Boll Weevil Eradication: A Success Story of Science in the Service of Policy and Industry

Abstract The boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is an infamous pest of commercially cultivated cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L. (Malvales: Malvaceae). Once the most important agricultural in United States, weevil spurred unprecedented mobilization federal support and cooperation among stakeholders, culminating eventual eradication species from 98% its invasive range States. US Boll Weevil Eradication Program, a joint effort local, state, governments agencies, university agency researchers, cotton producers themselves, prime example successful implementation community-wide integrated management (IPM). program also dramatically reduced use insecticides production which led to further positive economic outcomes for non-target impacts those chemicals. Though has been mostly eradicated insect remains one impactful pests Central South America. In this review, we will revisit agro-economic history examine success Program. doing so, learn how can apply lessons abroad other or pests. Finally, conclude with brief summary ongoing science that continues service today.