THE PINK BOLLWORM, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) became a major pest of southern California cotton in 1965 and 1966. Since that time, one of the primary methods of controlling this insect has been the use of insecticide sprays. Spray treatments have usually been applied by aircraft at five- or six-day intervals beginning in late June or early July. Because of the protected habitat of the larvae, treatments have normally been directed against the adult moths.

This research was conducted with financial support from the California cotton industry, and with the cooperation of many individual growers.