An increase in temperature can lead to a rise in the jassid population in cotton crops. Jassids (leafhoppers) thrive in warm, dry conditions, and higher temperatures accelerate their life cycle, resulting in quicker reproduction and population growth. Why Jassid Populations Increase with Temperature? Faster Development: Higher temperatures shorten the jassid's life cycle, leading to more generations in a shorter time. Increased Activity: Warm temperatures enhance their mobility and feeding activity, causing more damage to the cotton crop. Reduced Natural Enemy Activity: In hot conditions, predators like Chrysoperla and other beneficial insects may become less active, giving jassids a better chance to multiply.
Management:
Cultural Control:
Early sowing of cotton can help escape peak jassid infestation periods.
Use of resistant varieties like F846, F1861, and LH1556.
Maintain optimal plant spacing to reduce humidity and create unfavorable conditions for jassid breeding.
Biological Control:
Promote natural enemies like Chrysoperla and spiders in the cotton field.
Use biopesticides like Beauveria bassiana and Verticillium lecanii for eco-friendly control.
Chemical Control:
Use systemic insecticides such as Imidacloprid, Thiamethoxam or Acetamiprid in rotation to prevent resistance build up.
Avoid indiscriminate use of pesticides to preserve beneficial insects.