Economic Impact of Integrated Pest Management Strategies for Cotton Production in the Coastal Bend Region of Texas

A long-season (160–180 days) cotton variety with a conventional production system was formerly grown in the Texas Coastal Bend Region. Cotton producers in the region used intensive insecticide applications throughout the growing season and harvested in August or September, and occasionally in October. In general, intensive insecticide applications for boll weevil and fleahopper control destroyed the beneficial insects and spiders. Late-season tobacco budworm infestations were thereby aggravated. These late-season insect infestations were a result of the relatively high rainfall during August and September. Moreover, high rainfall during this time not only interfered with harvest, but also reduced both the yield and quality of cotton (Lacewell et al.).