Thrips are on the rise and foliar applications are going out. We will see them continue pressure the young crop. Herbicide and insecticide applications will be the norm for a couple of weeks, but be careful with any potential product interactions by reading those pesticide labels and heeding any warnings.
As an update, Counter 20G insecticide/nematicide is NOT yet labeled for use in cotton in South Carolina. Georgia recently received a Section 18 for use in cotton for nematodes. But, to be clear, Counter is not yet labeled for use in cotton in SC. Our South Carolina application will also receive a decision from the EPA soon, hopefully.
Reports from agents this week:
- Jonathan Croft, county agent covering Orangeburg County, reported: “From what I have looked at this week, cotton and soybeans look good as far as insects go. Some cotton has light to moderate thrips injury from densities about 2 adult thrips per plant. Also, we will have quite a few acres of cotton that will be replanted in several areas that received heavy rainfall last week. Also, I have been seeing a good bit of burn on some cotton and beans from splash-up of at-plant herbicides that occurred with heavy rains last week.”
- Charles Davis, county agent covering Calhoun County, reported: “Thrips pressure continues to rise. Ground treatments are beginning with Orthene. We are starting to replant some cotton damaged by the heavy rainfall last week. Calhoun County had over 5 inches of ran in many parts of the county last week, which packed a lot of our soils. Rotary hoes have been in full swing this week.”
- Chris Talley, county agent covering Anderson County and surrounding areas, reported that there are no insect problems yet.
Soybean Pests:
It remains quiet in young soybeans but that will change soon after a little more vegetative growth. Kudzu bug numbers appear to be lower this year, but they are very good at reproducing, so don’t ignore potential early-season problems with them.
