“Feeding Behavior of Pink Bollworm is Changing – Now It Attacks Early and Hides in Open Flowers!” This isn't just a scientific observation; it's a critical alert for every cotton farmer, especially in North India. The old rules for managing this devastating pest no longer apply. Changing Feeding Behavior of Pink Bollworm To protect your crop, you need to understand how the enemy has adapted. Pink Bollworm: Then vs. Now For years, farmers followed a predictable pattern for Pink Bollworm (PBW) management. Traditional Behavior: PBW was known to attack mid-to-late season cotton. The larvae would feed inside squares and young bolls, causing "rosette flowers"—flowers that fail to open because the petals are stuck together by the larva's webbing and frass. What's Changing Now: A new and dangerous trend is emerging. The infestation is happening much earlier, just after flowering begins. The larvae are now commonly found feeding inside open flowers , often without ...
Exploring insects, ecology, and integrated pest solutions for sustainable agriculture.