MALATHION USE ON BOLL WEEVILS CAUSES CONTROVERSY IN TEXAS
      Federal and Texas state agriculture officials are disputing the report of two USDA scientists who say that an infestation of the beet armyworm on cotton crops in the Rio Grande Valley is the result of heavy applications of the pesticide malathion, used to eradicate the boll weevil.  While the boll weevil populations were practically eliminated in the Rio Grande Valley and the San Angelo area, the region became infested with the beet armyworm, according to The New York Times (October 9, 1995).  A report by two USDA scientists, K.R. Summy and J.R. Raulston, "concluded that the heavy use of pesticide, including the application of malathion for boll weevil eradication, was 'the primary causal factor for the beet armyworm outbreak' in the Rio Grande Valley."  They said the malathion caused "a disruption of the beneficial insect complex that normally suppresses the beet armyworm."  Their report was disputed by officials at the USDA and the Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation, who have ordered a new study.
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I find this all very interesting, particularly considering the lengthy debate which occurred a few months ago over the Boll Weevil Eradication Program. Well, at least they don't have weevils! I predicted this problem with Spodoptera exigua early this summer. I'm not surprised by the fact that the Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation wants a new study to be done. They'll never learn.
    Tracy
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You were right about that spraying killing off the beneficials. We knew it would have a bad effect on organic farming but I never thought it would manifest so soon and so clear. I hope that the people responsible for  heavy applications of the pesticide malathion will take note.  I never did like the fact that they can just spray everyone and everything in sight for miles and miles.  If one feels they are dead wrong You are helpless to stop them. Even in organic farming IMHO one has to remember the long term action of what your doing. I can think of lots of examples that happen to me of wiping one problem just to cause a worst one to pop up. I would think people by now would know heavy applications of pesticide  has not been the right way to go.  Spraying people with pesticide that do not want to be sprayed must be morally wrong.

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