The Western Delphi: Insecticide Use and Lint Yields in Weevil-Free Areas of the Cotton Belt

The Delphi, a method for systematic collection of information from experts, was modified to obtain biological data required for the economic analysis of current and potential cotton insect management practices in western regions of production where boll weevils do not pose a significant pest problem. Cotton insect management and crop production experts provided detailed data regarding current insecticide use patterns, and projected insecticide use and lint yields under an alternate, “optimal” insect management program. These data were used to estimate average cotton yield, insecticide use, and insect control costs under both current conditions and the alternative program for each of seven subregions of western cotton production.