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How to control cotton aphids? Detailed control measures for the Yellow River basin

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Aphids, also called greasy bugs or honey bugs, are one of the main pests on cotton in our country. The cotton aphids that damage cotton fields are divided into seedling aphids and summer aphids. Seedling aphids occur from emergence to before squaring, prefer lower temperatures, and when the temperature exceeds 27°C their reproduction is inhibited and the population drops rapidly; the aphids that commonly occur from early July to mid-August are called "summer aphids." When the 3-day average temperature is 24-28°C and the relative humidity is 55%-85%, it favors the multiplication of "summer aphids"; weather that alternates between sunny and rainy is most suitable for "summer aphids" to reproduce; continuous rainy

Aphids, also called greasy bugs or honey bugs, are one of the main pests on cotton in our country. The cotton aphids that damage cotton fields are divided into seedling aphids and summer aphids. Seedling aphids occur from emergence to before squaring, prefer lower temperatures, and when the temperature exceeds 27°C their reproduction is inhibited and the population drops rapidly; the aphids that commonly occur from early July to mid-August are called "summer aphids." When the 3-day average temperature is 24-28°C and the relative humidity is 55%-85%, it favors the multiplication of "summer aphids"; weather that alternates between sunny and rainy is most suitable for "summer aphids" to reproduce; 5-6 days of continuous rain has a significant inhibitory effect.

Generally, monoculture cotton fields have early and severe outbreaks, while intercropped cotton fields have later outbreaks. The nutritional conditions of the cotton plants affect the occurrence of aphids; cotton plants with high nitrogen content suffer severe aphid damage. In addition, the natural enemies of cotton aphids can effectively control their damage. When the total number of natural enemies and the number of cotton aphids is 1:40, their damage can basically be controlled.  The control of cotton aphids is mainly based on agricultural control and biological control, with chemical control as a supplement.

1. Agricultural control 

(1) Intercropping and relay intercropping can increase the types and numbers of natural enemies and control aphid damage. Such as cotton-wheat relay intercropping; intercropping cotton with mung beans, green manure, etc.; and planting trap crops such as corn, rapeseed, and sorghum in scattered strips. (2) Paddy-upland rotation can reduce the occurrence of cotton aphids. Where conditions permit, implement rotation of cotton and rice. (3) Treat overwintering hosts to reduce early-spring aphid sources. Generally, before cotton seedlings emerge, clear weeds inside and outside the cotton fields.

2. Chemical control

(1) Choose aphid-resistant coated cotton seeds. Using aphid-resistant seed coating agents for coating can effectively control seedling aphids and has a protective effect on aphids' natural enemy, ladybugs. If pesticides are used at the seedling stage, whether imidacloprid or acetamiprid, they will kill natural enemies. Cotton farmers are encouraged to choose aphid-resistant cotton seeds, which saves labor and also controls pests. (2) Alternately use pesticides: 3% acetamiprid emulsifiable concentrate, 10% imidacloprid wettable powder, and 2.5% Ding'erjing (Xinqiu seed-specific) emulsifiable concentrate diluted 1500-2000 times can delay the development of aphid resistance.

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