Bioscience Methods 2024, Vol.15, No.4, 196-206 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 1 96 Review and Progress Open Access Advancements in Pest Management Techniques for Cotton Crops Shanjun Zhu, Mengting Luo Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: mengting.luo@jicat.org Bioscience Methods, 2024, Vol.15, No.4 doi: 10.5376/bm.2024.15.0020 Received: 07 Jul., 2024 Accepted: 18 Aug., 2024 Published: 30 Aug., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhu and Luo, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Zhu S.J., and Luo M.T., 2024, Advancements in pest management techniques for cotton crops, Bioscience Methods, 15(4): 196-206 (doi: 10.5376/bm.2024.15.0020) Abstract The cotton industry has witnessed significant advancements in pest management techniques, driven by the need to address escalating insecticide resistance and environmental concerns. This study explores the evolution and effectiveness of various pest management strategies, including Integrated Pest Management (IPM), biotechnological innovations, and sustainable agricultural practices. The adoption of IPM, particularly with the introduction of Bt cotton and selective insecticides, has been instrumental in reducing insecticide usage and enhancing pest control efficacy. Additionally, the integration of biological control methods, such as the use of biopesticides and pheromones, has shown promise in both organic and conventional farming systems. Advances in genomics and bioinformatics have furthered our understanding of plant-pest interactions, leading to the development of novel pest management tools like RNA interference technology and controlled release pesticide formulations. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, including the need for improved grower education and the development of sustainable practices that align with global agricultural goals. This study underscores the importance of a multi-faceted approach to pest management in cotton crops, combining traditional methods with cutting-edge technologies to achieve sustainable and effective pest control. Keywords Bt cotton; Integrated pest management; Biological control; Genomics; Sustainable agriculture 1 Introduction Gossypium, commonly known as cotton, is a genus that includes several species of significant economic importance due to their fiber production (Zhang and Wang, 2024). Cotton is a vital agricultural commodity, serving as a primary source of natural fiber globally. The crop's significance is underscored by its extensive use in the textile industry, providing raw material for a wide range of products. In the 2021/22 season, global cotton production was projected at 117 million bales, highlighting its economic importance (Razzaq et al., 2023). Cotton cultivation supports the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide, from farmers to those involved in processing, trading, and marketing (Binu and Bhede, 2019). Given its critical role in the global economy, maintaining the health and productivity of cotton crops is essential. Cotton crops face numerous challenges, particularly from pests, which are a major cause of crop losses. Insect pests and their management represent the highest variable cost in cotton production (Alves et al., 2020). The crop is susceptible to a variety of biotic stresses, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, nematodes, insects, and mites, which can cause substantial losses (Razzaq et al., 2023). The repeated application of synthetic insecticides has been a common practice to manage these pests, but it has led to issues such as resistance development and negative impacts on non-target organisms, including natural enemies of pests (Binu and Bhede, 2019). Additionally, the use of harmful pesticides poses risks to the environment and human health. This study explores and summarizes the advancements in pest management techniques for cotton crops; covers a range of strategies, from traditional chemical controls to modern biotechnological approaches. It examines the effectiveness of various methods, including the use of genetically modified Bt cotton, which has been developed to resist specific insect pests. It also discusses innovative technologies such as deep learning models for pest identification, which can enhance the precision and efficiency of pest management practices. By providing a comprehensive overview of current and emerging pest management techniques, this study aims to inform and guide future research and practices in sustainable cotton cultivation.
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