Efficacy of sando 60ec and fytomax 0.1ec on the control of cotton bollworms

Abstract

Cotton bollworms are a major problem pest of cotton with a potential to cause a yield reduction of 67% if not properly controlled. Four major species are the Red, Heliothis, Spiny and Pink bollworms. The major control method used in Zimbabwe is the use of pesticides except for the Pink bollworm which is a regulatory pest - normally resulting in quarantining of the affected areas. The use of pesticides is the main reason this project was carried out so that useful pesticides may remain available on the market. The newly tested chemicals replace the old and tired chemistry which, if not replaced tends to cause pests to develop resistance. The research was carried out at CRI, Kuwirirana and Chitekete in 2022 - 23 and 2023 - 24 seasons and the chemicals tested were Sando 60EC and Fytomax 0.01EC. Sando 60EC Levels were 750ml, 500ml and 300ml/ha respectively while Fytomax levels were 1000ml, 750ml and 500ml/ha respectively. Decis Forte was used as control at the rate of 50ml/ha while there was also a no control treatment. Results showed Sando 60EC at 300ml/ha and Fytomax 0.1EC at 500ml/ha as the best for the Red, Heliothis and Spiny bollworm larval control. Data transformation was done using square root transformation of (x + 3/8). Data analysis was done using Genstat 18th Edition. Means were separated using Fisher’s Protected LSD in ascending order.