NAME ------------ Mahir Nisar
ROLL NO. --------- 33/ag/22
SEMISTER---------- 5th
COURSE TITLE --------- Pests of
crops and stored grains and
their mangement
COURSE TITLE--------- ENT-313
CREDIT LOAD---------3(2+1)
SUBMITTED TO---------- Dr Uzma
Arifie
DATED -------------- 10/1/25
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Cotton
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an environmentally-friendly and sustainable
approach to pest control that combines various practices to minimize pest damage
while reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. In cotton cultivation, IPM focuses on
promoting crop health, preserving natural ecosystems, and ensuring economic returns
for farmers.
Components of IPM in Cotton
Cultural Practices:
1. Field Preparation: Selecting well-drained fields with proper soil types helps in
reducing pest prevalence.
2. Crop Rotation: Rotating cotton with non-host crops disrupts pest life cycles,
lowering their population.
3. Timing and Varieties: Adjusting planting dates to avoid peak pest infestations and
using pest-resistant varieties like Bt cotton provide better protection.
Biological Control:
1. Natural predators, parasitoids, and microbial agents like Trichogramma and Bacillus
thuringiensis (Bt) play a critical role in controlling pests such as bollworms and
aphids.
2. Creating biodiversity-friendly habitats like hedgerows supports beneficial organisms.
Mechanical and Physical Methods:
1. Manual removal of pest eggs and larvae in small plots helps control pests such as
bollworms.
2. Using pheromone and light traps aids in monitoring pest populations and capturing
adults.
Chemical Control:
1. Chemicals are used as a last resort and applied judiciously, targeting specific pests
while minimizing harm to beneficial organisms.
2. Rotating insecticides with different modes of action prevents resistance
development in pest populations.
Transgenic Cotton (e.g., Bt Cotton):
Bt cotton, genetically engineered to produce Bacillus thuringiensis toxins, provides
resistance against key pests like bollworms, significantly reducing the need for chemical
sprays.
Advantages of IPM in Cotton
1. Reduced Chemical Dependency: By integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical methods,
IPM minimizes pesticide usage, protecting the environment and human health.
2. Preservation of Biodiversity: Supporting natural enemies and avoiding broad-spectrum
pesticides enhances ecological balance.
3. Economic Efficiency: Reducing inputs and improving yields lowers production costs and
increases profitability for farmers.
Case Study
India’s Initiatives: In Punjab, the adoption of short-duration and jassid-tolerant cotton varieties has
been key to successful IPM programs. Farmers have also been trained in proper pest monitoring
techniques to minimize pesticide misuse.
Conclusion
IPM in cotton is not just about managing pests—it’s about creating a resilient farming
system that benefits both the environment and farmers. By combining science with
traditional practices, IPM ensures that cotton farming remains sustainable, productive,
and eco-friendly.
Management of Sucking Pests in Cotton
Sucking pests like aphids, whiteflies, jassids, thrips, and mealybugs are common
problems in cotton farming. They sap nutrients from plants, causing stunted growth
and reduced yields.
Cultural Practices
Field Hygiene: Keep fields clean by removing weeds like Parthenium and Sida sp. that act as
hosts for these pests.
Optimal Planting: Stick to recommended sowing times and use pest-resistant cotton
varieties to minimize infestations.
Biological Control
Natural Predators: Encourage lacewings (Chrysoperla), ladybird beetles, and parasitic wasps
to naturally control pest populations. Introduce them at critical stages of crop growth.
Botanical Sprays: Use neem-based products or homemade plant extracts (e.g., karanj or arni
decoctions) to repel pests.
Mechanical Methods
Sticky Traps: Set up yellow sticky traps to catch and monitor whiteflies and aphids.
Manual Cleaning: Regularly inspect the field and remove heavily infested leaves or branches.
Chemical Control
Seed Treatment: Treat seeds with systemic insecticides like imidacloprid to protect young
plants.
Targeted Sprays: Use specific insecticides based on pest monitoring data to avoid harming
beneficial insects.
Conclusion
Managing sucking pests in cotton requires a mix of preventive, biological, and
chemical measures. With regular monitoring and timely actions, farmers can protect
their crops while promoting sustainable farming practices.
