Effectively Using Predator Thresholds for Managing Pests in Arizona Cotton Production Systems

In Arizona cotton, biological control, an ecological practice, makes use of beneficial insects called “natural enemies” that feed on insect pests helping to reduce their numbers significantly. Biological control is integrated with the use of insecticides safe (or selective) to natural enemies. These insecticides are efficient in reducing pest numbers while conserving natural enemies and their ecosystem services. Our Integrated Pest Management program is based on the integration of selective insecticides and biological control. There are critical levels (“thresholds”) of predators that impact economic spray decisions for whitefly management in cotton. Predator thresholds identify the need for sprays by indicating when biological control is or is not functioning, based on the abundance of key predators (natural enemies) and prey in cotton. Counting predators helps field managers leverage significant pest suppression that guides need for insecticide application. The use of natural enemies can reduce the occurrence of unnecessary sprays. Predator thresholds support natural enemy conservation by promoting the use of selective insecticides."