Effect of Insecticidal Spray Schedules on Sucking Pests of American Cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L.*

Field trails were conducted to evaluate the bio-efficacy of insecticidal spray schedules against sucking pests, viz. jassids, whitefly, thrips and aphids. Results showed that the spray schedule incorporated with six rounds of new synthetic insecticide molecules (Acetamiprid, imidacloprid, betacyfluthrin, spinosad, bifenthrin/indoxacarb and lambdacyhalothrin) was effective in reducing jassid, whitefly and thrips populaitons, however, it was not effective against aphids, rather resulted in its severe build-up. Unilateral application of ten to eleven rounds of synthetic insecticides was effective against jassid and thrips only. Insecticidal mixtures were effective against whitefly at its peak population but could not continue for long run. Repeated application of neem was found effective against sucking pests, however alternate spray of neem and Bt failed to control any of these pests.