Determination of Lygus species in the Brazos River Bottom
| Problem: | Lygus bug populations may have a significant impact on cotton production after eradication of the boll weevil. |
| Objective: | Estimate Lygus bug populations in the Brazos River Bottom and determine their species and sex. |
| Approach: | Alternate host plants and cotton will be sampled for the presence of Lygus spp. bugs. Sweep nets and KISS blower samplers will be used for sampling alternate host plants from March through November. Lygus bug populations will be estimated using visual plant counts, sweep nets and KISS collections in three cotton fields beginning at 4-leaf stage until peak bloom. Captured Lygus bugs will be identified to species and sexed. |
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Significant Impact: |
These findings should provide an indication of the Lygus species in the Brazos River Bottom, as well as insight on the ecology of the species in relation to viable host plants. |
Jesus F. Esquivel