Cotton is one of the most important commercial crops grown worldwide. It is the main source of raw material for the textile industry. However, cotton cultivation faces a plethora of pest problems due to its susceptibility to attacks from various sucking pests. These pests cause significant damage to the cotton plants by feeding on the plant’s tissues, leading to stunted growth and reduced yield. In this article, we will discuss how to control sucking pest attacks in cotton crop.
Identification of Sucking Pests:
The first and foremost step in controlling the attacks of sucking pests in cotton plants is to identify the pests present in the field. The most common sucking pests that attack cotton crops are whiteflies, aphids, jassids, mealybugs, and thrips. It is essential to identify the pests accurately and identify the stages of their development to use appropriate control measures.
Cultural Practices:
The use of cultural practices is the first line of defense against sucking pests in cotton crops. The implementation of good agricultural practices and the use of less susceptible cotton varieties can mitigate pest infestation in cotton plants.
In addition, crop rotation, timely sowing, and intercropping can effectively reduce pest population. Mulching, weed management, and proper irrigation can also help reduce pest incidence in the field.
Biological Control:
Biological control of pests is another effective and eco-friendly approach to control sucking pest attacks in cotton crops. The use of natural predators, parasitoids and entomopathogenic microorganisms can effectively reduce the pest population.
Lady beetles, lacewing, parasitic wasps, and predatory mites are some of the natural predators that feed on the pests in cotton crops. The use of biopesticides like Bacillus thuringiensis, Beauveria bassiana, and Metarhizium anisopliae can help reduce pest population effectively.
Chemical Control:
The use of insecticides is still the most common practice to control sucking pests in cotton. However, over-reliance on chemical pesticides can lead to the development of resistance in pests, which can become more harmful.
It is essential to use insecticides judiciously and as a last resort for control. The use of selective insecticides can help control the pest population without harming the natural predators in the field.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the control of sucking pests in cotton crops is essential for the production of healthy crops and better yields. The adoption of cultural practices, biological control, and judicious use of insecticides can help mitigate the pest infestation in the field. It is crucial to monitor the pest incidence regularly and use a combination of control measures for effective pest management in cotton crops.