Influence of phosphorus nutrition on abscission of cotton flower buds damaged by the western tarnished plant bug (Lygus hesperus)

Cotton farmers frequently report flower bud losses that are incommensurate with herbivore densities, and efforts have been made to identify the variables that underlie these anomalies. Preliminary work identified a strong correlation between petiole phosphorus levels and propensity to abscise buds damaged by Lygus hesperus. Here, we report results of experimental and 'ecoinformatic' analyses that support a role for phosphorus in abscission; higher levels of petiole phosphate translated into a stronger abscission response by the plant. Interestingly, plants shedding preternaturally high numbers of buds in the early-season do not appear to have a lower end-of-season yield, suggesting that plants effectively compensate for the damage. These findings should prove important in crop rotation and insect pest management decisions.