 |
||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
May 11, 2001Foundation to use helicopter as tool in eradication
(ABILENE) — A helicopter is the latest tool to be used in the continuing effort to eradicate the weevil in the Corpus Christi area, Texas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation officials say.
The helicopter will be used to safely treat areas not as accessible to fixed-wing aircraft, including areas with restricted or congested airspace.
The use of the helicopter is good news for residents and businesses near cotton fields on the edges of the city. The foundation has always taken steps to ensure insecticide does not drift into these areas, and the addition of the helicopter will allow for even more precise applications.
These precise applications should speed the progress of eradication, further reducing the need for pesticides in the area. Foundation officials note that the use of pesticides for boll weevil control has been reduced by 99 percent in the Southern Rolling Plains Eradication Zone near San Angelo. Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs declared the Southern Rolling Plains to be functionally eradicated in September.
Speeding the course of eradication benefits local cotton producers as well. Eliminating weevil damage to their crops increases their yield and reduces the costs of their farming operations.
Helicopter applications are being made through a contract with a local aerial contractor. Anyone with questions about the use of the helicopter should contact Foundation Headquarters in Abilene (800) 687-1212.
