Monitor cotton crop regularly for pink bollworm infestation: PAU expert urges farmers

09 September 2021, Punjab: Entomology expert of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has advised the farmers to keep monitoring their cotton fields regularly for pink bollworm infestation. Referring to the history of pink bollworm, Dr Amandeep Kaur, Entomologist, said that this pest was earlier observed on Bt cotton hybrids in Southern India. “In 2018, it was first noticed in North India in Jind district of Haryana and in 2019 and 2020, it attacked cotton bolls in different villages of Bathinda,” she revealed. As per the recent survey conducted by PAU experts in Mansa district, the attack of pink bollworm has resulted in damage of the crop at some places, she warned. Dr Kaur urged the cotton growers to remain vigilant and contact PAU experts, if any incidence of pink bollworm on Bt cotton is observed. She also explained the life cycle, symptoms and control measures of pink bollworm during the PAU live programme today.

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