Pink bollworm destroys cotton crop in Bathinda

Around 100 acres of cotton crop has come under pink bollworm attack in Jodhpur Romana village in Bathinda district. Farmers alleged that cotton bolls were disposed of after removing fibre by cotton factory units, which resulted in infestation by the bollworm.

The pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) is one of the most destructive pests of cotton. Though probably native to India, it is now distributed worldwide. It bores into cotton bolls, devouring blossoms and seeds. The pinkish-coloured larva generally pupates in a cocoon inside a boll or seed, in litter, or underground. The brown adult has fringed wings. In warm climates several generations occur annually.