Cotton IPM in Tennessee

Typical yields in Tennessee average from 600-900 pounds of lint per acre.  Estimated statewide insect losses in recent years have averaged about 5%, ranging from 3-10%.  Insect pests usually cost Tennessee cotton producers from 40 to 75 million dollars annually.  Most cotton is grown in the western part of the state, but about 25,000 acres are produced in Middle Tennessee counties (production map).  Historically, the boll weevil has been the most important cotton insect pest in Tennessee.  Boll weevil eradication is on-going and has eliminated economic injury to the crop by this pest, but growers in Tennessee still pay $5 - 12.25 per acre for maintaining an eradication program.  Bt cotton, primarily used for control of tobacco budworm and bollworm, is planted on over 90% of the acres.  Over one-half of Tennessee’s typical insect control budget is currently accounted for by costs of boll weevil eradication, technology fees associated with the use of Bt cotton, and preventative insecticides used for thrips control.  Tarnished plant bug,  clouded plant bug and stink bugs are other pests of primary economic importance.

This cotton insect website is maintained by Scott D. Stewart (Associate Professor, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology).