Revolutionizing Cotton Farming: How Integrated Pest Management Controls Pink Bollworm in BG-II Cotton

Introduction

Cotton farming in India has witnessed a paradigm shift over the past two decades with the adoption of Bt-cotton (Bollgard® and Bollgard II®). Initially, this technology drastically reduced bollworm infestations. However, the re-emergence of pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) with resistance to Bt genes has posed a severe threat to cotton production, prompting the urgent need for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.

The Pink Bollworm Challenge in Bt-Cotton

Until 2018, pest management in Bt-cotton mainly focused on sucking pests like jassids and whiteflies. However, the development of pink bollworm resistance to Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab genes disrupted cotton production across India. This led to yield losses of up to 30% in major cotton-growing regions, highlighting the limitations of pesticide overuse and the urgent need for eco-friendly alternatives.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM): A Sustainable Solution

The study introduced a multi-pronged IPM approach across five locations in Northern India, combining:

Biological control: Trichogramma bacterae, Verticillium lecanii, Beauveria bassiana
Botanical insecticides: Neem-based formulations
Cultural practices: Timely sowing, crop residue management, trap cropping
ETL-based chemical sprays: Only when pest populations crossed economic thresholds

This approach minimized pesticide overuse, preserved beneficial insects, and lowered input costs for farmers.

Key Findings of the Study

Pest Suppression:
- Whitefly counts reduced from 22.3 to 14.7 per 3 leaves under IPM.
- Green boll damage by pink bollworm dropped from 12.2% to 8.5% in IPM plots.
Lower Chemical Use & Cost Savings:
- Farmers using IPM applied 5–7 sprays per season versus 7–10 sprays in conventional practices.
- Pesticide costs were 30–40% lower under IPM practices.
Higher Yields & Profitability:
- Cotton yield increased by 26% in 2022 and 17% in 2023 under IPM.
- Incremental Cost-Benefit Ratio (ICBR) reached 2.3 in 2022 compared to 1.08 in farmer’s practice.

Why IPM is the Future of Cotton Pest Management

Eco-friendly: Reduces pesticide residues in the environment.
Economically viable: Lowers production costs while improving yields.
Resistance management: Prevents pest resistance buildup through crop rotation and biological controls.
Climate-smart agriculture: Adapts to changing pest dynamics under variable climates.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that Integrated Pest Management in BG-II cotton offers a sustainable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternative to conventional pesticide-heavy farming. By integrating biological, cultural, and chemical methods based on economic thresholds, IPM not only safeguards cotton yields but also promotes long-term agricultural sustainability.

Reference

Kumar, R., Paul, D., Singh, S., Meena, R. S., Jakhar, A., Kaur, J., Singh, S., & Kumar, V. (2025). Integrated Insect-Pest Management in BG-II cotton after threatening appearance of Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders). International Journal of Tropical Insect Science, 45(3), 975–988. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42690-025-01486-8