Efficiently Safeguard Your Cotton Crop from Pink Bollworm

Cotton is one of India's primary Kharif crops. After the plants start flowering, various pests and diseases begin to affect them. Among these, the pink bollworm is the most prevalent pest in cotton crops. This pest attacks the cotton bolls, impacting both the quality and yield of the crop. Every year, it causes significant crop loss. The pink bollworm spends its entire life cycle on the cotton plant, damaging the buds, flowers, and other tender parts of the plant. This pest can completely ruin the crop, causing major headaches for farmers. Read this post carefully for detailed information on identifying this pest, the damage it causes, and how to control it.

How to Identify Pink Bollworm?

• Eggs: The eggs of the pink bollworm are oval-shaped and about 0.5 millimeters in diameter. Initially white, they gradually turn pinkish-red.
• Larvae: The larvae are pinkish-white with a brown head and tiny hairs on their body, growing up to 8 millimeters in length.
• Adult Pests: Adult pests are small and brown with wings around 1 centimeter long, which have white spots. They are more active at night.

Impact of Pink Bollworm on Cotton Crops

• The larvae of this pest live in the stalks of old crops and complete their life cycle in new crops.
• Adult pests lay eggs on the growing cotton crops, and the larvae feed on the buds and flowers.
• When the plant does not produce buds, the larvae die without damaging the crop.
• Damaged bolls fall to the ground or open prematurely and become infected with fungus.
• The larvae cover the entry holes in the bolls with a silky web, making it difficult to detect the damage from the outside.
• Infestation by this pest reduces the quality of the cotton.

Chemical Methods to Control Pink Bollworm

• Apply 54-88 grams of Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG (DeHaat Illigo, Katyayani EMA 5, Dhanuka EM 1, UPL Spolit) per acre.
• Apply 50-80 milliliters of Thiamethoxam 12.6% + Lambda-Cyhalothrin 9.5% ZC (DeHaat Entokill, Katyayani Chakrawarti, Syngenta Alika, BACF Hover) per acre.
• Apply 250-400 milliliters of Chlorpyrifos 50% + Cypermethrin 5% EC (DeHaat C-Square, Hifield Ag Major 555) per acre.
• Apply 250-400 milliliters of Bifenthrin 10% EC (DeHaat Hurl, Dhanuka Markar) per acre.
• Apply 400-600 milliliters of Profenofos 40% + Cypermethrin 4% EC (DeHaat Caterkill, PI Roket, Syngenta Polytrin C) per acre.
• Mix 100 ml Chlorantraniliprole 9.3% + Lambda Cyhalothrin 4.6% ZC (Syngenta Ampligo) in 200 liters of water and use it per acre.

Other Ways to Control Pink Bollworm in Cotton Crops

• If pests are detected, remove and destroy the damaged bolls.
• In July-August, when adult pests are more active, use 10 pheromone traps per acre to control pink bollworms.

Which pesticides do you use to control pink bollworms in cotton? For advice on agricultural problems, you can dial DeHaat’s toll-free number 1800-1036-110 and get expert recommendations on crop protection and nutrition. You can also visit the nearest DeHaat Center for quality fertilizers and pesticides. For more such information, follow the "Agri Doctor" channel now. If you found this post useful, don't forget to like and share.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Which pesticide is used to control pink bollworm in cotton?

A: Pink bollworm infestation is a growing problem for farmers. Use the pesticides recommended in this post. Ensure you follow precautions and apply them in the correct amounts to control pests and protect the crop. You can also consult with agricultural experts.

Q: What can be done to prevent pink bollworm?

A: To control pink bollworms, various traditional, tool-based, and chemical methods are used. Selecting early-maturing varieties, crop rotation, timely harvesting, maintaining cleanliness in the field, using pheromone traps, integrated pest management, and spraying pesticides can protect the cotton crop from this pest or control the infestation.

Q: What pests affect cotton crops?

A: Cotton crops are affected by several pests, which not only reduce yield but also affect its quality. These include bollworms, whiteflies, aphids, jassids, thrips, and mites. Among these, the pink bollworm is a major pest that severely impacts cotton crops in almost all cotton-growing regions.