IMPACT OF THE FIRE ANT ON YIELDS OF BT AND NON-BT COTTON VARIETIES IN ALABAMA IN 2011
Applied Research
Timothy Reed
EXTENSION SPECIALIST
ALABAMA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SYSTEM
Belle Mina
Abstract
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\r\n This study was conducted in 2011 in central Alabama to determine the impact of the red imported fire ant (RIFA) on tobacco budworm/bollworm populations infesting cotton. The study utilized a split-split plot experimental design. The main plot variables were a normal RIFA population and an insecticide-reduced RIFA population. The study examined the effect of these two population levels on the yields of DPL 1050 B2RF (Bollgard II), PHY 565 WRF (Widestrike) and DP 174 RF (non-Bt). The effect of a mid-season pyrethroid overspray was also assessed. RIFA numbers during 3 sampling dates averaged 12.7 times more RIFA’s in the plots with a normal RIFA population than in plots with a reduced population. The % (worms in blooms + worm damaged blooms) on 8/9/2011 was greater in plots where fire ants were reduced than in plots where fire ants were maintained. This variable was also greater in the non-Bt variety than in the 2 Bt varieties. After defoliation the number of worm-damaged bolls in the DP 174 RF (non-Bt) plots with reduced RIFA numbers was much greater than in similar plots with normal RIFA numbers. The number of worm-damaged bolls in both Bt varieties was very low regardless of RIFA numbers. Despite having more damaged bolls the overall yield of DPL 174 RF was significantly greater than that of PHY 565 WRF and numerically greater than DP 1050 B2RF. The pyrethroid overspray increased yields.
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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: T. D. Reed, R. H. Smith, D. P. Moore
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Reed, T. Extension Entomologist, Auburn Umiversity, Alabama, 35615
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Smith, R. Professor Emeritus, Auburn University, Alabama, 36849
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Moore, D. Experiment Station Director, Auburn University, Alabama, 36066