• The pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) is a destructive pest that primarily affects cotton crops.
• Efforts to monitor and manage worm populations are ongoing in cotton-producing regions to protect this important crop from the damage caused by this pest.

Key points about the Pink Bollworm

• Identification
  • The pink bollworm is a small moth belonging to the family Gelechiidae.
  • The adult moth has a pinkish-grey colouration with fringed wings.
  • Larvae are typically pinkish or greenish-yellow caterpillars with a distinct head capsule.
• Host Crop
  • Cotton is the primary host plant of the worm.
  • It feeds on the cotton bolls, damaging the cotton fibres and reducing the quality and yield of cotton crops.
• Life Cycle
  • The life cycle of the worm consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
  • Female moths lay eggs on cotton bolls.
  • Upon hatching, the larvae bore into the cotton bolls, where they feed on the seeds and lint.
  • After completing their larval development, they pupate inside the bolls before emerging as adult moths.
• Damage
  • Worm infestations can cause significant damage to cotton crops.
  • Larval feeding inside the bolls reduces cotton yield and quality.
  • Damage to cotton fibres can lead to lower market prices for cotton.
• Control
  • Managing worm infestations is crucial for cotton growers.
  • Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies are commonly used, which may include the use of insecticides, cultural practices, biological control agents, and the planting of genetically modified (GM) cotton varieties that express toxins harmful to the Worm.
• Resistance
  • Worms have developed resistance to some chemical insecticides, posing challenges for control efforts.
  • This has led to increased interest in alternative control methods, such as GM cotton with built-in resistance.
• Economic Impact
  • Worm infestations can result in economic losses for cotton growers.
  • Effective management is essential to minimize these losses and sustain cotton production.
• Global Distribution
  • The worm is found in cotton-growing regions around the world.
  • It has been a significant pest in countries like the United States, India, China, and others.