Analysis of Populations of the Boll Weevil in One Acre of Cotton at Florence, South Carolina, in 1957-5912

Abstract

Input of bioclimatological factors (cumulative number of degree-days above 55°F, mean and minimum relative humidities, cumulative number of rainy days, and cumulative rainfall) in 1 acre of cotton at florence from 1957 to 1959, were linear in time during the 3 years. The deviations from the linear inputs provide an interpretive backgound for analyzing major changes in populations of Anthonomus grandis Boheman. Varying numbers of overwintering weevils in the climatic regimes of the 3 years resulted in population increases dependent upon the climatic inputs. Damage was poorly correlated with the number of adult weevils. Late-season migration was triggered by lack of oviposition sites in cotton squares.