Whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporarioru) is no doughty the major threat to cotton not only in Pakistan but in all over the world. It is a sucking insect which mostly suck plant nutrients and feeding in high population may result in stunting plant growth, defoliation, and boll shed and poor yield. Whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporarioru) while sucking plant parts produce a great amount of honeydew which deposited on fiber and further reduce cotton quality and also interfere with picking, ginning and spinning. This honeydew support growth of black sooty molds this mold stain lint and lower yield quality. Whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporarioru) acts as a vector for the famous CLCV (cotton leaf curl virus). This is the most adverse pest ever affected cotton industry. This virus devastated the Pakistan cotton industry in early 1990’s where it caused an estimated yield reduction of 30-35%.
Many of the control method to of Whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporarioru) are not much effective as the increasing growth of Whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporarioru) usually there in the field. It is very difficult to manage when its population reached to high level. Repeated chemical exposure may produce resistant strains in it which ultimately leads to severe crop damage.
There is a method to control Whitefly population (Trialeurodes vaporarioru) which is to control whitefly through yellow sticky traps. It is a non toxic way to control Whitefly. These traps are quite valuable for cotton growers helps them in trapping and monitoring. It is an effective way to reduce adult air borne population of Whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporarioru). If Yellow sticky traps are used at the rate of 1 trap per 250 squares feet proved as an effective monitoring tool.
The question is how to make yellow sticky traps? To make yellow sticky traps at home we use Tangle foot pest barriers. No harmful chemical and pesticide involve in tangle foot pest barriers.
The first step is to cut stiff yellow paper in to strips 3inches wide and not more than 7 inches long. Then unbend large paper clip to form an “S” shape hanger. Pierce the yellow paper to clip and then spread the branded tangle foot pest barrier with a knife uniformly along one side of yellow paper strip. Hang the homemade yellow sticky traps vertically near the branches at the height of 25-30 cm above the ground. Use these sticky traps when cotton crop is about 20-25 days old. This is the best time when Whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporarioru) attacks on cotton. Many insects attract towards fine yellow color and capture by sticky substance. The sticky material sticks these insects on it and hence, the adult population is very much controlled. You can change these yellow sticky traps when they become studded with victims.
Besides use of chemicals and pesticides to control pests this action is strictly mechanical and having no harmful effect on human health and environment. This method of controlling Whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporarioru) population is very safe to nature and health as well as reliable.
By: SYED UMAER ANWER
Assalam.o.alaikum