As cotton is one of the most important cash crops in the world, it is imperative to protect it from pests such as whiteflies and thrips to attain maximum yields. The cotton plants affected by these pests ultimately result in reduced yields, so it is important to learn how to control these bugs. In this article, we will discuss how to control whitefly and thrips in cotton.
Before diving into the strategies to combat white fly and thrips, it is essential to know how to identify these pests. Whitefly is known to cause significant problems in cotton crops, characterized by yellowing of leaves, decreased growth, and loss of fruiting. Thrips, on the other hand, feed on various parts of cotton plants, including the flowers, buds, and young fruits, which leads to reduced yields.
Controlling White Fly in Cotton:
One of the most effective ways of controlling whitefly infestations in cotton plants is to apply insecticides. Insecticides such as buprofezin, acetamiprid, and thiacloprid can be applied to attain maximum results. These insecticides are systemic and contact pesticides that can be sprayed directly on the plants or applied to the soil. However, before applying an insecticide, it is essential to follow instructions on the label to avoid overdosing.
Another effective way of controlling whitefly in cotton is to eliminate weeds in the field as they act as breeding sites. Insecticides can also be used on weeds to eliminate them as they could be the source of the pest population.
Controlling Thrips in Cotton:
Controlling thrips in cotton requires a comprehensive approach, which includes monitoring and evaluation of the infestation level. One of the best methods of control is the use of insecticides such as imidacloprid, chlorpyrifos, and acephate. These insecticides can be applied directly to the plants or to the soil.
In addition to using insecticides, crop rotation, and the elimination of weed plants are also effective in thrips control. As thrips are capable of living up to two years, farmers can rotate crops, especially those that are not sensitive to thrips infestations. This method limits the growth of thrips as they fail to find their host plants and die off.
Another effective method of controlling thrips is by introducing natural predators, such as the minute pirate bug (Orius insidiosus). These beneficial insects feed on thrips, thus reducing their population in cotton crops.
In conclusion, controlling whitefly and thrips in cotton requires a comprehensive approach, which involves monitoring the infestation levels, applying insecticides, eliminating weeds and introducing natural predators. By implementing these methods, farmers can significantly reduce the damage caused by these pests, thus maximizing yields.