Farmers Participatory Approach for Sustainable Cotton Production Through Integrated Pest Management

With an aim of popularization of IPM technology in cotton, demonstrations were taken up for the two consecutive years from 2008–09 and 2009–10 in farmers fields. Farmers practice was served as Non-IPM check. Results revealed that sucking pests (Aphid, Jassid, Thrips and Whitefly) population was reduced in IPM practice. Natural enemies (Ladybird beetle, Chrysoperla and Spider) population was recorded maximum in IPM practice. The seed cotton yield and net return was quite high in IPM practice in compared to farmers practice. Plant protection application was more in farmers practice than IPM. The overall success in managing pest complex was attributed to the use of botanical insecticides, pheromone traps, bird perchers, use of selective insecticides at right time apart from enhanced biotic potential exerted from parasitoids and predators.