Introduction
The pink bollworm (PBW), commonly referred to as gulabi sundhi by farmers, is a destructive pest that affects cotton crops by burrowing its larvae into cotton bolls. This results in reduced lint quality and makes it unfit for industrial use.
PBW first appeared in North India during the 2017-18 season, particularly in Haryana and Punjab, where Bt cotton was cultivated. By 2021, the pest caused significant damage in several districts of Punjab.
The Punjab Agricultural Department reported that around 54% of the cotton-producing area was affected by PBW in 2021. The frequency of infestations has increased annually in the northern states.
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Impact of Pink Bollworm Infestation on Cotton
• Infested flower buds shed prematurely.
• Infestation causes rosette flowers, reducing the formation of healthy cotton bolls.
• Lint formation is reduced, seeds are destroyed, and the cotton fiber weakens.
• Infested bolls open prematurely, leading to fungal growth due to saprophytic fungi.
• Using seeds from infected plants reduces germination rates, affecting future crop cycles.
Preventive Measures
Mating Disruption Techniques:
“Gold Standard” Crop Protection:
This environmentally friendly method involves applying a pheromone paste to the stems of cotton plants. The synthetic pheromones attract male insects but prevent them from locating females, thereby disrupting mating and reducing the PBW population.
PBKnot Technology:
Pheromone dispensers are tied in knots and placed in cotton fields to confuse male moths, preventing them from mating with females. These dispensers are linked to cotton plants when they are around 45-50 days old.
Conclusion
Cotton cultivation in India spans three agro-ecological zones: Northern (Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan), Central (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh), and Southern (Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka).
A significant challenge is the lack of awareness and training among farmers regarding these preventive techniques. There is a need for widespread training programs and awareness campaigns to ensure farmers can effectively adopt and trust these technologies.
Example: In Punjab, pilot projects using pheromone-based methods have shown success in reducing PBW infestations, highlighting the potential of these techniques when combined with farmer education.