The tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), is the most important insect pest of cotton, Gossypium hirsutum (L.), in Mississippi. This research project was initiated to gain a better understanding of selected crop production factors that can improve tarnished plant bug integrated pest management. Results suggest that irrigation strategies and varietal pubescence can significantly influence tarnished plant bug management in cotton. Most notably, delaying irrigation for as long as possible and planting hairy varieties can minimize the impact of tarnished plant bug on cotton yields and reduce the number of insecticides needed to manage this pest. Additionally, these results show that tarnished plant bug management is most critical during the first four weeks of flowering. Results from these experiments will be used to improve the current integrated pest management program for tarnished plant bug in cotton and make cotton production more sustainable for Mississippi producers.

The cotton plant; Insects and mites; Pest management.

An essential reference for anyone searching for ways to avoid or mitigate the problem of cotton stickiness.