The potential of Campylomma livida Reuter, and Megacoelum modestum Distant, (Hemiptera: Miridae) to damage cotton in Queensland

Abstract

The damage potential of Campylomma livida Reuter, and Megacoelum modestum Distant, (Hemiptera : Miridae) on cotton in Queensland was investigated in the seasons 1976-77 and 1977-78. In field trials, 54% and 35% fewer squares on untreated plants compared with those protected with DDTtoxaphene were related to mirid presence, in the first and second seasons, respectively. In glasshouse experiments M. modestum was the more important of the two species, causing 70% reductions in the number of squares on infested plants compared with uninfested plants. C. livida caused 20% of squares to be shed. Mirid presence may coincide with Heliothis spp, activity, so techniques for the control of mirids would have to complement current Heliothis spp. management.