Phenology and monitoring of lepidopteran pests in cotton agroecosystems of Beshariq district, Fergana Valley

The cotton (Gossypium spp.) agroecosystems in Besharik district of the Fergana Valley are vulnerable to infestation by several Lepidoptera species, including Helicoverpa armigera, Spodoptera litura, and Agrotis segetum. This study, carried out during the 2023–2024 growing season, aimed to assess the diversity, population dynamics, and seasonal activity of major lepidopteran pests under regional agro-climatic conditions. Field surveys, pheromone traps, and mercury vapor light traps were used to monitor pest populations, supported by soil sampling and meteorological data analysis. Results demonstrated distinct temporal population peaks for each species, with H. armigera showing the highest activity during flowering and boll development stages, S. litura in late summer, and A. segetum during early seedling stages. Pest abundance was strongly influenced by environmental variables, particularly temperature and humidity. The integration of pheromone and light trap data provided robust insights into species phenology and highlighted the importance of implementing region-specific, ecologically-based integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to sustain cotton production in the Fergana region.