Boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis: curculionidae) and (Bracon mellitor (Braconidae) emergence from cotton squares

First and second generation peak emergence periods of the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boheman, occurred at two of the test fields. One field had a gradual build-up of weevils with no distinct peak periods of emergence. Although peak periods of emergence occurred, emergence occurring between these periods was sufficient to produce economically damaging numbers. Weevils began to emerge 24-28 days after the initiation of squaring and 0-10 days after the appearance of the first blooms. First generation peaks occurred about one month after initiation of squaring. Second generation peaks occurred 50-55 days after initiation of squaring. Air temperature and rainfall up to 15 days prior to emergence was only slightly correlated with the number of weevils emerging each day. Percentages of fallen squares producing weevils were generally highest when the rate of square production was highest. Generally, 1/3 to 1/2 of the fallen squares collected yielded weevils during the first six weeks of squaring. The largest number of the wasp, Bracon mellitor, was noted to emerge just prior to the major emergence of the second generation boll weevils.