Control of the Boll Weevil by Mechanically Destroying Fallen Infested Cotton Squares12

Abstract

Replicated tests were conducted in 1966 in semi-isolated fields in Carroll County, Mississippi, to control Anthonomus grandis Boheman by mechanically destroying fallen infested cotton squares with a flail-type machine. Control in the flail-treated fields was compared with fields treated with ultra low volume (ULV) applications of azinphosmethyl at 0.125 lb/acre applied at 5-day intervals. Flail treatments were made until the machine damaged mature fruit on the plants. Thereafter, the flail fields were sprayed with ULV applications of azinphosmethyl at 0.125 lb/acre. Results indicated that the boll weevil can be controlled with a flail-type machine by destroying fallen infested squares as long as the machine can be operated in the field. However, when the plants become heavily fruited the machine damages the mature fruit. During the season the flail machine picked up an average of 95.3% of the squares that were on the ground.