Not a great deal happening this week besides waiting for a rain. This crop continues to hold on and look better than it should, however it’s days are numbered if we don’t finally get some significant rain. Especially with temperatures forecast to be in the mid to upper 90’s this week. We still have a few really late fields that have not started blooming yet that I am a little nervous about.  Some years we can get a late rain and this will make some good cotton.  Other years it cools off too much to finish it out. This year has me nervous about it being cool.

Insects still are not too bad except for the occasional aphid hot spot. Consider aphids before putting out any insecticides on your fields. In most situations bennys are keeping them in check or reducing the population.  Largus bugs are increasing in several fields. These are the little black bugs with orange margins on the wings. They have the ability to feed on bolls like stink bugs except that it takes quite a few more to cause any economic damage. We have rarely if ever sprayed a field for them. Stink bugs are very spotty but a few can be found here and there. To this point I haven’t seen any fields with enough that need to be sprayed.  When checking bolls for damage and looking for sink bugs, keep in mind that stink bugs can move completely out of a field.  So even though you have damage,  make sure you have the insects before spraying.  Bollworm eggs can still be found occasionally in fields but worms are almost nonexistent. All in all, things are OK, we just need that good, general rain.