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.
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)
Enhance pink bollworm control by spraying any of these biological agents in your cotton field at regular intervals;
Product name | Technical name | Dosage |
Multiplex Metarhizium Liquid | Metarhizium anisopliae
| 10 gm/lit of water |
Katyayani Organic Larvicide | Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki | 10 ml/lit water |
Royal Larvend | Plant extracts | 2ml/lit of water |
Tracer Insecticide | Spinosad 44.03% SC | 0.4 ml/lit of water |
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.
Product name | Technical name | Dosage |
Proclaim Insecticide or | Emamectin Benzonate 5% SG | 0.5 gm/lit of water |
EM 1 Insecticide | ||
Ekalux Insecticide | Quinalphos 25 % EC | 2 ml/lit of water |
Ampligo Insecticide | Chlorantraniliprole10 % + Lambdacyhalothrin 5% ZC | 0.5 ml/lit of water |
Takumi Insecticide | Flubendiamide 20% WG | 0.5 gm/lit of water |
Lancer Gold Insecticide | Acephate 50 % + Imidacloprid 1.8 % SP | 2 gm/lit of water |
Koranda Insecticide | Chlorpyrifos 50% + Cypermethrin 5% EC | 1.5 ml/lit of water |
Tatafen Insecticide | Fenvalerate 10 % EC | 2.5 ml/lit of water |
Gharda Kite Insecticide | Indoxacarb 14.5% + Acetamiprid 7.7% SC | 1 ml/lit of water |
(*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.)
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.
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