Sure, here’s an article on how to control whitefly and thrips in cotton crop:
Cotton is a cash crop that is cultivated for its fiber worldwide. However, pests pose a threat to cotton yield and quality, of which whitefly and thrips are major culprits. These insects are responsible for the losses incurred in hundreds of thousands of dollars annually by cotton farmers. Whitefly and thrips infestation can affect cotton plants from seedling stage to harvesting, leading to considerable damages and economic losses.
Controlling whitefly and thrips in cotton crop should start early and should be a continuous process until harvesting. Here are some control measures farmers can apply to manage whitefly and thrips infestations in cotton crop.
1. Cultural practices
Cultural practices such as crop rotation, deep ploughing, selection of resistant/tolerant cotton varieties, planting gap reduction, timely crop maintenance, and weed control are effective in managing whitefly and thrips infestations in cotton crop. They reduce the population and breeding grounds for both pests.
2. Insecticides
Insecticides are the most commonly used control measures to manage pests. They are used for controlling the adult stage of whitefly and thrips. Insecticides should be applied when the pest population reaches the economic threshold limit (ETL). The ETL for whitefly and thrips is 4 to 6 adults or larvae per leaf. Farmers should adhere to recommended application rates and practices to avoid resistance development by the pests.
3. Biopesticides
Biopesticides such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, and plant extracts can be used as an alternative control measure against pests. They are environment-friendly and have no effects on non-target organisms. Biopesticides have dual roles of being effective pest control measures and biofertilizers.
4. Resistant cotton varieties
Planting cotton varieties that are resistant to whitefly and thrips is an excellent way of managing pests infestation. Resistant cotton plants possess defense mechanisms that prevent the pests’ infestation and multiplication. Planting resistant cotton varieties saves farmers from the cost of buying insecticides, which reduces the environmental impact and exposure of farmers to the hazardous chemicals in insecticides.
5. Monitoring and scouting
Farmers should regularly monitor the crop for whitefly and thrips infestation and assess the level of damage caused. Consistent monitoring and early detection of the pests’ infestation with yellow sticky traps reduce the damages caused by the pests and the number of insecticide applications.
In conclusion, farmers can control whitefly and thrips infestation in cotton crop by employing cultural practices, using insecticides and biopesticides, planting resistant cotton varieties, and monitoring the crop for pests’ infestation. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is recommended as it applies all the methods mentioned above. Farmers are also advised to adhere to recommended practices when applying insecticides to avoid resistance development.