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How to Manage Pests
UC Pest Management Guidelines
Cotton
Saltmarsh Caterpillar
Scientific Name: Estigmene acrea
(Reviewed 1/08,
updated 8/09)
In this Guideline:
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Saltmarsh caterpillar larvae are hairy and gray when first hatched, then darken to yellow, brownish, or
almost black with yellow lines. They are covered with reddish or black hairs,
and can be up to 2 inches (50 mm) long when fully grown.
Eggs are spherical, whitish, somewhat flattened, about 0.03 inch (0.75 mm) in diameter,
and found in naked clusters on the undersurface of leaves.
Saltmarsh caterpillars are occasional pests that cause the same
foliar injury as loopers. Early instars skeletonize leaves, and older instars
rag leaves. Extensive defoliation can reduce yield if it occurs before bolls
mature.
Heavy infestations seldom occur until late in the season after bolls
have already matured. Defoliation in late season usually does not cause
economic loss, and may actually benefit the crop by opening the canopy and
reducing the chance of boll rot.
Cultural Control
The use of Bt cotton will help prevent damage by saltmarsh caterpillar.
Organically Acceptable Methods
Sprays of Bacillus thuringiensis and the Entrust formulation of spinosad are acceptable for use on organically
grown cotton.
Monitoring and Treatment Decisions
Consider treatment only if extensive defoliation threatens to occur before
bolls mature.
| Common Name |
Amount/Acre** |
R.E.I.+ |
P.H.I.+ |
| (trade name) |
|
(hours) |
(days) |
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| The following materials
are listed in order of usefulness in an IPM program,
taking into account efficacy, selectivity, persistence,
and impact on honey bees. When choosing a pesticide, also consider
information relating to environmental impact. Not all registered pesticides are listed. Always read label of product being used. |
| |
| A. |
BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS# ssp. KURSTAKI |
| |
(various products) |
Label rates |
4 |
0 |
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SELECTIVITY: High |
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PERSISTENCE: Pest–Short; Natural Enemies–Short |
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MODE OF ACTION GROUP NUMBER1: 11.B2 |
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COMMENTS: Does not disrupt natural enemies. |
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| B. |
SPINOSAD |
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(Entrust)# |
1.25–2 oz |
4 |
28 |
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(Success) |
4–6 fl oz |
4 |
28 |
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SELECTIVITY: High |
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PERSISTENCE: Pest–Moderate; Natural Enemies–Short |
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MODE OF ACTION GROUP NUMBER1: 22 |
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COMMENTS: Use of Success allowed under a supplemental 24(c) registration. |
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| C. |
METHOXYFENOZIDE |
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(Intrepid) 2F |
4–10 fl oz |
4 |
14 |
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SELECTIVITY: High |
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PERSISTENCE: Pest–Moderate; Natural Enemies–Moderate |
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MODE OF ACTION GROUP NUMBER1: 18A |
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COMMENTS: An insect growth regulator. |
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| D. |
FLUBENDIAMIDE |
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(Belt) SC |
2 oz |
12 |
28 |
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SELECTIVITY: High |
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PERSISTENCE: unknown |
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MODE OF ACTION GROUP NUMBER1: 28 |
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COMMENTS: A newer material; impact on beneficials not yet determined. Highly toxic to honey bees. |
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| E. |
METHOMYL* |
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(Lannate) SP |
0.5 lb |
72 |
15 |
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SELECTIVITY: Low |
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PERSISTENCE: Pest–Short; Natural Enemies–Short |
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MODE OF ACTION GROUP NUMBER1: 1A |
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COMMENTS: Kills eggs and larvae. Use may redden cotton; do not
make more than 2 applications/season. Do not graze or feed cotton trash to livestock. |
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UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Cotton
UC ANR Publication 3444
Insects and Mites
L. D. Godfrey, Entomology, UC Davis
P. B. Goodell, UC IPM Program/ Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier
E. T. Natwick, UC Cooperative Extension, Imperial County
D. R. Haviland, UC IPM Program, Kern County
Acknowledgment for contributions to Insects and Mites:
E. E. Grafton-Cardwell, Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier
N. C. Toscano, Entomology, UC Riverside
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