Cotton farmers warned against pink bollworms

Agricultural experts have warned cotton farmers about the threat of pink bollworms, as crops entered a critical stage of growth. Farmers were urged to follow a strategy prescribed by scientists from the Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI) Multan to avert potential losses.

In a statement issued on Thursday, a Multan CCRI spokesman said that cotton crops entered an important stage of growth, where flowers, buds and bolls were sprouting. To combat infestations of pink bollworms, experts recommended that farmers should apply three different sprays during the next three weeks.

Prescribing the first spray, experts said that farmers should apply Profenophos and 600ml of Cypermytherine mixed in 100 litres of water per acre. A second spray of 120ml of Spinetoram or Deltamytherine, plus 600ml of Tryezophos mixed in 100 liters of water per acre should be applied around 5 days after the first spray. A third spray of 100ml Gemasai Belothrine mixed in 100 litres of water per acre be applied 6 days after the second spray.

Multan CCRI director Dr Zahid Mahmood advised farmers to avoid spraying in case of a low intensity pink bollworm attack and consult experts for further action. Farmers were also urged to install eight pheromone traps should be installed per acre and replace their capsules fortnightly.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 9^th, 2022.