Cultural Control Practices in Cotton Pest Management in Tropical Africa

Abstract

Insect pests are a major constraint in cotton production in Africa. The role of cultural practices, especially in the management of cotton pests in Africa is examined. Some cultural practices such as early planting after the closed season, stalk destruction and resistant varieties have played an extremely vital role in the management of some major cotton pests such as red bollworm (Diparopsis castanea), pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) and cotton jassid (Empoasca sp.) respectively. The cultural practices can be easily integrated with other practices and thus have a tremendous potential for the management of other cotton pests in many countries. They can reduce the usage of insecticides to sustain cotton production in Africa, especially at small-scale farms. However, some cultural techniques remain under utilized. More research and adoption of culturally-oriented insect pest management of cotton in tropical Africa is stressed.