MANAGEMENT OF PINK BOLLWORM PECTINOPHORA GOSSYPIELLA (SAUNDERS) IN COTTON

Abstract

Demonstrations were conducted to assess the damage potential caused by the pink bollworm Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) and its management strategies were worked out through technology demonstration and check (farmer’s practice). Results revealed that >10% rosette flowers were observed, starting from 36th standard meteorological week (SMW) up to 2nd SMW except during 49th to 52nd SMW. In contrast, in control, maximum incidence was during October Ist fortnight (25.92%). Incidence of larvae on green bolls of Bt cotton was noticed from first fortnight of September (36th SMW) (8.4 larvae/ 50 bolls) with a peak during the second fortnight of December (51st and 52nd SMW) (19.2 larvae /50 bolls); the green boll damage ranged from 8.9 to 18.4 with a mean of 14.72% in treatment and 12.6 to 20.8 with a mean of 28.38% in control, respectively. Significantly higher income was obtained with the technology demonstrated plots, with high benefit cost ratio.