Aphids That Can Resist Insecticide Decimating Texas Cotton Crop

LUBBOCK, Tex. — Aphids are munching through crops in the area that produces a quarter of the nation’s cotton, and only an unusual fungus outbreak may stop the insecticide-resistant pests, officials say.

“I have never seen such a heavy infestation,” said Jett Major, agriculture extension agent in Hockley County. “Usually the aphids are not a problem, but they have resisted the insecticides.”

Don Johnson, executive vice president of the Plains Cotton Growers, said some farmers have reported that 50% of their crop has been lost.

An aphid is a small, soft-bodied plant louse that attacks the leaves of the cotton stand and saps its nutritional juices. Aphids also excrete a residue on the leaves, inhibiting photosynthesis. As a result, crop yield and quality is affected.