The pink bollworm is a key pest in cotton in the western US. The pest is now nearly eradicated from the US due to a Federal/Producer partnership but a key component of this success was the deployment of transgenic Bt cotton. Research in Maricopa is identifying the genetics and biology allowing this pest to develop resistance to Bt cotton and this knowledge will allow continued success of the eradication program into the future
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.
