SOUTHERN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS DECEMBER, 1985 IMPACT OF A MORE INTENSIVE INSECT PEST INFESTATION LEVEL ON COTTON PRODUCTION: TEXAS HIGH PLAINS

Abstract igua [Glover] infestations were minor. As a result of this relatively insect-free environ-This study evaluated implications of i- ecnvirn-ment, cotton in the Texas High Plains wascreased bollworm problems in a 20-county ment n theTexasHighPlaswas areased bo llworm problems insr a 20-tcounty typically characterized by a low cost of pro-area of the Texas High Plains relative to cot- duction with limited introduction of insec-ton yields and economic impact. Results did ticides into the environmenti not indicate a serious effect of bollworms ince o rm inesin in cSince 1975, bollworm infestations in cot-upon lint yield when insecticides were used n e eome mor r in the for control. However, estimated annual re- reon In 980 about m ionacreswere duction in farmer profit due to the bollworm affected with bollworms (Leser) Costs of for 1979-81 was over $30 million Yields production were affected and serious ques-ere estimated to decline about 300,00 o tions were raised about economic advantages 30,000 bales witho insecticide use and about o producing cotton in the region. Heavy30,000 bales with insecticide use. This de- bollworm infestations also caused a relativelydine suggests potentially serious implica- large increase in quantities of insecticides tions for the comparative economic position introduced into the environment. At present of cotton in this region if insecticide resist- there is no evidence of insecticide resistance ance were to develop among insect pests. b bollworms in the region. However, re-Key words: cotton, bollworm infestation, sistance of the boll weevil to chlorinate