While excess sugar may not be 100 percent preventable, there is a misconception by some who believe that whitefly prevention efforts should start at boll opening.

Two western entomologists agree the best way to help avoid sugar buildup is begin whitefly monitoring and population management efforts at least two months prior to boll opening. This can help prevent whitefly buildup early and reduce any excessive sugar later.

Pete Goodell perspective

In California, Pete Goodell says whitefly management is job one on the pest side of farming cotton.

“This is always an issue we take seriously in the San Joaquin Valley,” says Goodell, IPM advisor with the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE).

“Excess sugar is the number one threat to our cotton quality reputation,” Goodell said. “The growers and others which I work with are very aggressive in successfully managing this issue.

“But it requires everyone doing a good job.”

Over the last several years, the whitefly population in California has increased and become more widespread. Some cotton industry folks have not seen such high levels in 10-15 years.