PINK BOLLWORM ERADICATION PROGRAM

QUESTIONS and ANSWERS

 

WHY IS ERADICATION POSSIBLE?

Because we have all the tools:  Bt cotton, pheromones, sterile moths, and insecticides.

Because the current program in Texas, New Mexico, California and Mexico is working!

 

WHAT IS THE PLAN FOR ERADICATION?

Individual growers may plant 100% Bt on their farms under a 24c Special Local Need permit. 

All non-Bt cotton will receive season long control using pheromones and limited insecticide applications.

All fields will be monitored through out the growing cycle.

Sterile PBW moths will be applied season long to all cotton in the program.

 

HOW MUCH WILL THE ERADICATION PROGRAM COST?

Bt cotton – grower pays Bt tech fee only

Non-Bt cotton – grower must, by statutory deadline, pay a $32/acre fee for season-long control (fee capped)

Monitoring/management - $1.25 per bale from current bale assessment

 

WHAT ARE THE DEADLINES FOR NON-BT FEE REGISTRATION / PAYMENT IN YUMA COUNTY?

COUNTY                       REGISTRATION DEADLINE                    FEE / PAYMENT DEADLINE

Yuma                            January 14, 2008                                   March 14, 2008

NOTE:  There are monetary penalties for failure to respond.

 

WHAT IS THE DURATION OF THE PROGRAM?

4 years.

 

HOW WILL THE PROGRAM BE RUN?

Field program management by the Arizona Cotton Research and Protection Council

Technical support by the USDA APHIS

 

WHO PAYS FOR STERILE MOTHS?

USDA through a Congressional appropriation

 

WILL MEXICO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM?

YES! 

 

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER ERADICATION?

An ongoing monitoring program with the availability of sterile moth releases should reintroduction occur will maintain the integrity of eradication.

 

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS FOLLOWING ERADICATION?

Flexibility to grow any cotton variety a producer chooses

Freedom from PBW control costs

Opportunity to be target-specific for other insect control enhancing beneficial insect populations

Potential to increase yield, grade, and improve fiber qualities thereby enhancing the economic viability of the Arizona cotton industry

 

 

This page was modified 2/27/08