Journal of Environmental Biology

Pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) movement with respect to rosette flowers in cotton: Novel insights for integrated pest management

V. Chinna Babu Naik¹*, J.S.V. Murthy², G.S. Supreeth³, S. Kumbhare⁴, T. Prabhulinga⁴, N.G. Narkhedkar⁴ and Y.G. Prasad⁴     

¹Division of Crop Protection, ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad-500 030, India

²Department of Agricultural Entomology, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur-680 656, India

³Department of Agricultural Entomology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur-584 104, India

⁴Division of Crop Protection, ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research, Nagpur-440 010, India

Received: 27 March 2024                   Revised: 22 May 2024                   Accepted: 26 July 2024

*Corresponding Author Email : chinnaenton@gmail.com                    *ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6099-8242

Abstract

Aim: This preliminary study aimed to investigate the movement patterns of Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) larvae in the rosette flowers.

Methodology: Field experiments conducted on the migration behavior of pink bollworm larvae with respect to rosette flowers in cotton fields. Observations included monitoring infested flowers, larval stage duration within rosette flowers, and larval movement to soil for pupation, larval mortality post-drop, and larval migration to early bolls, all conducted without insecticide application to reflect natural conditions.

Results: The movement of the larvae was tracked and recorded from the start of flowering to the boll formation stage. Nearly, 44.88% of the larvae present on the infested flowers had moved to the soil for pupation, while 14.29% had moved to newly formed bolls on the same rosette flower. Additionally, 30.90% of the larvae had moved to dry leaf debris on the soil, and the remaining 9.93% either escaped or died due to environmental factors such as damp soil. Notably, the study showed that dry soils or light debris accumulation were the most favorable environments for pink bollworm larvae.

Interpretation: The present study has generated useful information regarding the movement of PBWs larvae from rosette flowers to bolls that contribute to infestation. Hence, by implementing integrated pest management strategies during the early crop periods between 60 and 100 DAS, green boll infestations can be avoided and economic yields improved.

Key words: Larval movement, Pest carryover, Pest management, Rosette flower

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