The pink bollworm is a key pest in cotton in the western US. The pest was declared officially eradicated from the USA in October 2018 after a Federal/State/Producer partnership. Much of the technology used in the eradication program resulted from research conducted by ARS in Phoenix and Maricopa. We continue to provide post-eradication assistance to the industry including research and monitoring of resistance to Bt cotton, one of the key technologies of the eradication program.
The sweetpotato whitefly (left) and Lygus bugs are major pest of cotton, vegetables and other crops in the southwestern USA. Researchers in Maricopa are developing ecologically based strategies to manage these important pests.
The green lacewing (left) and the big-eyed bug prey on whiteflies and other pest insects. Research in Maricopa is focused on strategies for conserving these insects in cropping system so they can provide critical biological control services.
