In areas of boll weevil eradication, cotton growers have benefited from lower production costs because of reduced pesticide use and higher yields that have led to increased land values and expanded cotton acreage. Pesticide savings between 40 and 90 percent have been realized and many cotton growers have been able to forgo pesticide use entirely. Yield increases of 10 to 20 percent have been achieved in areas where the boll weevil has been eliminated.

Visit the Licensed Horticulture Professional List. For additional information, call 225-952-8100 or email: horticulture@ldaf.state.la.us 

Diapause applications began in the Red River Zone (western Louisiana) in 1997.  Diapause applications began in all other areas of Louisiana in 1999.

Ornamental sweet potatoes are treated the same as production sweet potatoes, since the risk of harboring weevils is the same.

Boll weevil eradication is accomplished with two techniques - Pheromone traps for detection & chemical treatments for control. The program begins with autumn diapause applications. In subsequent years, traps are placed around cotton fields in the spring as cotton is planted. Traps are monitored & pesticide applications are made to all infested areas. For boll weevil eradication to be successful, all cotton fields must be monitored.