Seasonal incidence of various pests of Bt cotton along with natural enemies

Abstract

The current study, titled “Seasonal incidence of various pests of Bt cotton along with natural enemies, ” was conducted at the Agricultural Farm of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dhule (Maharashtra)-424004, during the Kharif season of 2024. The study on the seasonal incidence of various pests of Bt cotton along with their natural enemies showed that aphid populations peaked in the last week of October, reaching 39.90 aphids per 3 leaves per plant. The highest jassid incidence was observed in the fourth week of October, with 16.90 jassids per 3 leaves per plant. Thrips populations peaked in the first week of October at 30.80 thrips per 3 leaves per plant, while whiteflies reached their peak during the third week of September, with 13.80 whiteflies per 3 leaves per plant. The maximum activity of the red cotton bug was recorded in the second week of November, with 5.10 bugs per plant. The predator ladybird beetle showed its highest activity in the second week of October, with 2.40 beetles per plant, closely associated with the presence of sucking pests in the field.