Cotton aphids, both adults and nymphs, are commonly found in cotton buds, the leaf axils, and young leaves. These pests feed by piercing and sucking sap, causing significant damage to cotton plants. The top buds of seedlings may turn black and dry, leading to stunted growth of the main stem and the formation of "headless" seedlings. Affected plants may shed their flowers or produce unripe bolls, resulting in reduced yield and lower quality of the final cotton crop.
The aphids have a preference for green foliage and flowering plants. They thrive in humid and wet conditions, especially during rainy years. By late May, they gradually migrate from their summer host plants into cotton fields, where they cause serious infestations. Fields with transplanted crops, those covered with plastic mulch, or those that are heavily watered, fertilized, and densely planted early on tend to create high-humidity environments that favor the development of these pests.
Currently, even insect-resistant cotton varieties are not effective against this particular pest, so farmers should remain vigilant. According to the Cixi Agricultural Monitoring Center, as of May 28, the average plant damage rate reached 28%, with 4 to 7 aphids per 100 plants. Of these, 90% were nymphs, which exceeded the threshold for preventive measures. All cotton-growing areas must enhance monitoring efforts and take timely control actions.
To manage the infestation, several pesticides can be applied. Options include 50% malathion diluted at 1000–1500 times, 40% chlorpyrifos diluted at 800 times, or 10% imidacloprid diluted at 1500 times. The treatment should focus on the top parts of the plants and the leaf axils. Applications should be made every 5–7 days, with a total of 3–4 treatments for effective control. It is recommended to spray in the early morning or late evening, and to also treat surrounding weeds and shrubs near the ground to reduce the risk of reinfestation.
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