The efficacy of biopesticides and synthetic pesticides in managing Cotton Jassids (Amrasca devastans Dist.) and enhancing cotton yield in Pakistan

Abstract

Cotton production in Pakistan is significantly affected by pest infestations, with cotton jassid being the most damaging pest during the early growing season. To evaluate safer and more sustainable alternatives for pest control in cotton production, a study was conducted using biopesticides and synthetic pesticides against cotton jassids. The randomised complete block design experiment included seven treatments, with neem oil (T2), Datura (T3), and tobacco leaf extract (T4) as biopesticides, and Mospilan (T5), Tamaron (T6), and Confidor (T7) as synthetic pesticides. Standard plant inspection was used to sample and record pest populations, and all treatments were found to be effective in reducing jassid infestation compared to the control. Confidor was the most effective treatment, followed by Tamaron, neem oil, Mospilan, Datura, and tobacco leaf extract. The efficacy of all treatments was highest immediately after application and decreased over time. Using neem oil and Datura can help manage cotton jassids and increase cotton yield in Pakistan while reducing reliance on conventional chemical pesticides and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.