Pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) is a serious pest that affects cotton crops. The name “pink bollworm” refers to the pinkish hue of its larvae, which are caterpillars responsible for the most significant damage to cotton plants. It primarily infests the buds, flowers and bolls, causing substantial economic losses for cotton farmers.  This pest is most active during the fruiting period of the cotton plant. It is expected to cause yield loss of more than 50%, if not managed.  

Explore valuable insights into identifying pink bollworm infestation, accompanied by effective integrated pest management strategies. Also, discover how Bt cotton delivers a knockout blow to pink bollworm, reducing reliance on chemical insecticides and safeguarding your cotton crops.  

Symptoms of Pink Bollworm in Cotton

• Pink bollworm larvae bore into the cotton bolls and feed on the seeds and lint inside, leaving holes and tunneling marks. 
• The entry holes created by the larvae provide entry points for bacteria and fungi, leading to secondary infections. 
• They also feed on the flower buds and the affected flowers do not open, giving ‘rosette appearance’. 
• The larvae may create silken webbing within the cotton bolls. This webbing can be visible inside the bolls or between damaged bolls, indicating their presence. 
• The larvae and pupae can be found inside the bolls, and they are often pink in colour. 
• The burrowed holes are plugged by excreta (frass) of larvae due to their feeding inside seed kernels. 
• Infested bolls may open prematurely before reaching maturity. This exposes the seeds and lint to further damage from pests and environmental factors. 
• Premature dropping of infested buds and immature bolls. 
• It bores into bolls, through the lint and feeds on the cotton seeds. The seeds are destroyed and lint gets discoloured. 

Economic Threshold Level (ETL) 

If you observe 10% of affected flowers (rosette flowers) or 10% of green bolls with damage (at least 2 bolls out of 20 showing white or pink larvae or exit holes), or if you capture 8 moths per night in a pheromone trap for three consecutive days. 

(*ETL – It is the pest population density or crop damage level at which the control measures need to be determined to prevent the increasing pest population) 

Effective Management Strategies to control Pink Bollworm in Cotton 

Cultural Control

• Grow resistant varieties such as Bhakti cotton, Asha NCS 9011 BT-2 hybrid cotton seed. 
• Deep plough the soil during summer to expose and kill the pupa. 
• Crop rotation with soybean, maize or sorghum in alternate years can help to break pest’s lifecycle. 
• Plant early maturing cotton varieties to avoid the peak season of pink bollworm infestation. 
• Sow 5 rows of non-Bt cotton seeds at the borders. These will act as trap crop and attract the pink bollworms. 

Mechanical Control

• Destroy crop debris immediately after harvesting. 
• Remove and destroy alternate host of pink bollworm like okra. 
• Collect and dispose the fallen flowers, squares and bolls in the field.  
• Set up pheromone traps from 45 days after sowing or at flowering stage to till harvesting for monitoring the moth activity of pink bollworm.  
• For this purpose, install 6 – 7 Tapas Pink Bollworm lure with Funnel trap or 10 – 12 Gaiagen Pink Bollworm Lure & Insect Funnel trap for 1 acre field. This helps in mass trapping and destruction of pink bollworm. 

Biological Control

• Spray neem oil (5 ml/lit of water), 60 days after sowing.

Enhance pink bollworm control by spraying any of these biological agents in your cotton field at regular intervals; 

Chemical Control

Initiate chemical control methods only when the pest population exceeds the economic threshold level (ETL). Avoid continuous use of chemical pesticide sprays and instead employ them in a rotational manner based on necessity.  

(*Note: Check the product’s label to follow the right time of application. Use a combination of cultural, mechanical and biological measures along with chemical control for effective management.) 

Learn How to Manage Other Major Insect Pests in Cotton – Click here

Ever wondered about the role of genetically modified Bt cotton in controlling pink bollworm? 

Bt cotton contains genes from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) bacterium, producing proteins (Cry toxins) toxic to pink bollworm and other pests. When pink bollworm larvae consume Bt cotton, these proteins disrupt their digestion and cause their death. The targeted action of these proteins minimizes the use of broad-spectrum insecticides, reducing harm to beneficial insects and environmental risks. 

Bt cotton reduces pink bollworm damage and improves cotton yields in affected regions. However, continuous monitoring and resistance management are vital to ensure their long-term effectiveness. Over time, pink bollworm can develop resistance to the Cry toxins produced by Bt cotton with continuous exposure. Therefore, proper practices, such as planting refuges of non-Bt cotton, are encouraged to prevent or delay the development of resistance in pink bollworm populations. 

The sugarcane top shoot borer, scientifically known as Scirpophaga excerptalis, is a notorious pest that poses a significant threat to sugarcane crops worldwide. Its larvae tunnel into the sugarcane stalks, feeding on the tender growing points and causing severe damage. If left unchecked, this pest can wreak havoc on your entire harvest, leading to a 21 to 37% reduction in cane yield and financial losses. This article will provide you with practical strategies to manage and control the top shoot borers population. 

Adult moth of top shoot borer can be identified by its silvery white wings with feathery tips. Mature larvae are creamy white in color without stripes. Young plants are more susceptible to top shoot borer attack especially in humid environments.  

Type of Infestation

The larvae of the top shoot borer infest the sugarcane plant by boring into the emerging leaves and stem, causing shot holes and dead heart symptoms. 

Scientific Name: Scirpophaga excerptalis  

Most Affected States Due to Sugarcane Top Shoot Borer

The exact distribution of top shoot borer in India is not well documented. However, they are major pests of sugarcane crops and are likely present in sugarcane-growing regions of the country. 

Symptoms of Sugarcane Top Shoot Borer

• Larvae are mainly found in the apical portion of canes, which borers into the growing point and sucks the sap from stem causing dead heart symptoms. 
• Dead hearts in grown up canes cannot be easily pulled out. 
• A parallel row of shot holes in the emerging leaves can be seen. 
• Red tunnels in the midrib of leaves can be observed. 
• Due to the growth of side shoots, the plant shows a bunchy top appearance. 

Sugarcane Top Shoot Borer Control Measures

If you are worried about these sugarcane top shoot borer infestations, you should consider an integrated management strategy to control the pest population. Here are some effective measures that can help control sugarcane top shoot borers: 

Cultural Measures

• Grow resistant/tolerant sugarcane varieties like CO 419, CO 745, CO 6516, CO 859, CO 1158 and CO 7224. 
• Adopt paired row method of planting sugarcane. 
• Avoid applying excessive quantity of nitrogenous fertilizers. 
• Do not cultivate maize or sorghum as intercrops with sugarcane. 

Physical Measures

• Install Farmoguard Solar Light Trap in the sugarcane fields at the rate of one per acre to attract and kill adult top shoot borer moths. 

Mechanical Measures

• Collect and destroy the egg masses to reduce top shoot borer infestation. 
• Remove and destroy the dead hearts in the field. 
• Set up pheromone traps at the rate of 4-5 traps per acre for monitoring top shoot borers.  

Sugarcane Top Shoot Borer Biological Measures

• Encourage bio control agents like an egg parasitoid, Trichogramma chilonis, Telemonus beneficiens and larval parasitoid Goniozus indicus, Chelonus sp to keep the top shoot borer populations in check. 
• Release Ichneumonid parasitoid, Isotima javensis at the rate of 40 pairs per acre as prepupal parasitoid to control top shoot borers. 
• Biofix Agroneem contains neem seed kernel extract, which when sprayed on crops can disrupt the growth and development of top shoot borer. The recommended dosage is 1 to 1.5 ml per liter of water. 
• Anand Dr. Bacto’s Brave is an eco-friendly bio insecticide containing Beauveria bassiana which acts on the cuticle of susceptible insects and kills them by producing toxins. The recommended dosage is 2.5 ml per liter of water. 

Sugarcane Top Shoot Borer Chemical Measures

In case of severe infestations, chemical control may be necessary. Apply the following commercial chemicals to control top shoot borer infestations. 

• Cover Insecticide is a broad-spectrum insecticide which activates the ryanodine receptor, leading to contraction and paralysis of top shoot borers. Technical content in it is Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC.  The recommended dosage is 1 ml per liter of water. 
• Apply Furadan Insecticide, which contains carbofuran 3G granules on the soil at the rate of 26640 gm per acre in case of severe infestation.   
• Apply Phorate 10% CG at the rate of 12 kg per acre to effectively control top shoot borers. 

Discover more : Pest Management in Sugarcane Crop using UAL Organic Based Products.

Are you a sugarcane farmer concerned about the impact of woolly aphids on your crops? If so, you’re not alone. Woolly aphids are a significant threat to sugarcane crops, and their infestation can lead to reduced yield and quality. Woolly aphids infestations are particularly severe in tropical and subtropical regions. Do you know? This woolly aphid can cause loss of up to 26% in sugarcane yield and reduce sucrose content of sugarcane even up to 53 % if not managed properly. By following the strategies outlined in this article, you can detect and manage woolly aphids promptly, ensuring the sustainability and profitability of your sugarcane production. 

They are small insects with nymphs yellow in color. You can characterize them by their white, thick and fluffy wax covering. Early rainy season and dry season with high humidity provides a conducive environment for woolly aphid infestation. 

Type of Infestation

Sugarcane woolly aphids are a type of sap feeder, which feeds on the sap of sugarcane plants. 

Scientific Name: Ceratovacuna lanigera  

Most Affected States

Sugarcane woolly aphid are known to be a serious pest of Maharashtra and Karnataka. However, it is also affecting Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Uttaranchal and Bihar. 

Symptoms of Sugarcane Woolly Aphids

Here are some indicators that can help you quickly identify a woolly aphid infestation in your sugarcane fields: 

• You can find both nymphs and adults sucking the cell sap on the lower surface of the sugarcane leaves. 
• Due to sap sucking, the leaves exhibit yellowing and drying from the tip along the margins. 
• Infested leaves become brittle and dry out completely. 
• Sooty mould growth can be observed on the infested leaves, which is the result of honey dew secreted by woolly aphids. 

Sugarcane Woolly Aphids Control Measures

Have you observed any of the above listed symptoms in your sugarcane fields? If yes, why wait any longer? It’s crucial to take action promptly. 

Cultural Measures

• Adopt paired or wider row method of planting sugarcane. 
• Do not use the infested canes as seed material for planting and avoid transporting them. 
• Detrash the canes in case of severe infestation. 
• Avoid ratooning crops to reduce woolly aphid infestation. 
• Avoid applying excessive dozes of nitrogenous fertilizers and provide proper drainage. 

Mechanical Measures

• Collect and destroy the infested canes 
• Tapas Yellow Sticky Traps at the rate of 6-8 traps per acre can be used for the effective control of sugarcane woolly aphids. 

Sugarcane Woolly Aphids Biological Measures

• Encourage natural predators like Diapha aphidivora, Ishchiodon scutellaris, Episyrphus baleatus, Chrysopa sp, Coccinella septempunctata etc. to keep the wooly aphid population in check. 
• Also release Encarsia flavoscutellum, which is a potential parasitoid of sugarcane woolly aphids.  
• Katyayani Activated Neem Oil Biopesticide contains activated azadirachtin which when used at the rate of 5ml per liter water with a 12-day interval between each spray can effectively control sugarcane woolly aphids. 
• Amruth Alestra Liquid (Bio Insecticide) contains strains of naturally occurring entomopathogenic fungus Verticillium lecanii which comes in contact with the cuticle of the aphids and colonizes them. The recommended dosage is 2 ml per liter of water. 
• Amruth Almax Liquid is a biological insecticide containing naturally occurring entomo pathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana which comes in contact with the cuticle of the target insect and kills them. The recommended dosage is 2-3 ml per liter of water. 

Sugarcane Woolly Aphids Chemical Measures

Are you aware of commonly used insecticides for controlling sugarcane woolly aphids? Some commercial chemicals that can be used for woolly aphids are mentioned below, 

Effective Management Of Sugarcane Leaf Hoppers – Read More

Sugarcane scale insect is a notorious pest that attacks sugarcane plants, causing significant economic losses to farmers and sugarcane industry. These small insects feed on the sap of sugarcane plants and their infestations can weaken and stunt the growth of plants, reducing yields and affecting the quality of final product. Estimates suggest that sugarcane scale insect can cause 32.6% reduction in cane yield if not managed properly. This article will explore the symptoms of scale insects and various control measures to manage them. 

Type of Infestation

Sugarcane scale insect is a sap sucking pest which feeds on sap of sugarcane plants. The pest is known to infest leaves, nodes and internodes of sugarcane plants and cause significant damage if left uncontrolled. 

Scientific Name: Melanaspis glomerata 

Most Affected States Due to Sugarcane Scale

Sugarcane scale insect is most commonly found in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. 

Symptoms of Sugarcane Scale

• The leaves of the infested canes show unhealthy pale green color and tip drying. 
• Severe infestation leads to yellowing of leaves. 
• Non opening of leaves occurs due to severe de-sapping. 
• An infested crop loses its vigour, experiences cane shriveling, stunted growth and significant reduction in internodal region.  
• Finally, the cane dries up and when such canes are slit open, they have a brownish-red appearance. 
• In severely affected canes, thick brown encrustations can be observed on both nodal and internodal regions. 

Sugarcane Scale Control Measures

Effective management of sugarcane scale insect requires a combination of cultural, biological and chemical control measures.   

Sugarcane Scale Cultural Measures

• Grow resistant sugarcane varieties like CO 443, CO 453, CO 671, CO 691 and CO 692. 
• Choose setts for planting that are free from scale insects. 
• Keep the sugarcane fields free from weeds. 
• Avoid water stagnation in field for longer period. 
• Detrash the sugarcane crop on the 150th and 210th day of planting. 
• Avoid repeated ratoons to reduce the sugarcane scale infestation. 

Biological Measures

• Encourage predators like Chilocorus nigritus or Pharascymnus horni to control the population of sugarcane scale insects. 
• Also release parasitoids such as Anagyrus mayurensis, Cheiloneurus sp., and predatory mites like Sancassania nuda and Tyrophagus putrescentiae to feed on scale insects. 
• Greenpeace Neemol Bio Neem Oil Insecticide contains azadirachtin which when used at the rate of 1-2ml per liter of water with 15 days interval between each spray can effectively control sugarcane scale insects. 
• Anshul Bio Finish is a broad-spectrum biopesticide containing natural plant extracts which can be sprayed to sugarcane crops for controlling scale insects. The recommended dosage is 3-5ml per liter of water. Spray the mixture at a regular interval of 10-12 days for better results. 

Sugarcane Scale Chemical Measures

Sugarcane scales can be controlled using commercial insecticides. Some of the most commonly used insecticides for controlling sugarcane scales includes, 

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