A committee of state and federal research scientists and Extension specialists meets annually to review cotton pest management research and management guidelines. Guidelines are revised at this meeting to reflect the latest proven techniques for maximizing profits for the Texas cotton producer by optimizing inputs and production.

The proper management of cotton pests is dependent upon the use of pest management principles. Pest management does not rely solely on insecticides. Therefore, the USER of this insert is strongly encouraged to refer to E-5 for discussion of pest biology, scouting techniques, economic thresholds, insecticide resistance management, conservation of existing natural control agents, overall crop management practices which do not promote pest problems, ovicide use, microbial insecticide use, and guidelines for protecting bees from insecticides.

This is not a complete listing of all products registered for cotton or their uses. The insecticides and their suggested use patterns included in this publication reflect a consensus of opinion of Extension entomologists based on field tests. The data from these field tests met the minimum requirements as outlined in the Guidelines for the Annual Entomology, Research Review and Extension Guide Revision Conference. Products listed must conform to our performance standards and avoid undue environmental consequences.

Suggested insecticide use rates have exhibited sufficient efficacy in tests to be effective in providing adequate control in field situations. However, it is impossible to eliminate all risks. Conditions or circumstances which are unforeseen or unexpected may result in less than satisfactory results. Weather, crop condition, pest situation and insecticide application can all have an impact on an insecticide's expected performance. Texas Cooperative Extension will not assume responsibility for such risks. Such responsibility shall be assumed by the user of this publication.

Suggested pesticides must be registered and labeled for use by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Texas Department of Agriculture. The status of pesticide label clearances is subject to change and may have changed since this publication was printed.

The USER is always responsible for the effects of pesticide residues on his livestock and crops, as well as problems that could arise from drift or movement of the pesticide from his property to that of others. The user is also responsible for preventing groundwater contamination by using the correct amount of pesticide, being cognizant of potential leaching or runoff problems and safe disposal of leftover pesticide and containers. Always read and follow carefully the instructions on the container label. Pay particular attention to those practices which ensure worker safety. For additional information, contact your county Extension staff or write the Extension Entomologist, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843; or call (979) 845-7026.

The Endangered Species Act is designed to protect and to assist in the recovery of animals and plants that are in danger of becoming extinct. In response to the Endangered Species Act, many pesticide labels now carry restrictions limiting the use of products or application methods in designated biologically sensitive areas. These restrictions are subject to change. Refer to the Environmental Hazards or Endangered Species discussion sections of product labels and/or call your local county Extension agent or Fish and Wildlife Service personnel to determine what restrictions apply to your area. Regardless of the law, pesticide users can be good neighbors by being aware of how their actions may affect people and the natural environment.

The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) is a set of federal regulations that applies to all pesticides used In agricultural plant production. If you employ any person to produce a plant or plant product for sale and apply any type of pesticide to that crop, WPS applies to you. The WPS requires you to protect your employees from pesticide exposure. It requires you to provide three basic types of protection for your employees. You must inform employees about exposure, protect employees from exposure, and mitigate pesticide exposures that employees might receive. The WPS requirement will appear in the "DIRECTIONS FOR USE" part of the label. For more detailed information, consult EPA publication 735-B-93-001 (GPO #055-000-0442-1) The Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides -- How to Comply- What Employers Need to Know, or call Texas Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Worker Protection program, (512) 463-7717.

^*Extension agent-IPM; Extension entomologist; Extension agent-IPM; Extension entomologist, The Texas A&M University System