Comparative tolerance of different Cotton cultivars against Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Gelechiidae: Lepidoptera) under ecological conditions of District Layyah

Pink Bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Gelechiidae: Lepidoptera) is a serious threat to cotton crop in Pakistan. The current research trail was designed to assess the response of six cotton genotypes viz: IUB-13, BS-15, FH-142, MNH-886, NIAB-999 and MNH 1026 and role of abiotic factors on the infestation of pink bollworm on squares, flowers and green bolls of cotton cultivars under agro-climatic conditions of District Layyah from July to October 2018 on weekly basis. The results of the study revealed that maximum infestation of Pink bollworm (4.02%) on squares was noted at temperature of 31.23 degrees C and relative humidity of (41.83%). Maximum infestation on green bolls (5.50%) was recorded at temperature 31.23 degrees C and relative humidity 41.83% respectively. Among all tested varieties IUB-13 was found to be relatively susceptible under unsprayed condition and MNH-1026 was found to be comparatively resistant against Pink bollworm infestation on flowers. No rainfall in the experiment area was recorded during study period. Present study can be helpful in selection of resistant cultivars against Pink bollworm for good quality production of cotton.