Mealybug Farm Hygiene

Post Harvest Farm Hygiene

• Module movement
  • Growers are asked to leave modules sit for 24 hours before movement to the gin. This will allow a reduction in the number of live mealy bugs being transported through the area.
  • Module movement contractors can minimise potential mealybug spread by clean down and Pulse treatment (as above) between production areas.
  • Growers are encouraged to talk to the gin and module movement contractors to discuss their requirements for clean down between gin and farm.
• Crop Removal
  • It is essential that crop destruction is as timely as possible after picking.
  • Any plants left in the field will be hosts for mealybug build up over the winter. All stub [ratoon] cotton should be removed as soon as possible.
  • The CGA will send a notice to all growers advising when the last of the cotton has been removed. At this time growers should concentrate on keeping their fields free of weeds, ratoon and volunteer cotton.
• Winter (ground prep)
  • Ensure good general farm hygiene in non-crop areas.
  • Keep fallow and cropped fields weed free.

Content Update:   Tuesday, 16 March 2010