Bioscience Methods 2024, Vol.15, No.4, 196-206 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 1 97 2 Historical Perspective on Pest Management in Cotton 2.1 Traditional pest control methods Historically, pest management in cotton crops relied heavily on the use of synthetic chemicals. The Green Revolution, which introduced high-yielding crop varieties, also led to an increased use of agrochemicals, including pesticides, to manage the rising intensity of pest infestations (Chaube and Pandey, 2022). This approach, while initially effective, resulted in several ecological and health issues, including the destruction of beneficial insects and the development of pest resistance (Chaube and Pandey, 2022). Traditional methods were largely reactive, focusing on the eradication of pests through chemical means without considering the broader ecological impacts. 2.2 Evolution of pest resistance The extensive use of synthetic pesticides led to the evolution of pest resistance, a significant challenge in cotton pest management. Over time, pests developed resistance to commonly used insecticides, rendering them less effective and necessitating higher doses or more frequent applications (Wilson et al., 2018). This resistance evolution was driven by the selective pressure exerted by continuous pesticide use, which favored the survival of resistant individuals within pest populations (Green et al., 2020). The recognition of this issue highlighted the need for more sustainable pest management strategies that could mitigate the development of resistance. 2.3 The shift towards Integrated Pest Management (IPM) In response to the limitations of traditional pest control methods and the growing issue of pest resistance, the cotton industry began to adopt Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. IPM is a holistic approach that combines preventive and curative measures, emphasizing the use of multiple methods to control pests and reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides (Green et al., 2020; Veres et al., 2020). The Australian cotton industry, for example, successfully implemented a systems IPM approach that integrated pest ecology, biology, and resistance management into a flexible, year-round strategy (Wilson et al., 2018). This approach included the use of Bt cotton, selective insecticides, and economic validation, supported by an industry-wide extension campaign (Wilson et al., 2018). IPM also incorporates techniques such as plant training for induced defense, which enhances the natural defense mechanisms of cotton plants against pests (Llandres et al., 2018). This method, along with other IPM tools like biological control and agronomic strategies, has been shown to significantly reduce insecticide use and improve productivity (Veres et al., 2020). Despite the challenges, the shift towards IPM represents a proactive and sustainable approach to pest management in cotton, focusing on long-term solutions and the integration of new scientific advancements (Wilson et al., 2018; Deguine et al., 2021). By adopting IPM, the cotton industry aims to create a more resilient and sustainable agricultural system that can effectively manage pest populations while minimizing environmental and health impacts. This transition marks a significant evolution in pest management practices, moving from reactive chemical control to a more integrated and ecologically sound approach. 3 Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Strategies 3.1 Principles of IPM Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a holistic approach to pest control that combines various management strategies and practices to grow healthy crops and minimize the use of pesticides. The core principles of IPM include understanding pest ecology, monitoring pest populations, and using a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical control methods only when necessary. This approach aims to reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides, thereby minimizing environmental impact and delaying the development of pest resistance (Wilson et al., 2018; Green et al., 2020; Deguine et al., 2021). 3.2 Biological control methods 3.2.1 Use of natural predators Biological control is a cornerstone of IPM, involving the use of natural predators to manage pest populations.
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