**Comprehensive Control Techniques for Major Pests in Cotton**
*By Ben Yimin*
Cotton is a vital crop, but it faces threats from various pests that can significantly reduce yield and quality. Effective pest management is essential to ensure sustainable production. Below are detailed techniques for controlling the main pests affecting cotton: aphids, bollworms, and leafhoppers (red spider).
**1. Prevention and Control of Cotton Aphids**
Aphid infestations can cause severe damage to young cotton plants. Here are several effective methods:
- **Seedling Treatment**: During the seedling stage, select areas with sporadic infestations and apply 40% omethoate diluted at a ratio of 1:5–10. Apply this mixture to the red and green parts of the stem, covering a length of 2–5 cm without forming a ring.
- **Drip Application Technique**: Use 40% omethoate or crocodil, diluted at 1:200. Apply 2–3 drops per growth point on each seedling. To do this, remove the sprayer’s nozzle, wrap three layers of gauze around it, and open the valve slightly after filling the tank with the solution.
- **Bacterial Sterile, Urea, and Detergent Mixture**: Prepare a solution using bacterial sterile, urea, and neutral detergent in a ratio of 0.1:1:100. Spray evenly on both sides of the leaves to control seedling diseases and kill eggs.
- **Pesticide Spraying**: In cases of heavy infestation, use fast crack at 1500 times dilution or 40% omethoate. Avoid large-scale spraying to protect natural enemies. Never use highly toxic pesticides like methamidophos, carbofuran, or 3911. Always follow safety guidelines to prevent poisoning.
- **Yellow Plate Trapping**: Use yellow cardboard coated with transparent plastic and oil to trap winged aphids. This method is especially effective during early infestation stages.
- **Soil Injection**: For heavily infested fields, apply 15% poisonous racer ear (400–500 ml/mu) mixed with 30–60 kg of soil before watering. Ensure the furrow is 10–15 cm away from the plant and 7–10 cm deep. After application, cover with water.
**2. Control of Cotton Bollworms**
The cotton bollworm is one of the most destructive pests. Here are some effective strategies:
- **Planting Corn Traps**: Plant corn near cotton fields to attract moths. Kill them early in the morning using carbaryl or phoxim.
- **Poplar and Willow Branches**: Use 10–15 poplar branches (65–70 cm long) tied together and placed between cotton rows. Collect moths daily or spray them with water to shake off the insects.
- **Sex Attractant Traps**: Place sex attractants on fine iron wire above a water basin, keeping the lure 1–1.5 cm above the surface. Replace the lure every 10–15 days. This method helps in mass trapping and reducing bollworm populations.
- **Black Light Traps**: Install black light traps in the field to kill adult bollworms.
- **Chemical Control**: Use pesticides such as phoxim, endosulfan, and pyrethroids. Spray when egg counts reach 20 per plant or when infestation rates exceed 5%. Apply at night (8–9 pm) for maximum effectiveness.
- 15% poisonous ear at 1000 times dilution
- 50% phoxim EC at 50 ml/mu, mixed with 50 kg of water
- 20% Coke at 30–50 ml/mu, 35% endosulfan EC at 100–130 ml/mu
- 2.5% Kung Fu (pyrethroid) at 50–60 ml/mu
- **Field Management**: Prune regularly, avoid excessive nitrogen, and manage irrigation to reduce bollworm breeding sites. Remove tops and dispose of them outside the field to reduce insect population.
**3. Prevention and Control of Cotton Leafhoppers (Red Spider)**
Leafhoppers can cause significant damage by feeding on leaves, leading to yellowing and stunting. The following methods are effective:
- Use specialized acaricides such as Chunyu No. 1 + Quick Krypton, Chunyu No. 1 + Broomfly Net, or Chunyu No. 1 + triclosan at 1500–2000 times dilution. Apply through spot treatment or field spraying. These treatments help control infestations while also reducing aphid toxins and improving photosynthesis.
- Monitor the area five days after application and reapply if necessary.
**Conclusion**
Integrated pest management is crucial for sustainable cotton farming. Combining cultural, biological, and chemical methods ensures long-term control while minimizing environmental impact. Always follow label instructions and prioritize safe pesticide use.
*Senior Agronomist: Ben Yimin*
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