Focus: GS III: Agriculture
Why in News?
Pink bollworm – responsible for damaging nearly 4 lakh acres of cotton in 2021 – has been recently observed in certain fields within the Bathinda and Mansa districts of Punjab.
About Pink Bollworm:
- Destructive Pest: Pink bollworm is a highly destructive pest that primarily affects cotton crops.
- Scientific Name: Its scientific name is Pectinophora gossypiella.
- Distribution: Originally native to India, it is now found in almost all cotton-growing countries worldwide.
- Description: The adults are small moths, measuring about 3/8 inch in length, with dark brown coloration and markings on the forewing. The larvae, which are the destructive stage, have distinctive pink bands and can grow up to ½ inch in length before pupating.
Ecological Threat:
- Pink bollworms pose a significant threat to cotton plants. Female moths lay over 200 eggs during their two-week lifespan.
- Once hatched, the larvae feed on the cotton seeds and damage the fibers, resulting in reduced crop yield and quality.
- Mature larvae cut out the boll and drop to the ground, where they cocoon near the soil surface.
- In addition to cotton, pink bollworms have been observed to attack hibiscus, okra, and hollyhock plants.
-Source: Indian express
