Madison Journal - Cotton Poisoning Instructions
Date submitted: September 9, 2014

Submitted by: Richard P. Sevier

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Heavy Infestation Of Boll Weevil Is Seen
Dr. Brown and Dr. Wasson Suggest Elimination Procedure
Madison Journal July 8, 1935

According to C. E. Hester, Parish Agent, a heavy infestation of boll weevils on this year's cotton 
crop seems almost certain. There are only two things to do about it. One is to let the weevils 
destroy the crop and the other is to destroy the weevils. There are two ways to poison cotton for 
weevils. One is to make a haphazard guess as to the time to poison and the other is to make sure of 
the proper time. Some cotton is not worth poisoning but where there is a prospect of one third bale 
per acre or more, poisoning by all means should be done.

Dr. H. B. Brown of the Experiment Station at Louisiana State University and R. A. Wasson of the 
Extension Service suggest the following procedure:

1. Begin dusting when weevils have punctured 10 out of every 100 of the squares.
2. Use only pure cotton dusting calcium arsenate in the form of a dry powder.
3. Use from 5 to 7 pounds per acre for each application.
4. Dust only when the air is reasonably calm and the cotton plants are moist.
5. Repeat applications	three times at five-day intervals. Do not poison again until the infestation 
is 10 per cent or more.
6. If a heavy rain falls with 24 hours after poisoning repeat the a application.
7. Poison should be applied when there is dew on the plants. This can be done at night or early in 
the morning if the acreage is small.
8. Poison right or not at all and remember that it costs little to dust compared to the cost of not 
dusting at all.

To determine the per cent of infestation walk diagonally across the field and examine carefully the buds 
in 100 squares. Pull off all squares and buds showing feeding or egg punctures of weevils. Keep these 
punctured forms in the hand.

When 100 squares have been examined, count those in hand. This will be roughly the per cent of infestation. 
Repeat this three times for checking. Poison if 10 per cent or more buds are punctured.

The calmest part of the day is usually just before dusk. Begin poisoning at this time if plants are wet 
with dew and continue as far into the night as possible. Poisoning in a high wind, and poisoning when 
plants are dry is unprofitable.

Weevils are poisoned as they feed principally on the squares and small bolls. Dust all of the cotton plants 
as thoroughly as possible. The more force with which poison is driven through plants, the more effective 
it will be.

Cotton naturally sheds more than half of the squares formed. Be sure the weevils are causing from 10 to 15 
per cent of the shedding before poisoning.

Do not poison at all if:

1. You do not intend to poison sufficiently to keep weevils under control for at least 15 days.
2. Poisoning is not done when plants are wet.
3. You wait until 50 per cent or more of the forms are punctured.
4. Poisoning is to be carelessly clone.

One poisoning is not sufficient to control weevils and will not pay except in very rare cases.