I briefly mentioned a little while back that Blister Beetles were feeding on sunflowers and I was concerned that they may move into cotton, well today it appears that they have decided to move. Myself, my scouts, and a couple of producers have all found Blister Beetles feeding on cotton in the Garden City and St. Lawrence areas. They are generally present along the edges of fields within 6-8 rows from the edge and were tumble weeds are present. The will feed on nightshade and careless weeds (pigweeds) but I have not found them feeding on them or on the cotton next to them as of yet. They have only been next to tumbleweeds.

Rick Minzenmayer suggested using Bidrin and treating only the edges of the field perhaps the width of the sprayer with 1-2 oz of Bidrin if the beetles are present.

I have attached a couple pictures of the pest and it’s damage. I will do some more checking and send some more info out in the newsletter on Friday.

BE
Brad Easterling
EA-IPM
Glasscock, Reagan, Upton Counties
PO Box 299
Garden City, TX 79739
432-354-2381 (o)
940-256-1524 (m)