Effects of burial on overwintering populations of pink-spotted bollworm (Pectinophora scutigera (Holdaway))

Abstract

Moth emergence from infested boll material held on the soil surface was continuous through winter and proceeded well into the following cotton season, indicating a source of infestation from ratoon and standover crops. Moth emergence was stimulated by rainfall, peaks of emergence appearing 3-4 weeks after a fall of 0·50 in. or more over a temperature range of 50-80°F. The application of irrigation also stimulated moth emergence.