Description:

• The American bollworm is a widely distributed pest found in all cotton-growing regions worldwide.
• Warm temperatures combined with high moisture levels are ideal conditions for the infestation of American Bollworm.

Damage Symptoms:

• Young larvae feed on the leaves of the cotton plant.
• As they mature, the larvae attack squares and bolls, feeding internally and destroying both the lint and seeds.
• "Flared" or open squares are a common sign of infestation.
• Infestation leads to premature boll opening and shedding.

Preventive Measures:

• Sow 4 rows of sorghum or maize as a guard crop around the cotton field.
• Install pheromone traps at a rate of 4 per acre.

Control Measures:

• Spray indoxacarb at 1 ml/l, spinosad at 0.3 ml/l, or emamectin benzoate at 0.5 g/l