11 December2024, New Delhi: The ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR) in Nagpur has launched the expression of interest for licensing four patented technologies aimed at commercial use. This initiative is being facilitated through the Institute Technology Management Unit (ITMU) and Agrinnovate of ICAR.
Scientists at ICAR-CICR have developed four novel bacterial-based volatile attractant formulations to manage sucking pests such as whiteflies, aphids, and thrips, while also attracting beneficial insects in cotton crops. Extensive three-year field studies and evaluations across 15 AICRP (Cotton) centers have demonstrated the effectiveness of these attractants in managing cotton-sucking pests by enhancing their attraction to yellow sticky traps (YST). The formulations, namely CICR-BVW, CICR-BVA, CICR-BVT, and CICR-BVBI, achieved attraction efficiencies of 168%, 189%, 175%, and 268% over control (YST only) for whiteflies, aphids, thrips, and beneficial insects, respectively.
These eco-friendly and cost-effective attractants do not adversely affect cotton plants, soil health, or soil biology. They also help reduce chemical usage and the resurgence of pests, thereby holding significant commercial potential in agriculture.
Sucking pests like whiteflies, jassids, aphids, and thrips cause considerable yield and quality losses in cotton. Farmers typically rely on conventional insecticides to manage these pests, which can lead to resistance, resurgence of minor pests, decline of natural predators, and environmental pollution, alongside increased production costs. While yellow sticky traps are common for pest control, enhancing their effectiveness is crucial. In this scenario, farmers are seeking alternative, eco-friendly, and cost-effective options for managing sucking pests.
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