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Context: The pink bollworm (PBW) has emerged as a major threat to cotton cultivation in North India, particularly in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
Details
- The pink bollworm (PBW) has become a major pest affecting cotton cultivation in the northern Indian states of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. The dramatic decrease in cotton acreage from 16 lakh hectares to 10 lakh hectares in these states highlighted the severity of the problem.
About Pink Bollworm (PBW)
- The pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella), or gulabi sundhi as known among Indian farmers, is a major pest that has significantly impacted cotton farming in the northern states of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
- This pest burrows its larvae into the cotton bolls, causing extensive damage to the lint and making it unfit for use. Despite available prevention techniques, widespread adoption has been limited, leading to severe consequences for cotton cultivation.
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Physical Description
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●Adult Moth: The adult pink bollworm is a small, grey moth with thin, fringed wings. Its size and colouration help it blend into its environment.
●Larva: The larva, or caterpillar, is dull white with eight pairs of legs and distinct pink banding along its back. It grows to about half an inch in length.
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Life Cycle
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●Egg Laying: The female moth lays eggs inside a cotton boll. The eggs are deposited on the surface or within the cotton bolls, where the larvae will soon emerge.
●Larval Stage: Upon hatching, the larvae burrow into the cotton bolls. They feed on the cotton lint and seeds, causing significant damage. This stage is crucial for their development and can last for several weeks.
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Damage Mechanism
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●Feeding Impact: The larvae chew through the cotton lint to access the seeds, which are crucial for both fibre and seed oil production. Their feeding disrupts the protective tissue around the boll, creating entry points for other insects and fungi.
●Secondary Damage: The damage inflicted by the larvae can lead to further infestations by other pests and diseases, compounding the problem.
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Native and Invasive Spread
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●The pink bollworm is originally from Asia.
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Challenges in Managing PBW
Spread and Infestation
- Initial Appearance: PBW was first detected in North India during the 2017-18 season in a few locations of Haryana and Punjab. By 2021, it had spread significantly, affecting major cotton-growing districts in Punjab (Bathinda, Mansa, Muktsar), Rajasthan (Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh), and Haryana (Sirsa, Hisar, Jind, Fatehabad).
- Increased Frequency: Since 2021, the frequency of PBW attacks has increased each year, with new infestations reported shortly after sowing, indicating the pest’s persistent and escalating impact.
Control Measures
- Curative Measures: When PBW is detected, the primary recommendation is to use insecticides. These can protect uninfested bolls but are less effective once the pest has already infested the crop.
- Preventive Measures: Effective preventive techniques exist, but their adoption has been limited:
- Pheromone Paste Application: This technique involves applying a paste containing synthetic pheromones to cotton plants. These pheromones attract male moths and disrupt mating, reducing the pest population. This method requires application at specific intervals (45-50 days, 80 days, and 110 days after sowing) and costs around Rs 3,300 to Rs 3,400 per acre.
- PBKnot Technology: This involves placing pheromone dispensers on the field to confuse male moths, preventing them from finding females. Dispensers need to be placed when cotton plants are 45-50 days old.
Problems with Adoption
- Traditional Conservatism: Farmers often resist adopting new technologies, particularly preventive ones, due to the high upfront costs and a lack of immediate visible benefits. If no infestation is apparent, farmers may view the cost of preventive measures as unnecessary.
- Lack of Awareness and Training: There is a significant gap in awareness and training among farmers regarding new preventive techniques. Understanding and trusting new technologies takes time, and many farmers are not well-informed about the benefits or proper use of these methods.
- Financial Constraints: The cost of preventive measures can be prohibitive, particularly for smallholder farmers. This financial barrier prevents many from adopting these technologies.
Reasons for the Failure to Address PBW Effectively
Focus on Curative rather than Preventive Measures
- Curative Preference: There has been a tendency to focus on curative measures like insecticide application rather than investing in preventive measures. Preventive measures, while more effective in the long run, do not offer immediate relief and are often seen as an additional cost.
Inadequate Coordination and Management
- State Coordination: PBW can travel through the air, meaning that inadequate management in one state can lead to infestations in neighbouring states. Effective management requires coordination and cooperation across all affected states.
- Residual Management: Infected crop residues, often left on the field and used as fuel, can harbour PBW larvae, contributing to the pest's spread. Proper management of these residues is crucial but often neglected.
Need for Support and Training
- Training Programs: Intensive training programs and awareness campaigns are essential to educate farmers about preventive technologies. Expanded field demonstrations can help showcase the benefits of these methods.
- Financial Aid: Government and private sector support in the form of subsidies or financial aid can make preventive technologies more accessible to farmers, addressing the financial barrier.
Recommendations for Improvement
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Expand Preventive Measures
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●Adoption and Implementation: Increase the adoption of preventive measures through subsidies, financial support, and awareness campaigns. Demonstrate the effectiveness of these methods through field trials and success stories.
●Integrated Management: Combine preventive measures with effective curative techniques for a comprehensive pest management strategy.
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Enhance Coordination and Support
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●State-Level Coordination: Foster collaboration between states to manage PBW more effectively, sharing resources and strategies to control the pest’s spread.
●Support Systems: Strengthen support systems for farmers, including training, financial aid, and technical assistance.
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Improve Residue and Seed Management
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●Proper Disposal: Implement practices for the proper disposal of infected crop residues to prevent the spread of PBW. Ensure that cotton seeds are free from infestation to reduce the risk of new outbreaks.
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Conclusion
- Effectively dealing with the pink bollworm requires a multifaceted approach that combines preventive and curative measures, enhances farmer education and support, and promotes state-level coordination. By addressing the challenges comprehensively, it is possible to mitigate the impact of PBW on cotton cultivation and restore cotton production in the affected states.
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Source:
INDIAN EXPRESS
WIKIPEDIA
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PRACTICE QUESTION
Q. Consider the following statements in the context of the Pink Bollworm:
1. Pink Bollworm primarily damages cotton by boring into the bolls (fruiting structures), causing significant fruiting and seed damage.
2. The Pink Bollworm's life cycle includes the egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages.
3. The larval stage of Pink Bollworm is the most damaging as larvae feed on the cotton bolls and cause significant crop loss.
4. Applying excessive nitrogen fertilizer is recommended as it can lead to decreased pest problems, including Pink Bollworm.
How many of the above statements are correct?
A) Only one
B) Only two
C) Only three
D) All four
Answer: C
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