Several insect pest species of cotton exhibit aggregated distributions within fields based on aspects of crop canopy. From 2000-2002, remote sensing technologies and site-specific management techniques were investigated for use in detection and control of cotton pests in experimental and farm fields in Mississippi. During seedling stage, counts of thrips were greater in zones that had high Cation Exchange Capacity values and weeds. These zones corresponded with higher normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values in remotely sensed imagery. An image-based site-specific application, controlled thrips and saved ~40% of an insecticide spray. At square formation, tarnished plant bug (TPB) numbers were greater in vigorously growing field zones that had higher NDVI values in remotely sensed imagery. Imagery-based site-specific applications were made that reduced applications of insecticide by ~25%-35%. This process was repeated for TPB infestations after first bloom, saving ~20%-25% on applications. As the crop matured, NDVI values and TPB numbers were lower in field zones that had reached early “cutout” or node-above-white-flower=5 (NAWF=5). An imagery based prescription application map was created that terminated insecticide use in “cutout” zones, saving ~20% of an insecticide application. During boll formation, stink bugs reached threshold levels at sites that matured later in the season. An imagery based prescription spray map was generated which controlled stink bugs, saving ~50% of an insecticide application.
During final boll filling stage, beet armyworm infestations were highest in open or drought stressed canopy zones. While no applications were made for beet armyworm, a prescription spray could have saved >50%.
Species 1: Heteroptera Miridae Lygus lineolaris (tarnished plant bug)
Species 2: Heteroptera Pentatomidae Euschistus servus (brown stink bug)
Species 3: Thysanoptera Thripidae Frankliniella (thrips)
Keywords: remote sensing, site-specific pest management
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