Theses and Dissertations

Advisor

Crow, Whitney D.

Committee Member

Towles, Tyler

Committee Member

Cook, Donald R.

Committee Member

Catchot, Angus L.

Committee Member

Mussser, Fred R.

Date of Degree

5-16-2025

Original embargo terms

Immediate Worldwide Access

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Agricultural Life Sciences (Entomology)

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Department

Department of Agricultural Science and Plant Protection

Abstract

This research evaluated the effects of simulated threecornered alfalfa hopper (TCAH), Spissistilus festinus (Say), damage in cotton and aimed to identify environments that may contribute to an increase in TCAH injury. During the 2023 and 2024 growing season, simulated TCAH damage was imposed at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% at the three and six leaf growth stage. Agronomic data included plant heights, node counts, and plant mapping, which was collected throughout the growing season, while lint yield was recorded at harvest. Damaged plants exhibited reduced plant heights and node counts, with an increase in nodes above cracked boll compared to non-damaged plants. However, no significant differences in yield were observed across damage levels or timing. Additionally, a survey was conducted across 120 fields in eight counties to assess field border environments, in-field cultivation practices, weed densities, and plant damage at distances of 0, 4, 8, 15, 30, and 45 meters into the field. Overall, damage was not significant, and no management was warranted. The survey indicated that the highest levels of damage were associated with field edges and no-tillage systems with weedy borders. As with most insect pests, TCAH densities fluctuated between 2023 and 2024, resulting in varying levels of damage. Despite environmental factors that may contribute to TCAH injury, the overall impact of this pest remained minimal. Furthermore, simulated damage had no measurable effect on cotton yield, reinforcing the conclusion that TCAH remains a pest of low economic importance, typically causing minimal economic losses.

Sponsorship (Optional)

Cotton Incorporated

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Entomology Commons

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