Cotton farmers need to be vigilant of pink bollworm

The cotton sown areas in Punjab were impacted with the pink bollworm infestation. With the early-sown cotton crop aged between 60 and 80 days, it is important for the cotton growing farmers to integrate all available management tactics which will serve the purpose of resistance management against pink bollworm.

“The pink bollworm penetrates the boll and is difficult to see from outside. Hence it is advisable for farmers to remain vigilant, inspect flowers and cotton bolls promptly detect signs of pink bollworm infestation, and take immediate action,” said Rajavelu N K, CEO - Crop Protection Business, Godrej Agrovet Limited.

Adopting short-duration cotton varieties, practicing crop rotation to discourage pest build up, disposing of crop residues, and optimizing fertilizer should be used to combat this threat.