38 



66. . 1976. Biological control agents of the boll weevil. Ln Boll Weevil 

 Suppression, Management, and Elimination Technology. Proc. of a Conf. 

 Fehruary, 13-15, 1974, Memphis, Tennessee. U.S. Agric, Res. Serv. [Rep.] 

 ARS-S-71, pp. 22025. 



More is known about the boll weevil's insect and mite parasites than about its 

 other natural enemies. Forty-two species of arthropod parasites have been re- 

 corded by Cross and Chestnut as attackers of the pest. Among the more effec- 

 tive native species of parasites are Bracon mellitor Say in the United States, 

 and Heterolaccus grandis Barks in western Mexico and Centual America. Few 

 pathogens have been observed to attack the boll weevil under natural condi- 

 tions, but recent observations suggest that certain pathogens might have 

 tremendous potential as control tools if they could be augmented safely and 

 economically. 



67. . 1976. The boll weevil as a key pest. In Boll Weevil Suppression, 

 Management, and Elimination Technology. Proc. of a Conf., February 13-15, 

 1976, Memphis, Tennessee. U.S. Agric. Res. Serv. [Rep.] ARS-S-71, pp. 5-8. 



What would be the expected behavior of Heliothis in an all-out beltwide 

 elimination attempt which would rely on more insecticide applications than 

 those now being used? Isn't it possible that the boll weevil applications 

 would be counteractive? That is, would they not possibly create a resis- 

 tant Heliothis , a problem far more serious than that of the boll weevil? 

 Furthermore, does it not appear highly likely that the severe insectlcde 

 pressure on the weevil throughout its complete range in the United States, 

 which an alimination effort would require, would increase the chances of an 

 organophosphorus-resistant strain appearing in the U.S. population? True, 

 the pest is currently under tremendous selection pressure in many areas of 

 the United States. But we also must remember that much weevil-infested 

 totton in the United States is currently not being treated at all, which 



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