Research Article

Effect of Different Plant Extracts Against Pink Bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saund.) Larvae on Bt. and Non-Bt. Cotton

Imran Ali Rajput1*, Tajwer Sultana Syed1, Ghulam Hussain Abro1, Imran Khatri1 and Abdul Mubeen Lodhi2

1Department of Entomology, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Sindh, Pakistan; 2Department of Plant Protection, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Sindh, Pakistan.

Received | September 21, 2017; Accepted | December 07, 2017; Published | December 12, 2017

*Correspondence | Imran Ali Rajput, Department of Entomology, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Sindh, Pakistan; Email: ranaimran234@gmail.com

Citation | Rajput, I.A., T.S. Syed, G.H. Abro, I. Khatri and A.M. Lodhi. 2017. Effect of different plant extracts against pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saund.) larvae on Bt. and non-Bt. cotton. Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Research, 30(4): 373-379.

DOI | http://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.pjar/2017/30.4.373.379

Keywords | Plant extracts, Pectinophora gossypiella, Bt. and non-Bt. cotton

Introduction

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is known as silver fiber due to its worldwide economic importance. It is attacked by number of insect pests that may results in 30-40% reduction in cotton production particularly in Pakistan (Ahmed, 1980). Bollworms are the major insect pests of cotton crops and among these pink bollworm is particularly one of the most destructive pest that do not only reduce the quantity through direct feeding of crops but their existence may also damage the lint quality of cotton (Waleed, 2003). The yearly losses by this pest in Pakistan are estimated about one million bales (Ahmed, 2013). Meanwhile, the introduction of Bt. cotton in1983 solved the problem of bollworm complex in many cotton-growing areas of the world, but soon after in 1996 the bollworm complex issue arose again and this time only pink bollworm displayed first time resistance against Bt. cotton (Simmons et al., 1998). Since then, the regular attacks of this pest with severe damage on cotton crop has been reported (Wan et al., 2004; Tabashnik et al., 2005; Prasad and Rao, 2008) and require an essential management to suppress their population below economic threshold level. The use of synthetic pesticides play a vital role in controlling these insect pest (Ruscoe et al., 1996) nevertheless the continuous and abundance use of similar group of pesticides generated pest resistance and seemed different incidence of pest outbreak. However, in alternative control measures, the botanical pesticides are well-known and very important group of naturally occurring substances. These are highly effective with their slow affecting action in the field of crop protection and generally considered safe to living organism particularly to natural enemies (Isman et al., 1990).

In these eco-friendly bio pesticides, neem tree (Azadirachtin indica) has been a subject of great interest for scientists in all over the world. In addition, the previous studies have shown that the neem seed extracts, tobacco and datura have minimal toxicity to non-target organisms (parasitoids, predators and pollinators) and degrade rapidly in the environment. Furthermore, these extracts are useful in reducing the activity of pests and disruption of feeding potential and repelling from the targeted habitat (Mordue and Blackwell, 1993; Walter, 1999; Vaughn, 2000). The aim of this study therefore, this study was designed to observe the effect of different plant extracts against P. gossypiella on Bt. and non Bt. cotton crop.

Materials and Methods

The comparative effect of different plant extracts

against larval population of pink bollworm on Bt. and non-Bt. cotton was carried out during two cotton-growing seasons (2015 and 2016). The seeds of cotton varieties “Bt. (MNH-886) and non-Bt. (FH-1000)” were obtained from the Central Cotton Research Institute, Sakrand and Agriculture Research Institute Tandojam, Sindh. Both Bt.and non-Bt. varieties weresown at farmer’s field, district Sanghar, Sindh, Pakistan through dibbling method in ridges and furrows and all other agronomical practices were followed as per recommendations. The net size of plot was 30 x 30 sq ft that was divided into four blocks containing four treatments including control and all treatments were further replicated four times during experimentation (Figure 1).

There were three plant extracts tobacco (Nicotiana tabacium), neem (Azadirachtin indica) and datura (Datura stramonium) were used in this study (Figure 2). The total net weight of 500 grams of dry flue-cured tobacco leaves were crushed and soaked for 24 hours in 1 liter of water. After that, water (extract) was diluted in 37.19 ml/ 2 liters of water. Similarly, 10 kg leaves

of each neem and datura were collected sep arately.Later, these leaves were chopped and boiled in 5 liters water until 2 liters boiled water left that was drained through muslin cloth and prepared it to use. In preparation of botanical extracts, methods of Lawrence (2012) and Chang et al. (2013) were used. All these prepared extracts were sprayed at the proper dose of 37.19 ml/ 2 liters on both Bt. and non-Bt. cotton crops through knapsack sprayer at fortnightly.

All selected plots were sprayed four times with similar procedure. In regard to observe the effect of these prepared extracts against pink bollworm, there were 50 bolls from each replication (200 bolls/treatment) were observed before and after each spray. The pre-treatment observations were recorded 24 hours before spraying meanwhile the post-treatment observations were taken at 48 hours, 96 hours, one week and two weeks. In last, the data were compared with control plot within both Bt. and non-Bt. cotton varieties.

Data analysis

The experiment was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with each treatment was replicated four times. The collected data were subjected to statistical analysis using three-way factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA). The data were calculated after each spray (total four spray) and the results were presented with overall means (Means±S.E). All treatments were further compared through LSD (Least Significance Difference) at p value (0.05) using statistical software SAS (ver. 9.1). Moreover, the reduction percentage (%) of pink bollworm population was also calculated using following formula. The results were presented with getting overall means of pest population.

Results and Discussion

The results for both growing seasons showed that the efficacy of different plant extracts against larval population of pink bollworm were varied significantly at different intervals (F=95.80 at 48 hrs; F=190.77 at 96 hrs, F=365.20 at 1week and F=616.28 at 2 weeks, dF=3 at P<0.05). The use of botanical extracts on both Bt. and non-Bt. cotton crops were observed effective in reducing the mean larval population of P. gossypiella. The effect was observed dominant until 48 hrs after spray that maintained more or less in comparison with control plot until two weeks. The population was also monitored started to incline again in different selected treatments in both cotton crops after 48 hrs of spray (11.88±0.51) but still it was less in comparison to control plots.

Furthermore, the results in Table 1 indicated the reduction percentage of larval population in Bt. and non-Bt. cotton crop. The overall larval population ranged from 15.87 to 16.93 before the application of different plant extracts on both (Bt. and non-Bt.). The mean larval population ranged from 11.88±0.51 to 12.31±0.88 on tobacco and datura at 48 hrs, 13.13±0.65 to 14.13±68on tobacco and neem at 96 hrs, 13.75±0.53 to 16.81±77on tobacco and neem at 1st week and 15.63±0.46 to 18.38±68 on tobacco and neem at 2nd week in Bt. cotton crop, respectively. However, in non-Bt. cotton crop the larval population was almost same ranged from 15.50 to 16.37 before the application of different bio-pesticides. The mean larval population of 12.69±0.77 to

Table 1: Overall mean larval population of P. gossypiella after application of different plant extracts at variable intervals in 2015.

Table 2: Overall mean larval population of P. gossypiella after application of different plant extracts at variable intervals in 2016.

A maximum mean larval population of 14.46 on neem in Bt. and 15.09 on datura in non-Bt. crops; however, it was from 26.42 to 30.19 in control plots was recorded. In control plot, the larval population as compared to all treated plot was much higher that displayed influence of all these botanical extracts. Among selected botanical pesticides, tobacco was observed much effective as minimum mean larval population of 13.10 in Bt. and 12.57 in non-Bt. cotton crops were observed. Similar, findings were also noticed in next (2016) of experimentation. The highest reduction percentage of 14.36% was recorded in Bt. cotton with bio-extracts application of tobacco followed by neem 9.45% and datura 7.94%. However, the similar effects were also found in non-Bt. cotton with less reduction percentage as compared to Bt. cotton; whereas, the maximum mean reduction population of 12.40% was recorded at neem followed by tobacco 11.22% and datura 5.85%, respectively in 2015 (Figure 3).

The results were observed almost same in consecutive year (2016) that showed the larval population ranged from 15.81 to 16.31 per cotton bolls before the application of selected bio-pesticides on Bt. cotton (tobacco and neem). The mean larval population ranged of 11.44±0.64 to 12.31±0.57% was recorded from tobacco and neem at 48 hrs, 12.56±0.75to 14.06±0.69 at 96 hrs, 13.50±0.74 to 15.81±0.88 at 1st week and 14.81±0.79 to 17.00±0.98 at 2nd week tobacco and datura in Bt. cotton crop. However, in non-Bt. cotton crop the larval population was ranged of 15.56 to 17.06 before the application of spraying from the plot of tobacco and datura bio-pesticides. The larval population of 11.44±0.51 to 13.69±0.11 at 48 hrs, 12.63±0.36 to 14.56±0.34 at 96 hrs, 14.19±0.43 to 16.44±0.53 at 1st week and 15.81±0.50 to 17.31±0.86 at 2nd week was recorded in tobacco and datura in Table 2.

However, the maximum mean reduction population of 40.73 percent was observed from tobacco followed by neem 13.12% and datura 7.49% in Bt. cotton crop. Whereas, in non-Bt. cotton the maximum mean reduction population of 13.17 percent was also recorded from tobacco followed by neem 8.76% and datura 5.85%. In both years, the reduction in larval population was higher on application of tobacco extracts as compared to other botanical pesticides. However, such reduction was observed highest on Bt. cotton than non-Bt. cotton crop that showed somewhat dual effect of Bt. and tobacco extracts on larval population of P. gossypiella (Figure 4).

The pink bollworm is one of the most destructive pests of cotton crop in the world. A significant attack has been indicated in local and imported Bt. cotton varieties due to lose of their resistance against bollworm complex in Pakistan. Organic pesticides are effective and cheaper for the controlling the pest populations than synthetic pesticide. The natural plants from which these bio-pesticides are prepared commonly available on agriculture field of the country (Khuhro et al., 2014). Keeping in the mind, the present study was devised to observe the efficacy of all botanical extracts on both cotton varieties (Bt. and non-Bt.). The consequences displayed that the tobacco suppressed well the pest of P. gossypiella in initial year of the study (2015) as compared to other bio-pesticides. There were overall similar population of pest on both varieties in control plot that indicated excellent response/ resistance of conventional cotton variety (FH-1000) as compared to Bt. cotton variety (MNH-886). In selected intervals (48 hrs, 96 hrs, 1st week and 2nd week), the effect of these bio extracts were maximum at 48 hrs that steady raised again until 2nd week. These findings did not show much effect of bio-extracts in relation to cotton varietal difference in the present study. Similar trend was also observed in the second (2016) year of the study that further confirmed the maximum effect of tobacco on P. gossypiella larvae.

In addition, where other extracts maintained the similar pest population but tobacco did not allow the pest population of P. gossypiella larvae to develop particularly on Bt. cotton variety. It could be possible that it occurred due to dual action mode of Bt. cotton variety. Khan et al. (2000) also reported that the tobacco extracts showed significant effects on pink bollworm larvae of cotton crop to eradicate their population. Oruonye and Okrikata (2010) have also previously reported the botanical values of tobacoo and garlic and their supreme use against many pests. Various field experiments around the world using plant extracts including neem, tobacco and datura have been reported successfully implemented in agriculture field against pests population (Ahmed et al., 2009; Kumar et al., 2009; Khuhro, 2014). The differences in regard to yield and plant quality between cotton varieties was obvious using different plant extracts that helped to remove the bollworm larvae from cotton field and similar findings were also reported by many researchers (Kumawat and Jheeba, 1999; Deling et al., 2000; Manjunath, 2004; Bronkhorst, 2005; Phillips, 2005; Dutt, 2007; Bardin et al., 2008; Rafiq et al., 2012).

Conclusions

It is concluded through present investigation that the population of P. gossypiella was effected by using different plant-extract on Bt. cotton and non-Bt. cotton. There was no varietal different on pest population was noticed. In plant extracts, tobacco was observed much effective and such effect was observed maximum until 48 hrs after its application. Therefore, it is strongly suggested regarding use of these local bio products, which are not only cheaper but also effective. Further, they will also play a crucial role being safe bio pesticides for human, birds and natural enemies.

Acknowledgements

I acknowledge all my research work to the Department of Entomology, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam for all kind of support during my research.

Authors’ Contributions

I.A Rajput conceived the idea data collection and overall management of the article, T.S Syed Technical input at every step, G.H Abro Review manuscript, I. Khatri and A.M Lodhi Data analysis and plagiarism.

References

Ahmad, Z. 1980. Incidence of major cotton pests and diseases in Pakistan with special reference to pest management. Proc. of first International Consultation on Cotton Production. Man. Philippines.156 –179.

Ahmed, B.I., I. Onu, L. Mudi, and I.B. Ahmed. 2009. Field bio efficacy of plant extracts for the control of post flowering insect pests of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) in Nigeria. J. boil. pest. 1: 37-43.

Ahmed, Z. 2013. Model farming saving cotton from Pink bollworm. Available at: http://www.Pakistan.com/english/advisory/saving.cotton.from.the.pink.bllworm.shtml

Bardin, M., J. Fargues, and N.T. Nicot. 2008. Theory and applications in pest management. J. Biol. Cont. 3: 476-483. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2008.05.012

Bronkhorst. 2005. Magazine article of the Landbouweek. Bylae in Landbouweekblad, 8 April 2005.

Chang, A.N,. R.D. Khuhro, B.Z. Yousufzai. K.H. Dhiloo, I.A. Rajput. 2013. Efficacy of neem kernal powder and oil against cauliflower insect pests under field conditions. Life Sci. Int. J. 7 (1): 2848-2852.

Deling, M.A., G. Gordh and P.M. Zalucki. 2000. Toxicity of bio-rational pesticides and chemicals to Helicoverpa spp. and predators in cotton field. Int. J. Pest. Manage. 46: 237-240. https://doi.org/10.1080/096708700415580

Dutt, U. 2007. Mealy bug infestation In Punjab: Bt. cotton Falls Flat. KhetiVirasat Mission. Jaitu, Faridkot district based environmental NGO in Punjab. umendradutt@gmail.com.

Isman, M.B., O. Kouli, A. Luczynski and J. Kaminski.1990. Insecticide and antifeedant bioactivities of neem oils and their relationship to azadirochtin content. J. Agric. Food Chem. 38: 106-1411. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf00096a024

Khan, Q.A., M. Saqib, M. Umar, A. Salim, and M.T. Khalid. 2000. Efficacy of some pre-mixed insecticides against insect pest complex of cotton crop. Int. J. Agric. Biol. 4: 340-341.

Khuhro, R.D. 2014. A proposal submitted to Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, Sindh Pakistan. pp. 1-27.

Khuhro, R.D., I.A. Rajput, F. Ahmad, M.H. Lakho, S.N. Khuhro, K.H. Dhiloo. 2014. Efficacy of different IPM techniques for suppression of sucking pests of okra. Euro. Acad. Res. 8: 10738-10752.

Kumar, G., N. Chhetry and L. Belbahri. 2009. Indigenous pest and disease management practices in traditional farming systems in north east India. J. Pl. Breed Crop Sci. 3: 28-38.

Kumawat, K.C. and S.S. Jheeba. 1999. Eco-friendly management of gram pod borer. Ann. Pl. Prot. Sci. 7: 212-214.

Lawrence, N.M. 2012. Efficacy of organic and synthetic insecticides on the control of cotton pests: M.Sc. thesis, Department of Entomology. University of Fort Hare Alice.

Manjunath T.M. 2004. Bt-cotton in India: the technology wins as the controversy wanes. Presented at the 63rd Plenary Meeting of the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), Mumbai, 28 Nov-02 Dec, 2004.

Mardue, K and L. Blackwell. 1993. Azadirachin, an update. J. Insect Physiol. 39: 903-924. https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-1910(93)90001-8

Oruonye, E.D. and E.Okrikata. 2010. Sustainable use of plant protection products in Nigeria and challenges. J. Pl. Breed Crop Sci. 9: 267-272.

Phillips, M. 2005. The apple grower: a guide for the organic orchardist. Revised and expanded edition. Chelsea Green Publishers, Vermont, USA. pp. 229.

Prasad, N.V.S.D. and N.H. Rao. 2008. Field evaluation of Bt. cotton hybrids against insect pest complex under rainfed conditions. Ind. J. Ento. 70 (4): 330-336.

Rafiq, M., M.U. Dahot, S. H. Naqvi, M. Mali and N. Ali. 2012. Efficacy of neem (Azadirochtin indica) callus and cells suspension extracts against three lepidopteron insects of cotton. J. Med. Pl. Res. 5: 1317-1324.

Ruscoe, J.T., G.L. Andrews. and L.B. Phlephs. 1996. Efficacy and duration of early season insecticide applications. National Cotton Council. 955-956.

Simmons., A.L., T.J. Dannely, L. Antilla, A. Bartlett and D. Gouge. 1998. Evaluation of Bt. cotton deployment strategies and efficacy against pink bollworm Arizona. Website at http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/crops/az1006/az10067b.html.

Tabashnik., B.E., T.J. Denneley and Y. Carriere. 2005. Delayed resistance to transgenic cotton in pink bollworm. Pro. Natle. Acad. Sci. 102: 15389-15393. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0507857102

Vaughn, M.W. 20000. Mealybug: Biology and control strategies ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Stellenbosch, Department of Agriculture Science bulletin. 402: 1-6.

Waleed, H. 2013. Record production of cotton bales expected. http://zzaraimedia.com/2013/11.21/record-prouction-cotton-bales-expected/

Walter, J.F. 1999. Commercial experience with Neem products. In Hall F.R., Menn, J.J., Eds., Botanical pesticides: use and delivery. Humana.

Wan., P., K. Wu, M. Huang and J. Wu. 2004. Seasonal pattern of infestation by pink bollworm Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) in field plots of Bt. transgenic cotton in the Yangtze River Valley of China. Crop prot. 23: 463–67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2003.09.017