Biological Control Strategies for the Pink Bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) in Cotton (Gossypium spp.)

The pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) is a destructive global pest of cotton capable of causing up to 90% yield loss and severe fiber quality degradation, resulting in major economic impacts. Heavy reliance on chemical insecticides and transgenic Bt cotton has initially suppressed infestations, but resistance evolution, particularly in India, has renewed concerns about sustainable management. This review synthesizes the role of biological control within Integrated Pest Management (IPM) frameworks as an ecofriendly and long-term solution. Biological control involves harnessing natural enemies’ predators (lacewings, lady beetles, and assassin bugs), parasitoids (Trichogramma spp., Bracon hebetor), pathogens (Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae), and entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernema riobrave, Heterorhabditis indica) to suppress pest populations. These agents can be deployed through conservation, augmentation, or mass release, and combined with sterile insect techniques (SIT) for area-wide suppression. Field studies report up to 80% egg parasitism by Trichogramma and 60% reduction in boll damage when natural enemies are integrated with cultural practices. However, environmental factors, predator-prey dynamics, and farmer compliance with refuge strategies influence success. Future directions include genetic enhancement of cotton (CRISPR-mediated resistance), RNA interference to disrupt pest gene function, and improved pheromone-based mating disruption. Novel strains of biocontrol agents and advanced mass-rearing technologies can further boost efficiency. By integrating diverse biological tactics with cultural, mechanical, and selective chemical controls, IPM offers a sustainable pathway to manage pink bollworm, reduce chemical inputs, delay resistance development, and maintain ecological balance in cotton agroecosystems.