, 356KB) December 2011
Planting at the optimum time is probably the most important cultural practice in
producing high yields of small grains. This guide discusses the impact of planting
dates and seeding rates on yields and the probability of frost damage.
Pre-plant Soil Testing for Small Grains
(PDF, 893KB) November 2011
For profitable production of small grains, pre-plant soil testing is critical. This
guide explains how to take samples and how much fertilizer to apply, based on results.
Choosing Harvest Aid Chemicals
(PDF, 334KB) September 2011
Different types of harvest aids are available to defoliate cotton and prepare the
plants for a successful harvest. This guide identifies the types, rates and seasonal
limits for various harvest aids.
It's All About Timing
(PDF, 778KB) August 2011
While several methods may be used to determine the best timing for application of
defoliants, efficiency can be enhanced by using a combination of these recommended
methods.
Working
with High Cotton
(PDF, 692KB) July 2011
This guide outlines available mepiquat chloride products and related plant growth
regulators (PGRs) for use in Arizona cotton.
General Management
Nozzles and Droplets: What Do the Colors
Mean?
(PDF, 2.68MB) June 2012
A brief description of the color schemes used to represent flow rate and droplet
size in nozzles used for pesticide application.
Pesticide Safety
Risky Business (PDF, 306KB)
August 2018
Risk is part of everyday life and comes in many forms. Different kinds of risks
have the potential to harm human health, the environment, or the economy. It is
helpful to examine the factors that contribute to risk. Three factors, hazard, exposure,
and vulnerability, determine risk, its seriousness, and the likelihood of a risk
causing harm.
Tick & Flea Collars, Integrated Pest Management,
and Your Safety
(PDF, 228KB) August 2017
Tick and flea collars are long-term pest control products for your pets. They kill
pests or deter them from living and feeding on your pets. Some products last for
3 months, while others are effective for 8 months. The chemistries in these collars
are designed to work on pests while reducing the possibility of negative side effects
for you and your pets. But, exposure to these ingredients can be hazardous.
Caution! Warning! Danger! Understanding Signal Words on Pesticide Labels
(PDF, 363KB) January 2016
Pesticide labels contain a lot of information and can be overwhelming. But reading
and understanding pesticide labels is essential to ensuring safe and effectiveuse
of pesticides. Further, it is a federal crime to use a pesticide in any way that
is not consistent with label instructions.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions: Brown Stink Bugs
(PDF, 2.28MB) June 2012
A compilation of questions, with answers, that we receive regularly about Brown
Stink Bug, Euschistus servus.
For questions or comments on any of the publications please contact
Lydia Brown, Assistant in Extension
for Agronomic Crops IPM.
College of Agriculture, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ.
Preplant and Preemergence
Dinitroaniline Herbicides in Cotton
(PDF, 2.68MB) February 2013
Sampling Soil for
Root Knot Nematode
(PDF, 1.27MB) June 2013
