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Management Of Insect Pests In Cotton

Cotton, often referred to as “White Gold” is one of the most important cash and fibre crop of India and plays a dominant role in agricultural and industrial economy of the country. India stands 1st in the world with cotton acreage with around 120.55 lakh hectares area under cotton cultivation. India produces about 5.34 million metric tonnes which is 21% of world cotton production in the year 2021 – 22. India exports about 0.68 million metric tonnes i.e., 7% of world export in the year 2021 – 22. Cotton is used to produce a wide range of products, including clothing, textiles, and medical supplies. The cotton industry also provides employment opportunities to millions of people in India, both in the farming and manufacturing sectors. 

Insect pests infesting cotton can cause significant damage to the crop, leading to lower yields and economic losses. Sucking pests, leaf feeders and bollworms cause serious damage to cotton crops which if not managed at right time would lead to 40 – 50% of crop loss 

Cultivated species of cotton: Gossypium arboreum, Gossypium herbaceum, Gossypium hirsutum, Gossypium barbadense 

Insect Pests in Cotton

1. American Bollworm:

Scientific name of American Bollworm: Helicoverpa armigera 

Damage stage of insect: Larva 

Stage of occurrence: All stages 

Symptoms of American Bollworm in cotton: 

  • Larva feeds on leaves, squares, flowers and small bolls 
  • Larva feeds on the leaves initially and later bore on to the square/boll by thrusting their head alone inside, leaving their rest of their body outside 
  • Affected bolls shows large, circular holes at the base with presence of excreted frass outside bore hole 
  • Single larva can damage 30 – 40 fruiting forms / bolls 
  • Shedding of affected squares and bolls 

Favourable conditions for American Bollworm infestation in cotton: 

Continuous cropping, monocropping, presence of crop debris, excessive use of nitrogenous fertilizers are some of the conditions favourable for American bollworm infestation.  

ETL: 1 egg or 1 larva per plant 

Management of American Bollworm in cotton: 

Product name  Technical content  Dosage (per lit water) 
Mechanical Management 
Tapas Helico – Cotton bollworm lure  Pheromone Lure  Funnel trap with Helio-O-lure – 6 per acre 
Biological Management 
Sun Bio Hanpv  Nuclear Polyhydrosis Virus 1 x 109 POB (Polyhedral Occluded Bodies)  1 ml/lit water  

 

Vedagna Nobor (Bio insecticide)  Natural extracts  2.5 to 3 ml/lit water 
Delfin Insecticide  Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki  1 gm/lit water 
Control TRM Bio-pesticide  Organic blend of botanical extracts    2 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Benevia Insecticide  Cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD  1.5 ml/lit water 
Cigna Insecticide  Lufenuron 5.4 % EC  2 ml/lit water 
Starclaim Insecticide  Emamectin benzoate 5% SG  0.5 gm/lit water 
Delegate insecticide  Spinetoram 11.7% SC  0.9 – 1 ml/lit water 
Plethora Insecticide  Novaluron 5.25% + Indoxacarb 4.5% SC  2 ml/lit water 
Rimon Insecticide  Novaluron 10 % EC  2 ml/lit water 
Fluton Insecticide  Flubendiamide 20% WG  0.5 gm/lit water 
Vesticor Insecticide    Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 % SC  0.3 ml/lit water 

2. Pink Bollworm:

Scientific name of Pink Bollworm: Pectinophoro gossypiella

Damage stage of insect: Larva

Stage of occurrence: Crop mid stage to end of the crop stage 

Symptoms of Pink Bollworm in cotton:  

  • Larvae feeds on flower buds, flowers and bore into cotton bolls 
  • Typical symptom of pink bollworm attack is “Rosetted flowers 
  • Larvae feeds on floral parts and the affected flowers do not open i.e blind flowers  
  • The burrowed holes are plugged by excreta of larvae due to their feeding inside seed kernels 
  • It bores into bolls, through the lint and feeds on the cotton seeds 
  • Premature dropping of infested buds and immature bolls 
  • Seeds are destroyed and lint gets discoloured 

Favourable conditions for Pink Bollworm infestation in cotton:  

Frequent irrigation, high fertilizer application, monocropping, non-synchronization in sowing time in nearby field and delayed agronomic practices are some favourable conditions for pink bollworm infestation. 

ETL: 10% of damaged flowers or bolls 

Management of Pink Bollworm in cotton: 

Product name  Technical content  Dosage (per lit water) 
Mechanical Management 
Tapas Pink Bollworm Lure  Pheromone lure  Funnel trap with Gulabi fly lure at 6/acre 
Biological Management 
Amruth Organic Almid Liquid  Metarhizium anisopliae  2 ml/lit water 
Multiplex Metarhizium  Metarhizium anisopliae  1 ml/lit water 
Katyayani Organic Larvicide  Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki  10 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Proclaim Insecticide  Emamectin Benzonate 5%SG  0.4 gm/lit water 
Nagata Insecticide  Ethion 40% + Cypermethrin 5% EC  2.5 ml/ lit water 
Ampligo  Chlorantraniliprole (10 %) + Lambdacyhalothrin (5%) ZC  0.5 ml/lit water 
Tracer Insecticide  Spinosad 44.03% SC  0.5 ml/lit water 
Greenovate Miyogi Insecticide  Chlorpyrifos 50% + Cypermethrin 5% EC  2 ml/lit water 
Kemcron Insecticide  Profenophos 50 % EC  1.5-2 ml/lit water 

3. Tobacco Caterpillar

Scientific name of Tobacco Caterpillar: Spodoptera litura

Damage stage of insect: Larva

Stage of occurrence: Occurs throughout the crop period

Symptoms of Tobacco Caterpillar: 

  • Larva feeds gregariously on the leaves and skeletonize them leaving only the veins and midrib 
  • Skeletonization results in ‘Papery appearance’ of leaves 
  • Larva feeds on the leaves and bolls by making holes leading to defoliation of leaves and shedding of bolls 
  • In case of severe infestation, only stem and side shoots can be seen standing in the field without any leaf or bolls 

Favourable conditions for Tobacco Caterpillar infestation in cotton : 

Warm and humid climate, late sowing, monocropping, poor irrigation management and lack of natural predators can create favourable conditions for tobacco caterpillar infestation. 

ETL: 8 egg masses per 100-meter row 

Management of Tobacco Caterpillar infestation in cotton: 

Product name  Technical content  Dosage (per lit water) 
Mechanical Management 
Tapas Tobacco Caterpillar Lure  Pheromone lure  Funnel trap with Spodo-O-lure at 6/acre 
Biological Management 
Terra Pillar (Bio insecticide)  Herbal formulation of Annona squamosa, Citus limon, Neem oil and Piper nigrum  50 ml per 15 lit water 
All Bata Royal Larvend (Bio Larvicide)  Plant derived solution 

 

2 ml/lit water 
Sun Bio SLNPV (Bio insecticide)  Spodoptera litura Nuclear Polyhydrosis Virus 1 x 109 POB (Polyhedral Occluded Bodies)  1 ml/lit water   
Delfin Insecticide  Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki  1 gm/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Benevia Insecticide  Cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD  1.5 ml/lit water 
Katyayani Chakrawarti  Thiamethoxam 12.6% + Lambda cyhalothrin 9.5% ZC  0.4 ml/lit water 
Largo Insecticide  Spinetoram 11.7% SC  0.9 ml/lit water 
Fluton Insecticide  Flubendiamide 20% WG  0.5 gm/lit water 
Godrej Gracia Insecticide   Fluxametamide 10% EC  0.8 ml/lit water 
Starclaim Insecticide  Emamectin benzoate 5% SG  0.5 gm/lit water 
Keefun Insecticide  Tolfenpyrad 15% EC  2 ml/lit water 

4. Spotted Bollworm

Scientific name of Spotted Bollworm: Earias vittella & E.insulana

Damage stage of insect: Larva

Stage of occurrence: Pre-flowering to boll formation stage

Symptoms of Spotted Bollworm in cotton: 

  • Pest infestation during pre-flowering stage causes withering, drying and drooping of terminal shoots 
  • Larva feeds on squares and bolls by making holes and destroys the boll by eating the seeds and filling them with excrement (rotting) 
  • Causes flaring up of bracts 
  • Shedding of affected squares and young bolls 

Favourable conditions for Spotted Bollworm infestation in cotton: 

High temperature (20-30°C), heavy rainfall, late planting and lack of crop rotation can create favourable conditions for spotted bollworm infestation in cotton plants. 

ETL: 10% infested shoots or squares or bolls 

Management of Spotted Bollworm in cotton:  

Product name  Technical content  Dosage (per lit water) 
Biological Management 
Multiplex Metarhizium  Metarhizium anisopliae  1 ml/lit water 
Katyayani Organic Larvicide  Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki Bio Larvicide  10 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Starthane Super Insecticide  Acephate 75% SP  1.75-2.5ml/lit water 
Kri-Star 5 Insecticide  Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG  0.2 – 0.4 gm/lit water 
Delegate Insecticide  Spinetoram 11.7% SC  0.9 – 1 ml/lit water 
Cover Insecticide  Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC  0.3 ml/lit water 
Koranda Insecticide  Chlorpyrifos 50% + Cypermethrin 5% EC  250-300 ml water 
Nagata Insecticide  Ethion 40% + Cypermethrin 5% EC  2.5 ml/lit water 
Profex Super Insecticide  Profenophos 40% + Cypermethrin 4% EC  1 – 3 ml/lit water 

5. Cotton Aphids

Scientific name of Cotton Aphid: Aphis gossypii

Damage stage of insect: Nymph and adult

Stage of occurrence: Early growth stages

Symptoms of Cotton Aphids: 

  • Tender shoots and undersurface of the leaves are mostly infested 
  • Downward curling and crinkling appearance of leaves 
  • They suck the sap and causes stunted growth 
  • Development of sooty mould due to honeydew secretion giving a dark appearance to plants 
  • In case of severe infestation, it causes blighted appearance resulting in death of the plants. 

Favourable conditions for Cotton Aphids infestation:  

Presence of host plants, high temperature and high humidity, high nitrogen fertilization, dense planting, insufficient moisture levels in the soil and lack of natural enemies like ladybird beetle and lacewings are some of the favourable conditions for high cotton aphids’ infestation.  

ETL: 5% of infested plant

6. Leafhopper / Jassids

Scientific name of Leafhopper/Jassids: Amrasca (biguttula biguttula) devastans

Damage stage of insect: Nymph and adult

Stage of occurrence: All stages of crop but predominantly in seedling stage

Symptoms of Leafhopper / Jassids in cotton : 

  • Nymphs and adults suck the sap from undersurface of the leaves causing yellowing of leaves 
  • Downward curling of leaves margin and reddening sets in 
  • In case of severe infestation, affected leaves turn bronze or brick red in colour, typically showing “Hopper burn” symptom 
  • Leads to stunted growth of the crop 

Favourable conditions for Jassids infestation in cotton: 

Some of the conditions which favours leafhopper infestation includes late sowing, hot and dry weather conditions, imbalanced use of nitrogen fertilizers and insufficient moisture in the field.   

ETL: 1 nymph / adult per leaf or 25% of plants in the field showing yellowing and curling symptom from the middle to upper portion of the plant 

Management of Jassids and Cotton Aphids:  

Product Name  Technical Content  Dosage (per lit water) 
Mechanical Management 
Tapas Yellow Sticky Trap  11 cm x 28 cm  4 – 6/acre 
Biological Management 
Amruth Alestra Liquid  Verticillium lecanii  2 ml/lit water 
Econeem Plus Biopesticide  Azadiractin 10000 ppm  325-480 ml water 
Chemical Management  
Battalion Insecticide  Thiamethoxam 25% WG  0.5gm/lit water 
Katyayani IMD – 178  Imidacloprid 17.8 % SL  0.25 ml/lit water 
Ulala Insecticide  Flonicamid 50 WG  0.4 gm/lit water 
Pager Insecticide  Diafenthiuron 50% WP  1 gm/lit water 
Hifield AG Pyramid Insecticide  Acetamaprid 20% SP  0.5gm/lit water 
Osheen Insecticide  Dinotefuran 20 % SG  0.6 – 0.8 gm/lit water 
Ulala Insecticide  Flonicamid 50 WG  0.3 – 0.4 gm/lit water 

To know more about Jassids – Easy & cost-effective ways to control Leaf Hoppers in Cotton Crops 

 7. Thrips

Scientific name of Thrips: Thrips tabaci

Damage stage of insect : Nymph and adult

Stage of occurrence: Vegetative stage

Symptoms of Thrips in Cotton: 

  • Nymph and adult scrap the tissue and suck the sap from the epidermis of the leaves 
  • This causes shriveling and curling up of leaves 
  • Silvery shine can be seen on the undersurface of the leaves 
  • This pest also as a vector of ‘Tobacco Streak Virus’ in cotton 

Favourable conditions for Thrips infestation in cotton:  

High temperature of about 25 – 30°C, excessive moisture in the soil, early planting, high dose of nitrogen fertilizer application and presence of alternate hosts are some of the favourable conditions for incidence of thrips infestation in cotton field. 

ETL: 1 nymph / adult per leaf  

Management of Thrips in cotton: 

Product name  Technical content  Dosage (per lit water) 
Mechanical Management 
Tapas Yellow Sticky Trap  22 cm x 28 cm  6 – 8/acre 
Biological Management 
Pesto Raze Bio-insecticide  Botanical Extracts  2 ml/lit water 
Control TRM Bio-pesticide  Organic blend of botanical extracts    2 ml/lit water 
Econeem Plus  Azadiractin 10000 ppm  2 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Summit Insecticide  Spinetoram 11.7 % SC  0.5- 1ml/lit water 
Admire Insecticide  Imidacloprid 70% WG  0.3 gm/lit water 
Karate Insecticide  Lambdacyhalothrin 5% EC  1.5 ml/lit water 
Nurelle D Insecticide  Chlorpyriphos 50% + Cypermethrin 5% EC  2 ml/lit water 
Katyayani Thioxam  Thiamethoxam 25% WG  0.4 gm/lit water  
Shinzen Plus Insecticide  Fipronil 5 % SC  3 gm/lit water 
Osheen Insecticide  Dinotefuran 20 % SG  0.6 – 0.8 gm/lit water 
Marshal Insecticide  Carbosulfan 25% EC  2.5 ml/lit water 

8. Whitefly

Scientific name of Whitefly: Bemisia tabaci

Damage stage of insect: Nymph and adult

Stage of occurrence: All crop stages

Symptoms of Whitefly in cotton: 

  • Irregular yellowing (Chlorotic spots) of leaf tissue 
  • Severe infestation leads to premature defoliation 
  • Development of sooty mould due to honeydew secretion 
  • It causes poor boll opening and shedding of affected buds and bolls 
  • It transmits “Leaf curl virus” disease in cotton 

Favourable conditions for Whitefly infestation in cotton: 

High temperature (27 – 32°C), High humidity, lack of natural enemies, presence of alternate host Abutilon indicum, Solanum nigrum and Hibiscus, late sowing, imbalance fertilizer application can increase the chance of whitefly infestation in cotton. 

ETL: 5 – 10 nymph/leaf 

Management of Whitefly in cotton: 

Product Name  Technical Content  Dosage (per lit water) 
Mechanical Management 
Tapas Yellow Sticky Trap  11 cm x 28 cm  4 – 6/acre 
Biological Management 
Amruth Alestra Liquid   Verticillium lecanii  2 ml/lit water 
T.Stanes Nimbecidine  Azardiractin 300 PPM (EC formulation)  5 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Karate Insecticide  Lambdacyhalothrin 5% EC  1.5 ml/lit water 
Lancer Gold Insecticide  Acephate 50 % + Imidacloprid 1.8 % SP  0.4 ml/lit water  
Greenovate Miyogi  Chlorpyrifos 50% + Cypermethrin 5% EC  2 ml/lit water 
Tychi Insecticide  Tolfenpyrad 15% EC  2 ml/lit water 
Oberon Insecticide  Spiromesifen 22.9 % SC   0.3 ml/lit water 
Pager Insecticide  Diafenthiuron 50% WP  1.2 gm/lit water 
Ulala Insecticide  Flonicamid 50 WG  0.3 gm/lit water 
Actara Insecticide  Thiamethoxam 25 % WG  0.5 gm/lit water 
Tatamida SL Insecticide  Imidacloprid 17.8% SL  1-2ml/lit water 
Kaitaku Insecticide  Acetamiprid 20 % SP  0.1 – 0.2 ml/lit 

9. Mealybug

Scientific name of mealybug: Phenacoccus solan

Damage stage of insect: Nymph and Female adult

Stage of occurrence: All crop stages but predominant during vegetative and early flowering stage

Symptoms of Mealybug in cotton: 

  • White fluffy mass of mealybugs can be seen on the underside of the leaves, near growing tips and stems with waxy secretions 
  • Plants infested during vegetative stage shows distorted or bushy shoots and crinkled or twisted bunchy leaves 
  • Affects the growing parts leading to under developed flowers producing small deformed bolls  
  • Presence of honeydew secretion which causes black sooty mould development 
  • Affected plants appear sick and black showing burnt appearance 

Favourable conditions for Mealybug infestation in cotton: 

Presence of alternate host, warm and humid climate, uncleaned equipment or tools, imbalanced fertilizer usage, lack of crop rotation, flooded conditions, presence of ants and lack of field sanitation favours mealybug infestation in cotton. 

ETL: 3 – 4 Nos/leaf 

Management of Mealybug in cotton: 

Product Name  Technical Content  Dosage (per lit water) 
Mechanical Management 
Tapas Yellow Sticky Trap  11 cm x 28 cm  4 – 6/acre 
Biological Management 
Amruth Alestra Liquid   Verticillium lecanii  2 ml/lit water 
Kaybee Mealy Raze (Bio Pesticide)  Natural Extracts  2 ml/lit water 
Control TRM Bio-pesticide  Organic blend of botanical extracts    2 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management  
Sivanto Bayer Insecticide  Flupyradifurone  2 ml/lit water 
Cropnosys Chivas Insecticide Granules  Thiamethoxam 25 % WG  0.3-0.5 gm water 
Hunk Insecticide  Acephate 95% SG  1-1.5gm/lit water 
Confidor Insecticide  Imidacloprid 200 SL (17.8 % w/w)  0.75 to 1 ml/lit water 
Hifield AG Pyramid Insecticide  Acetamaprid 20% SP  0.5gm/lit water 
Token Insecticide  Dinotefuran 20% SG  0.2 – 0.3 gm/lit water 
Curacron Insecticide  Profenofos 50% EC  4 ml/lit water 

10. Mites:

Scientific names of Mite:

  • Red Spider Mite – Tetranychus neocaledonicus
  • Wolly Mite – Aceria gossypii
  • Yellow Mite/Broad Mite – Polyphagotarsonemus latus

Damage stage of insect: Nymph and adults

Stage of occurrence: All crop stages

Symptoms of Mites in cotton: 

  • Fine webbings can be seen on the undersurface of the leaves 
  • Mites puncture the leaf tissues from under surface and feed on the sap 
  • Removal of plant sap with chlorophyll and other pigments results in reddish bronze discolouration on the leaves (Red spider mite) 
  • Presence of whitish hair arising on both surface of leaf (Wolly mite) 
  • Leaf turn upward, become brittle and results in stunted growth (Yellow mite) 
  • Causes withering and shedding of affected leaves 

Favourable conditions for Mite infestation in cotton: 

High temperature and low humidity level, lack of field sanitation, dusty conditions in the field and water stress conditions i.e., over-irrigation or under-irrigation can increase the chances of Mite infestation. 

ETL: 10 mites per sq meter 

Management of Mites in cotton: 

Product name  Technical content  Dosage (per lit water) 
Biological Management 
Control TRM Bio-pesticide  Organic blend of botanical extracts    Foliar: 1.5 to 2ml/lit water 
Royal Clear Mite  100% derived from plant extracts  2 ml/lit water 
R Mite Bio Acaricide  Plant extracts  1 – 2 ml/ lit water 
PerfoMite  Phyto-extracts – 30%, Enzyme extracts – 5%, Chitin Dissolvers  2 ml / 1 lit water 
Chemical Management 
Oberon Insecticide    Spiromesifen 22.9% SC   0.3 ml /lit water 
Abacin Insecticide  Abamectin 1.9% EC  0.7 ml /lit water 
Maiden Insecticide  Hexythiazox 5.45% EC  1 ml /lit water 
Intrepid insecticide  Chlorfenapyr 10% SC  2 ml/lit water 
Danitol Insecticide  Fenpropathrin 10% EC  1.5 ml/lit water 
MIT Plus Insecticide  Ethion 40%+ Cypermethrin 5% EC  2.5 ml/lit water 

11. Red cotton bug

Scientific name of Red cotton Bug: Dysdercus cingulatus

Damage stage of insect: Nymph and adult

Stage of occurrence: Reproductive stage

Symptoms of Red cotton bug in cotton: 

  • Nymph and adults suck the sap of the plant as well as the bolls 
  • It causes red stains on the lint and hence called as ‘cotton boll stainers 
  • Inner boll wall have water-soaked spots and leads to rotting of bolls 
  • Affected seeds loses viability 
  • Staining of fibre at the site of injury is due to entry of the bacterium Nematospora gossypii 

Favourable conditions for Red cotton bug in cotton: 

Late planting, high temperature of above 27°C, drought stress, weed source, previous crop’s residues or presence of mulches and lack of natural enemieslike spiders and ants create conditions for red cotton bug infestation. 

ETL: 10 – 15 bugs/100 plants or per m2 area 

Management of Red cotton bug in cotton: 

Product Name  Technical content   Dosage (per lit water) 
Biological Management 
Greenpeace Neemol (10000 PPM) Bio Neem Oil Insecticide   Neem Oil extracts (Azardiractin)  1-2 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Benevia Insecticide  Cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD  1.5 ml/lit water 
Asataf Insecticide  Acephate 75% SP  1-1.5gm/lit water 
Anant Insecticide  Thiamethoxam 25 % WG  0.3 – 0.5 gm /lit water 
Anshul Chlocip  Chlorpyriphos 50% + Cypermethrin 5% EC  2ml/lit water 

NOTE:

  • Economic Threshold Level (ETL) – It is the population density at which the control measures need to be determined to prevent the increasing pest population 
  • By checking the ETL level in the field, the above mentioned pest management approaches can be taken up to control the pest, to reduce the risk of infestation and to minimize the crop loss in the future. 
  • However, following the preventive measures are in the first place to reduce the potential risk 
  • Check the product’s description for finding the right time of insecticide application.

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