Comparative Study of Cotton Varieties Against Pink Bollworm Infestation Monitored by Pheromone Traps

Known as "white gold," cotton (Gossypium spp.) is a key cash crop in Pakistan, particularly in Sindh and Punjab, where it fuels the textile industry and makes a substantial economic contribution to the country. One of its most damaging pests is the pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella), which reduces yield and lint quality by feeding on the growing bolls. This study was conducted Plant Protection Research Institute, Tandojam. this study was to monitor pink bollworm populations in three cotton varieties, Koonj, Shahzadi, and Sindh-1, using pheromone traps during the flowering to early boll formation stage. A total of nine pheromone traps, three per variety, were installed in a randomized complete block design, with moth catches recorded daily and summarized weekly. results showed that Koonj recorded the highest mean catches (week 1: 12, week 2: 15, week 3: 18, week 4: 11 moths/trap), followed by Shahzadi (10, 12, 14, 9 moths/trap), while Sindh-1 had the lowest (6, 8, 9, 5 moths/trap). Peak moth activity occurred in the third week of July, coinciding with peak flowering, after which catches declined as boll development progressed. The findings highlight the effectiveness of pheromone traps as an eco-friendly tool for early detection and monitoring of pink bollworm, enabling timely pest management decisions and supporting sustainable cotton production. This research provided practical experience in trap installation, pest scouting, accurate data recording, and population trend analysis, reinforcing the importance of integrated pest management (IPM) practices.