Management strategies of pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) in Bt Cotton in Suryapet district of Telangana state

Pink bollworm is a dangerous pest that severely impacts cotton production worldwide, reducing crop quality and yield and causing significant financial losses. The purpose of this research is to analyze different methods for controlling pink bollworm infestations and emphasize the importance of integrated pest management (IPM) techniques. The article discusses that the chemical control with pesticides which despite their efficacy, cause environmental problems and the rise of resistance. It also draws attention to sustainable biological management approaches like parasitoids, entomopathogenic fungi and natural predators. Additionally, pheromone disruption strategies such as mating disruption and pheromone trap monitoring, are being studied as effective means of reducing insect populations without jeopardizing the environment. The key findings indicate that while each strategy has benefits, a comprehensive, integrated approach combining cultural, physical, biological and chemical methods is the best long-term solution for controlling pink bollworm in cotton. The average gross returns from demonstration practice were Rs. 83,366/acre, and in Farmer practice is Rs. 61,200/acre. Demonstrative practice produced net returns of Rs. 47,950/acre, while farmers' practice produced net returns of Rs. 32,016/acre. The average cost of cultivation during the study period was Rs. 35,416/acre in the demonstration plot and Rs. 29,333/acre in farmer's practice. The cumulative effect of technological interventions over a three-year period showed that the average benefit-cost ratio in demonstration plots was 2.34, whereas in farmers' practice it was 2.06.