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Description:
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Texas High Plains is known for its extensive cotton cultivation in the world . Considering the importance of Lygus bug as one of the insect pests of cotton in adjoining states like Mississippi , Arkansas , Arizona and California , research effort was undertaken to generate information on behavioral and insect -host interactions . Compensation ability of cotton was evaluated under the prevailing regional growing conditions . Fruit loss due to augmentative release of Lygus bug at two levels (1 and 3 bugs /plant ) was higher than control treatments . Partial yield compensation was observed when bugs were released in early -bloom stage of the crop . Besides , attractiveness of different non -cotton hosts to Lygus bug was demonstrated which may have implications in cultural control . Russian thistle and alfalfa was found be more attractive than pigweed , sunflower and Palmer amaranth . Cotton was not preferred at any of its growth stages when other hosts were present in vicinity . |