Cotton pest management strategies and related pesticide use and yield

The use of pesticides is an integral part of pest management for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production. However, in response to environmental and public safety concerns, alternative pest management strategies focused to reducing pesticide usage is becoming more important. The objective of this study is to evaluate various pest control practices as substitutes or complements to pesticides in maintaining or enhancing cotton yields. A tobit model is estimated using data from the 1994 USDA Cropping Practices Survey of cotton producers in the six major cotton-producing states to assess the effects of pest control strategies on yield and pesticide use in cotton production. Statistical tests were performed to assess the significance of differences between (i) high and low integrated pest management (IPM) fields, (ii) high and low pesticide use fields, and (iii) high and low yield fields, in terms of yield, pesticide use, use of individual IPM practices, and use of tillage and irrigation. High IPM fields had significantly higher yield, lower yield risk, and higher use of pesticide treatments than low IPM fields. High pesticide use fields generally used more IPM practices and had higher yield and lower yield risk than low pesticide use fields. High yield fields had lower yield risk, used significantly more IPM practices, but also used more pesticide treatments per acre than low yield fields.