Impact of dissemination of IPM strategies against insect pests of transgenic cotton in Punjab

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) module for the management of major insect pests of cotton developed by Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana was disseminated in 129 villages of four blocks of Bathinda district, Punjab viz., Talwandi Sabo, Mour, Bathinda and Sangat. Two non-IPM villages in each block adjoining to IPM villages were selected as check. The dissemination of IPM strategies reduced the incidence of insect pests in IPM villages as compared to non-IPM villages. The mean population of jassid nymphs and whitefly adults/three leaves was lower in IPM villages (0.75, 0.79) as compared to non-IPM villages (1.61, 2.58). Mealybug population/2.5cm central shoot was lower in IPM villages (0.11) over non-IPM villages (0.49). The tobacco caterpillar infestation was also lower in IPM villages (0.13) than in non-IPM villages (0.62). Population of natural enemies including spiders, predatory bugs, ladybird beetle, green lacewing was highest in IPM villages (0.54) while lowest in non-IPM villages (0.23). The adoption of IPM module resulted in 18.82% reduction in number of sprays in IPM villages over non-IPM villages. The reduction in cost of spray in IPM was 15.87% over non-IPM villages. The average cost of cultivation was Rs. 26752/ha in IPM villages, which was marginally higher than in non-IPM villages (Rs. 26684/ha). Average seed cotton yield was higher in IPM villages (22.57q/ha) in comparison to non-IPM villages (19.98 q/ha). The average net return in IPM villages was Rs. 43210/ha, which was more than non-IPM villages (Rs. 35263/ha), with an additional profit of Rs 7945/ha.