IPM demonstrations on Bt cotton in Dhule district

Integrated pest management module of Bt cotton was demonstrated in kharif season of 2008–10 in Dhule district under the guidance of Krishi Vigyan Kendra. Average population of sucking pests survived per three leaves per plant under the IPM practice was: aphids 20.92 to 4.58, jassids 1.58 to 2.84, thrips 3.23 to 4.87, flies 2.43 to 3.67 and of mealy bugs 1.63 to 7.14, which were low, as compared to farmers practice. Boll and locule damage was also reduced due to IPM practice. The population of Coccinellids and Chrysoperla spp. were found meager in farmers practice. Higher Cost Benefit Ratio (ICBR) of 3.00 was obtained due to IPM as compared to farmer's practice (1.88).