Comparative Evaluation of Different IPM Modules in Rainfed Cotton of Maharashtra

Cotton crop is ravaged by more than 162 species of insect pests, causing 50-60% losses. Four different IPM modules viz., bio-intensive, bio-control + insecticides, bio-control + intercrop were evaluated in comparison with the recommended plant protection schedule to manage the pests and diseases in an ecofriendly manner. Among the modules tested, the bio-control + insecticide module proved to be the best in the management of pests and diseases of cotton and gave higher net returns and C/B ratio. The number of sprays were reduced to three in bio-control + insecticide module as compared to six in the recommended plant protection schedule (farmers practice). The use of bio-agents and bio-pesticides in alteration with chemical insecticides provided enhanced activity of the natural enemies apart from reduced quantum of pesticide applied on the crop. The efficacy of different modules proved significant effectiveness of bio-intensive module and paved the way for implementation and evaluation at village level.