Integration of insecticides and sex pheromones for management of major insect pests of cotton (Gossypium species) in Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

An experiment was conducted during 1989-90 and 1990-91 on integrated approach of cotton (Gossypium sp) pest
management. Three foliar sprays of insecticides (methyl demeton 0.04%, monocrotophos 0.05% and endosulfan 0.07%)
and 6 sprays of insecticides (methyl demeton 0.04%, dimethoate 0.045%, monocrotophos 0.05%, endosulfan 0.07%,
tliazophos 0.08% and endosulfan 0.07%), were. integrated with the plantation of synthetic sex pheromones of all 3
bollworms (Helicovelpa armigera Hubn., Earias spp and Pectinophora gossypiella Saun.) in less susceptible 'JKH 1'
cotton hybrid during rainy (kharif) season at Harda, Madhya Pradesh. With the effective management of major sucking
pests and bollworm pests highest seed-cotton yield and net profit were achieved from plots treated with 6 sprays of
insecticides in integration with sex pheromones of all 3 bollworms followed by 3 sprays in integration with sex
pheromones and 6 sprays of insecticides alone. However, the net profits were quite similar in treatments 3 sprays with
sex pheromones and 6 sprays in alone. These findings based on multi-dimensional approach may be of great practical
utility in cotton pest management.