Bollworm Research Articles

Evaluation the Efficacy of Botanical Insecticides in Controlling Tomato Boll Worm (Helicoverpa zea) and Leaf Minor (Tuta absoluta) in WesternTigray, Ethiopia

Aim of the study was to evaluate botanical insecticides to control tomato boll worm and leaf minor in western Tigray, Ethiopia. Field experiment was conducted during 2018/2020 in main crop growing season at Humera. A total of five treatments (Green miracle, Neembicidene, Melatonin, Gm+ Neembicidene and control no sprayed) were used in the field experiment. The experiment was laid out randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The mean yield had a significant difference at (p<0.001) among the botanical insecticides. The highest mean yield was obtained from Neembicidene (348.8) followed by green miracle (195.8) Malathion (183), Malathion+GM (162.8), and control (84.2) qtha-1 respectively. The highest severity recorded from control was 85.41% for leaf severity and 71.3% for fruit severity. However, lowest recorded severity 18.73% for leaves and 4.55% for fruits were calculated from Neembicidene. The highest percent population reduction after chemical spray was recorded from Neembicidene (85.07%). Therefore, Neembicidene botanical insecticide recommended and promoted to verification trial to control tomato bollworm and leaf minor.

Study on Spatial Distribution and Occurrence of Pink Boll Worm on Cotton

An investigation was carried out to “Study on spatial distribution and occurrence of pink boll worm on cotton” under Agricultural Research Station (ARS), Adilabad, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University during Kharif, 2018 and 2019. The main objective of this study was to determine distance and migration of pink boll worm adults from ginning mill to cropping area of different location through GIS tools and the results revealed that spatial distribution of pink bollworm was found to be low in the villages which are 15 kms away from the ginning mill i.e. pheromone catches (1515 and 1267) and PBW larvae/20 bolls (13.76 % and 15.00%) and villages which are 5kms away from the ginning mill was found to be high incidence i.e. pheromone catches (2185 and 1929) and PBW larvae/20 bolls (38.14 % and 28.10%) during Kharif 2018 and 2019, respectively.

Synergistic efficacy of β-sitosterol on the growth inhibitory impacts of triflumuron on an indian strain of cotton boll worm, Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Synergistic efficacy of β-sitosterol on the growth inhibitory impacts of triflumuron on an indian strain of cotton boll worm, Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

A front-line demonstration on integrated pest management in cotton with special reference to pink boll worm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) and its economic analysis under farmer’s field conditions

A front-line demonstration on integrated pest management in cotton with special reference to pink boll worm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) and its economic analysis under farmer’s field conditions

Testing of New Strains of VT-1, VT-2, VT-3, VT-4, MVT-1, MVT-2, MVT-3, MVT-4, MVT-5. NCVT, SVT1, SVT-2, Selection and Early Generation Testing in Cotton Genotypes in Crop Year 2022-2023

lant Breeding & Genetics Section develops new cotton varieties or lines with desirable fibre traits equipped with inbuilt resistance/tolerance against insect-pest and diseases by utilizing purposeful breeding (crossing) of closely or distantly related genotypes. Plants are cross-bred to introduce traits/genes from one variety or line into a new genetic background. The promising hybrids, Bt. and non-Bt.. strains (in coded form) of all the cotton breeders of the country were evaluated under National Coordinated Variety Testing (NCVT) Program of Pakistan Central Cotton Committee. The prominent commercial varieties (Bt. and non-Bt..) were also tested for their performance under the local agro-climatic conditions of Multan zone in standard varietal trials. The breeding materials in different filial generations were screened out for selection into next generation. Major emphasis was laid on the selection of material having resistance/tolerance against biotic (Cotton Leaf Curl Virus (CLCuV),Pink boll worm etc) and abiotic factors (tolerance against heat-drought and Glyphosate etc) with excellent fibre characteristics. The genetic stock of World Cotton collections comprising of 6243 cultivars of four species of Gossypium from 41 countries of the World are being preserved for short (25 years), medium (50 years) and long (100 years) duration as well as for utilization in breeding program by cotton breeders in the country and abroad. Promising lines i.e. Bt.CIM-990 and Bt.CIM-909 developed by utilizing USDA and local cotton germplasm material were tested for second and first years respectively in NCVT. Trainings were also imparted to small farmers, progressive growers from core and non-core zones of the cotton belts along with technical staffs of different seed companies. Students from different universities were also trained thorough internship training program. Summary of above mentioned activities are given below.

Strategies for Management of Pink Boll Worm Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) in Cotton through Different Methods

The present study of experiment entitled on the strategies for management of pink boll worm Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) in cotton though different methods was conducted in famers fields as a form of Frontline Demonstration (FLD). The experiment was conducted in 30 locations in Nalgonda and Yadadri bhuvangiri distrits of Telangana during kharif 2018, 2019 and 2020 respectively. The results revealed that, due to the adoption of IPM practices in addition to good agricultural practices, the average kapas yield was high in IPM demonstration plots (1857.0 kg/ha) with 12.0% increase over the farmers’ practice (1658 kg/ha) during three years of study.
 The average gross returns of Rs.1,01,007/ha, net returns of Rs.52,027/ha, and Benefit-cost ratio of 2.05 was recorded as higher in the demonstration plot as compared to farmers practice Rs. 90,121/ha, Rs.37,430 and 1.69 respectively during the study period. The additional average net returns of Rs.14,597/ha and reduction in the cost of cultivation of Rs.1912/ha were saved per year.

Morphometrics of <i>Pectinophora gossypiella</i> (Saunders) on Cotton as Influenced by Temperature

The morphometry of life stages of the pink boll worm Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) was evaluated at four temperature levels of 20, 25, 30 and 35°C to assess the impact of temperature. Measurement of larval head capsule width, body length, body width and weight on cotton at 20°C were 0.68, 0.87, 0.98 and 1.24 mm, 2.27, 5.80, 7.46 and 10.60 mm, 1.08, 1.58, 1.68 and 2.53 mm and 0.40, 2.84, 24.42 and 64.21 mg for I, II, III and IV larval instars, respectively. The mean pupal length and weight of male and female varied significantly when reared at different temperature levels.

A Data Analytic Monitoring with IoT System of the Reproductive Conditions of the Red Worm as a Product Diversification Strategy

The Internet of Things (IoT) is becoming increasingly important due to the ability to collect data in real time and monitor the performance of systems. In this sense, the objective of the project is to create an IoT system to monitor and enhance red boll worm farming conditions in California as part of a strategy to diversify annelid-based goods. Therefore, the goal is to expand this animal’s productivity so that additional items can be made from California red worms. Furthermore, the method used implies a research design that uses an experimental approach to obtain data based on the variable conditions identified in the literature review. The analysis of the data will allow determination of the factors that result in optimization of production, and at the same time creation of a production estimation in the network platform. Finally, this project proposes to facilitate the monitoring and control of the variables that interfere in the earthworm reproduction process to increase the production of annelids in pursuit of product diversification. In addition, we put it into practice in real life to demonstrate its applicability and efficacy. In this mode, the results indicate potential findings about IoT application in agriculture situations.

Evaluation and comparison of different refugia-in-bag (RIB) patterns against boll worm complex with special reference to pink boll worm in Bt cotton

Field study on evaluation and comparison of different refugia-in-bag patterns (RIB) against bollworm complex with special reference to pink bollworm was conducted at RARS, Nandyal during 2021 and 2022. Among different RIB patterns evaluated pooled results of two years indicated no significant difference in green boll and locule damage due to pink bollworm among different refugia patterns. Highest yield of 1002 kg/ha was recorded in 20% structured refugia which is statistically at par with all other refugia patterns except in 100% non Bt which recorded lowest yield of 762 kg/ha. Based on foregoing results it clearly states that refugia is longer effective against pink bollworm population which had already developed resistance therefore further development of resistance can be managed in pink bollworm and can be effectively utilized for other bollworm in slowing down the building up of resistance in Bt cotton.

IPM – An Ecofriendly Approach to Manage the Pink Boll Worm (Pectinophora gossypiella) in Bt Cotton of Mancherial District, Telangana State

A Front Line Demonstration (FLD) on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices for the management of pink boll worm, Pectinophora gossipiella (Saunders) in Bt cotton has been conducted in different villages in various mandals of Mancherial district in Telangana state during Kharif (June – December) season of 2018–19, 2019–20 and 2020–21, respectively to create awareness about the IPM practices among the farming community. The adoption of IPM practices like installation of pheromone traps at 45 DAS, removal & destruction of rosette flowers, spraying of Azadiractin 1500ppm and need-based application of selective insecticides etc. were carried out. The results revealed that the lowest per cent rosette flowers (6.63, 6.52 and 2.84) and green boll damage (5.71, 8.91 and 13.39) was recorded in IPM demonstrated plots over farmers practice (per cent rosette flowers (11.69, 8.51 & 13.39), green boll damage (8.57, 10.46 and 21.84) with increased yields of 7.83, 9.98 and 9.85 during corresponding Kharif (June – December), 2018–19, 2019–20 and 2020–21. Further, the demonstration plots registered with higher cotton yield of 2079, 1785 and 1817 kg ha-1 as compared to 1928, 1623 and 1654 kg ha-1 under farmers practice. The Cost- Benefit ratio of 1.89, 1.90 and 1.80, respectively in the technology demonstrated plots whereas in farmers practice the recorded Cost - Benefit ratio of 1.55, 1.64 and 1.45 during corresponding Kharif (June – December), 2018–19, 2019–20 and 2020–21. Hence, need to popularize the IPM practices through FLD among the farming community to alleviate the gap between the improved technology and farmer’s practice.

Spectroradiometer and thermal imaging as tools from remote sensing used for early detection of spiny bollworm, Earias insulana (Boisd.) infestation

The spiny bollworm (SBW), Earias insulana (Boisd.), is from the most destructive cotton pests in Egypt. Larvae can reduce the yield about 40%. Monitoring and forecasting have become an integral aspect of the crop production system in developed countries to control pests. Recently, remote sensing has gained popularity in agriculture for pest monitoring, yield forecasting and early warning to crop growers for proper time in pest management with the least quantity of ground sampling possible.This work aims to measure the validity of using a new methodology for pest detection in cotton bolls without exposing the plant to any danger., This action could be conducted by making a spectroscopy check using spectroradiometer for every boll in field and compare this reading automatically with the spectral library that was built in earlier by measuring numbers of well-known bolls (healthy and infected measuring of some Vegetation Indices (MCARI, TCARI, NPCI, NDVI, NDWI, WBI) also done from reflectance values that carried out, in order to detect the best indices affected by pest infection. Thermal imaging also was done to differentiate between diseased and non-infected tissue. The results described the reflectance spectra of cotton bolls with known SBW infestations and healthy ones and could identify the certain narrow band that is sensitive to SBW damage, BLUE band has found to be the best for spectrally identifying infested bolls. Normalized Pigment Chlorophyll Index (NPCI) is the best index among vegetation indices used in this research. Complementally, to use remote sensing applications, thermal imaging was used to detect thermal patterns associated with insect infestation. The result of study indicate the validity of using spectral measurement and thermal imaging as a tools of remote sensing in detection of the presence of spiny boll worm without wasting and ruined the bolls in field, this method could be also effective in detection of other pests on other crops.

KNOWLEDGE OF FARMERS, CONSTRAINTS FACED AND SUGGESTIONS OFFERED ON INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF PINK BOLLWORM IN COTTON: A CASE OF SAURASHTRA REGION, GUJARAT

The present study was conducted on 200 cotton growers of Jamnagar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts to evaluate for knowledge of farmers about integrated management of pink bollworm in cotton. The respondents were middle age group (57%), educate higher secondary level, big farmers having nuclear family, main occupation was agriculture and animal husbandry. Krishi Vigyan Kendra or University level information for organic farming, printed literature and demonstration with 85.25, 37.08 and 22.71 weightage mean, respectively. They received guideline from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (53.33%) followed by Agricultural University (43.33%) and seed/pesticide dealer (30.83%). The knowledge about integrated management of pink boll worm were Grazing sheep & goat after harvest the crop (72.25%), Cotton stalk should be burned after picking (68%), Spraying of Beauveria bassiana (65.5%) and spinosad (62%), use of light trap (61%) and collection of infested flowers/ bolls and destroyed it (59.5%). Very rare farmers have knowledge on life cycle of pink bollworm (8.5%) and deep ploughing for management (6%). High cost of pesticide (96%), fragmented holding (90.5%) and heavy attack of pink bollworm (86.5%) are major constraints faced by the cotton growers. Genetic resistant variety (82%), Install pheromone & light trap near ginneries, market yard for mass trapping are the major suggestions for overcome the pink boll worm problem.

FARMER FIRST PROGRAMME: AN EFFECTIVE EXTENSION APPROACH FOR DISSEMINATION OF SUSTAINABLE COTTON PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES

Field experiments were conducted during 2019-20 on 160 farmer's field of the villages Mav Jinjava, Hadala, Deri Pipaliya and Nava Vaghaniya of Bagasara Taluka of Amreli District of Gujarat on intensification and pink bollworm management in cotton under the Farmers First Project. The technological intervention of the study comprised of improved Bt. cotton hybrid GTHH-49, closer planting technology (90 cm x30 cm), de topping of cotton plant at 75 DAS, pink bollworm management with 16 pheromone traps/acre, spraying of Spinosad 45 EC @ 2ml/10 liter water and four spray of bio pesticide Beauveria bassiana. The technological intervention was compared with the farmer's practice. The results revealed that the technological intervention registered 18.82 % significantly higher seed cotton yield than farmer's practice, additional net return of `10417/ha with ICBR of 2.37 over the farmer's practice. The pink boll worm damage was significantly decreased under technological intervention and recorded 16.76% over the farmer's practice. The pink bollworm incidence under technological intervention was decreased up to 60.94 % over the farmer's practice.

A Study on Farmer Perception on the Incorporation of Cotton Stubbles to Control the Pink Boll Worm Incidence

Incorporation of cotton stubbles into the soil after harvesting will help in reducing the pink boll worm incidence. The present study was conducted with an aim to determine the effectiveness and usefulness of incorporation of cotton stubbles into the soil by the farmers. A total of 120 respondents were randomly selected in Khammam district and interviewed using a structured questionnaire during the year 2020-21. Ex-post facto research design was employed for the present study. The study revealed that, majority of the cotton farmers (59.17 per cent) had low level of perception followed by medium and high perception 23.33 and 17.50 percent respectively on incorporation of cotton stubbles for management of PBW. Further among the 120 respondents, 68 respondents opined that increase in yields per acre increased after stubble incorporation where the incorporated stubbles acted as manure to the crop and 52 respondents opined that there was no increase in yield per acre. 75.83 percent of the respondents suggested non-availability of the implement as the major constraint followed by 72.50 percent of the respondents opined that shredder is used once in the crop period and will remain idle for the major part of the season as is the second most major constraint.

Artificial T- Perches As Attractant For Insectivorous Birds Against <i>Helicoverpa armigera</i> (hubner)

Supplementing the foraging efficacy of insectivorous birds by installing artificial ‘T- perches’ can be used in controlling the cotton boll worm Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) in berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L) fodder crop. The present study explored this using T-perches placed at two heights (120 and 240 cm). A total of 22 bird species were observed, of which 15 species used 120 cm high perches while nine perched on 240 cm high one. Common myna was the most abundant with seasonal abundance of 31.75 and 35.96% on 120 and 240 cm perches, respectively. In all 12 species were observed in control field, out of which nine were found to be insectivorous. More diversity was observed in the fields installed with T- perches as compared to control field. Comparison of bird species in fields installed with 120 and 240 cm T-perches revealed more preference for 120 cm high one, may be because of low height of the berseem crop. These T-perches also proved effective in reducing the cotton boll worm H. armigera incidence- 3.50 larvae/m<sub>2</sub> in fields installed with 120 cm perches; and 4.70 larvae/m<sub>2</sub> in fields installed with 240 cm perches as against 6.85 larvae/m<sub>2</sub> in control field). These results suggest that the perches are acting as attractants for birds and play an effective role in controlling H. armigera.

Inheritance study on jassid (Amrasca biguttula biguttula) tolerance in F2 population of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

India is one of the largest producers of cotton in the world, but the productivity of cotton is comparatively low. One of the major factors limiting the productivity in cotton is pest infestation. Earlier cotton production was inhibited by the boll worms which is now coped up with Bt cotton but sucking pest infestation is still a prime concern. This study was conducted in the F2 population of four upland crosses- TVH002 x RAHC1039, TCH1894 x NDLH32, CO17 x KC2 and TVH002 x KC3, which were evaluated for the inheritance pattern of jassid tolerance. Three of the four crosses segregated in 3:1ratio (Resistant, susceptible) and the fourth cross segregated in 13:3 ratio (Resistant, susceptible), showing digenic interaction. Further molecular investigation is essential to confirm this pattern of inheritance and progress the work in this direction.

Mating Disruption in Insect Pests by Sex Pheromones: A Profound Integrated Pest Management Technique

Mating disruption or ‘attract and kill’ approach provides an excellent source for suppression of major lepidopterans’ pest in agriculture field. Important success to date in pest management through mating disruption recorded to oriental fruit moth in peaches, pink boll worm, codling moth in pome fruit and pyralid moth in stored grain pest. Pheromonal formulations are efficient, non–toxic and species–specific that makes this technique different with conventional and synthetic insecticides which have adverse effects on environment and non–specific organisms as well. Large scale implementation of this technique resulted in significant reduction in pesticides use while maintaining acceptably low–crop damage level. Because of some problem like instant and mass control to pests with rich populations, these approaches should not be seen as stand–alone strategies but rather as one new and alternative plan within a suite of integrated pest management options.

Efficacy of Biorational Insecticides Against Spotted Boll Worm Earias spp. in Okra

Experiment was carried out at the farmer’s field in the districts of Amritsar and Jalandhar to evaluate the efficacy of chlorantraniliprole 18.5SC, pyridalyl 10 EC and emamectin benzoate against the fruit borer Earias vitella in okra during 2019. The results revealed that after 7 and 10 days of treatment, chlorantraniliprole 18.5SC (125 and 150 ml/ ha) were found significantly superior and at par with pyridalyl 10EC (500 and 625 ml/ ha) and emamectin benzoate (175 g/ ha). Similar results were obtained with fruit yield wherein chlorantraniliprole 18.5SC (125 and 150 ml/ ha) was at par with pyridalyl 10EC (500 and 625 ml/ ha) and emamectin benzoate (175 g/ ha). Thus, chlorantraniliprole 18.5SC (125 ml/ ha) and pyridalyl 10EC (500 ml/ ha) can be alternative to the usually recommended insecticides against E. vitella.

Protein and Aminoacid Profile in Diapausing Larvae of Pink Bollworm Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders)

The pink boll worm Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) is a threat to cotton cultivation. A study conducted in the NFSM laboratory of University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur focused on the protein and amino acid profile of the diapausing larvae. Amino acid composition of diapause and non-diapause larvae revealed that out of 17 amino acids, 14 showed a significant difference. In diapausing ones total amino acid content was found to be 603.23 ± 5.10 μg/g which was significantly higher compared to non-diapausing ones at 534.91 ± 3.19 μg/g. Likewise, protein content was more in diapausing larva destined to become female (27.15 ± 2.27 mg/100 g) as compared to non-diapausing ones (20.29 ± 2.61 mg/100 g). Thus, when larvae undergo diapause, the protein and amino acid content in larval body increases, implying that the larvae store dietary food for its survival during resting phase.

Bioobjectification: A Novel Approach in IPM

Sterile insect technique and inherited sterility are older methods through which insect-pests are used to be genetically modified without using biotechnological tools. Using biotechnology to modify genetic constitution of insect-pests in order to manage them is getting importance and popular now. Scientists are modifying insect-pests by inserting desired transgenes and use them to fight against their own wild counterparts to reduce their damage to agricultural crops as well as human beings which is called bio-objectification. A technique of bio-objectification, release of insects carrying a dominant lethal gene (RIDL) is being experimented and evaluated worldwide on different insect-pests to reduce their population and eventually damage. OX513A is a genetically modified strain of dengue mosquito which had successfully reduced wild mosquito population in open environment. Likewise, in agriculture, transgenic strains of diamondback moth, OX4319L and pink boll worm, OX3402C have also showed significantly appreciable results on controlling their wild insect population.