Abstract
BackgroundCotton is the most widespread, profitable non-food crop in the world. Egypt is one of the greatest countries in producing cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in the world. Many pests attacked cotton which reduced the quality and quantity of the cotton yield such as pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) and the spiny bollworm (Earias insulana) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).ResultsThe insect infestation increased significantly by delaying planting date. The fewest numbers of pests attacked cotton recorded in the earliest planting date (March 23rd) with highest weight of cotton yield. The results showed that the mean rates of infestation with pink bollworm were (2.11, 3.5, 2.33 individuals/boll) for March 23rd, April 17th and May 6th, respectively, while the mean rates of infestation with bollworm were (1.60, 2.79, 1.67 individuals/boll) for March 23rd, April 17th and May 6th, respectively.ConclusionIt was concluded that planting cotton as early as on March 23rd reduces the rate of infestation of E. insulana and P. gossypiella and increases the population of its natural enemies as well. Then, it is resulting a significant increase in the quality and quantity of the yield of cotton.
Highlights
Cotton is the most widespread, profitable non-food crop in the world
Cotton (G. hirsutum L.) is considered very important production agricultural crops in Egypt. It is infested by many insect pests limiting cotton productivity worldwide such as pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella), spiny bollworm (Earias insulana) and cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) which caused considerable damage of both quantity and quality (Vonzun et al 2019)
In Zimbabwe, the heavy losses on the cotton yield are accrued by cotton bollworm (H. armigera), red bollworm (D. castanea), spiny bollworm (E. insulana and E. biplaga) and pink bollworm (P. gossypiella) year after year (Mapuranga et al 2015)
Summary
Cotton is the most widespread, profitable non-food crop in the world. Egypt is one of the greatest countries in producing cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in the world. Many pests attacked cotton which reduced the quality and quantity of the cotton yield such as pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) and the spiny bollworm (Earias insulana) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Cotton (G. hirsutum L.) is considered very important production agricultural crops in Egypt. It is infested by many insect pests limiting cotton productivity worldwide such as pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella), spiny bollworm (Earias insulana) and cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) which caused considerable damage of both quantity and quality (Vonzun et al 2019). The effectiveness of planting dates on the insect infestation level and the yield were done by Mona A. All of planting dates had significant effects on pest infestation. The early planting date resulted in lower incidence of insect pests is recommended. The early planting date resulted in lower incidence of insect pests is recommended. (Mohamed 2011, 2012; Karavina et al 2012)
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