Cotton Growers Search for Answers to Boll Weevil Problem
Date: June 9, 1997
Editor: D'Lyn Ford (505) 646-6528, dlford@nmsu.edu
LAS CRUCES -- A second referendum calling for a mandatory spray program to help eradicate the boll weevil in the Mesilla Valley failed this spring. Now cotton growers are wondering what to do next.
The tiny, menacing insect spread from Mexico into the United States 100 years ago. Adults cause some damage, but larvae that feed on cotton bolls are more destructive.
The boll weevil became a nuisance in southern New Mexico about four years ago, but the numbers dramatically increased last year, said Mike English, entomologist with New Mexico State University's Cooperative Extension Service. This is the state's worst infestation, he added.
"A number of growers still plan to go with a voluntary spray program to try to keep the boll weevil numbers down," English said. "Growers may consider a third referendum, but the first two didn't pass. You just can't keep going back trying to get that vote."
Ninety-two percent of cotton growers who voted on the last referendum in May were in favor of the eradication program. However, the final outcome was based on acreage. Those who voted did not represent enough acres to pass the referendum, English explained.
"The Mesilla Valley is suffering a lot right now, but we have boll weevil statewide," he said. "Almost anywhere we grow cotton has potential for boll weevil infestation."
Cotton growers in the Pecos Valley are starting a scouting program to find out how widespread the boll weevil is in their area, he said. A major concern is Lea County, which has the largest infestation. Also, Lea County's cotton is ginned in Texas where the State Supreme Court has declared part of that state's eradication program -- the way funds are collected -- unconstitutional.
"An attempt to initiate a spray program here just failed," said Wallace Cox, Lea County program director. "It's very disappointing. I really thought we were going to pass it. We may have to start growing something other than cotton."
Lea County growers may be able to join an eradication program with neighboring Texas counties, he said. Enrolling more acreage in the program would cut the cost for producers.
"We need to do our part in keeping the state of New Mexico free of this pest," Cox said. "However, the weevil is capable of traveling across a lot of open country."
Last year, trap lines placed 30 to 40 miles from any cotton fields between Lea and Eddy counties were picking up as many as 25 boll weevils per trap, English said. Traps are only effective up to 100 feet, which means a large number of boll weevils were migrating across desolate areas.
"Other states along the border, Texas and Arizona, are watching us very closely because they have a stake in this too," he said. "Arizona has gone through a real strong eradication program to get rid of the boll weevil. If we build up numbers, we have the potential of causing an infestation there."
Finding a solution to the boll weevil problem is difficult, English said. "It's tough from a biological standpoint in that the boll weevil is hard to control. It's tough politically because there are a lot of legitimate disagreements on this issue -- how we do it and whether we should spray," he said.
Organic farmers must keep their products pesticide free, he said. A state law passed this year restricts chemicals that can be used on organic farms. The law also restricts how long organic farmers can grow cotton in an infected area.
English said New Mexico cotton growers will have to make some decisions soon, if they want to keep the boll weevil from getting out of control.
Cox agreed. "Whatever is done to control the boll weevil isn't going to be easy, but it's going to be costly," he said.