Management Strategies of American Bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera Hubner) in Bt Cotton under Farmer Field Conditions in Suryapet District

Abstract

American bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera Hubner) remains a persistent and economically important pest of cotton despite the widespread cultivation of Bt hybrids. Its high fecundity, polyphagous nature and ability to develop resistance to insecticides often result in sporadic outbreaks, leading to significant yield and economic losses under field conditions. The present study was conducted during Kharif seasons of 2023–24, 2024–25 and 2025–26 in Suryapet district of Telangana state to evaluate the effectiveness of a location-specific Integrated Pest Management (IPM) module against H. armigera in Bt cotton under farmer participatory conditions. Frontline demonstrations were implemented across 10 locations each year, covering 10 acres. The IPM module comprised cultural practices such as deep summer ploughing and timely sowing, installation of pheromone traps for pest surveillance, use of bird perches, periodic release of Trichogramma chilonis, neem-based biopesticides and need-based application of selective insecticides based on Economic Threshold Level (ETL). The performance of IPM plots was compared with adjacent farmer practice plots that followed calendar-based insecticide applications without systematic monitoring. The pooled data over three years indicated a substantial reduction in pest incidence and fruiting body damage in IPM plots. The average seed cotton yield under IPM was 11.6 q/acre compared to 8.4 q/acre in farmer practice, registering a yield advantage of 38.09%. Economic analysis revealed higher gross returns (Rs. 85,920/acre) and net returns (Rs. 49,853/acre) in IPM plots compared to Rs. 62,300/acre and Rs. 32,333/acre respectively, under conventional practice. The mean benefit-cost ratio was 2.38 in demonstration plots as against 2.08 in farmer practice. The study demonstrates that adoption of scientifically validated, monitoring-based IPM strategies effectively suppresses American bollworm populations, optimizes pesticide use and enhances profitability and sustainability of Bt cotton cultivation in semi-arid agro-ecosystems of Telangana.