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Description:
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Wind erosion of topsoil is a severe problem in the Texas High Plains , an area of intensive cotton production . In this investigation , a survey and assessment of insects associated with weeping lovegrass , Eragrostis curvula (Schrad . ) Nees , was conducted to determine the entomological problems and benefits of a cotton /weeping lovegrass wind -strip cropping system on the High Plains . The western flower thrips , Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande , was the most economically important cotton pest found in association with weeping lovegrass . Although some cotton pests were associated with weeping lovegrass , no indication of increased pest problems was detected in cotton grown between terraces sown to weeping lovegrass . Key beneficial arthropods of High Plains cotton pests were found also in association with weeping lovegrass . Therefore , weeping lovegrass wind -strips may serve as an early source of beneficial arthropod population buildup . An overwintering investigation of the boll weevil , Anthonomus grandis Boheman , conducted in the Texas Rolling Plains area indicated that caged boll weevils could successfully overwinter in the crowns of weeping lovegrass . |