While specific timing will vary based on your geography and the actual pressure in the area, we encourage growers to monitor university threshold recommendations as the key indicators for applying insecticide treatments. For example, University of Arizona researchers recommend starting Lygus control treatments when an average total of 15 Lygus per 100 sweeps are confirmed in a field, with at least four of those Lygus being nymphs.
Basically, the rule of thumb with Lygus is to scout carefully, and remember that it’s better to go out with a treatment a little early versus a little late, especially during the peak fruiting period. It’s much harder to bring a heavy Lygus population under control with a single treatment.
Growers should also consider a long-lasting, selective or partially selective chemistry that fits into an overall IPM program. For example, studies have shown Belay Insecticide brings growers 10–14 days’ control on Lygus in cotton and a different mode of action from older chemistries. This programmed approach will help growers address Lygus this year and preserve control for years to come.
To learn more about Lygus control with Belay Insecticide, visit www.valent.com/belay.