Boll weevil

Boll Weevil is a type of beetle that is known for its significant impact on cotton crops. The boll weevil, scientifically known as Anthonomus grandis, is native to Central Mexico and migrated to the United States in the late 19th century.

History

The boll weevil was first detected in the United States in Texas in 1892. By the 1920s, it had spread throughout the cotton-growing regions of the U.S., causing significant damage to cotton crops. The boll weevil is considered one of the most destructive cotton pests in North America.

Biology

The adult boll weevil is a small, grayish-brown beetle with a long snout. The female boll weevil lays her eggs inside the cotton boll, and the larvae feed on the cotton fibers, causing significant damage to the crop.

Impact on Cotton Farming

The boll weevil has had a significant impact on cotton farming in the United States. The beetle's larvae feed on the cotton bolls, reducing the yield and quality of the cotton crop. In the early 20th century, the boll weevil infestation led to significant economic losses in the Southern United States.

Control and Eradication

Efforts to control and eradicate the boll weevil have included the use of pesticides, crop rotation, and the introduction of boll weevil-resistant cotton varieties. The Boll Weevil Eradication Program, a program initiated by the United States Department of Agriculture, has been largely successful in eradicating the boll weevil from much of the U.S. cotton belt.

See Also

• Cotton
• Pests
• Agriculture in the United States