Pest management in cotton - Thrips and other early insects
Kansas cotton growers escape most of the damaging insects found deeper in the Cotton Belt. However, as cotton acres continue to rise in the state, producers and consultants must be aware of insect pests with the potential to cause significant yield loss in this crop.
Thrips and other early-season insect management considerations in cotton
As cotton acreage grows in Kansas, thrips remain a top pest concern, especially as they migrate from maturing wheat fields in late May and June. Thrips can severely stunt young plants, distort growth, and even kill seedlings under dry conditions. Other early-season insects in cotton include fleahoppers and lygus bugs.