Promoting integrated pest management for cotton smallholders—the Uganda experience

Abstract

Cotton production in Uganda which depends on smallholders, has fallen well below the levels of national production seen in the 1960s. Poor standards of crop management contribute to low profitability and control of insect pests is an important management component, with insecticides accounting for up to 50% of input costs. An integrated pest management (IPM) system appropriate for smallholder adoption was developed and promoted as part of a larger program based on large numbers of on-farm demonstrations. The main insect pests in Eastern Uganda are the bollworms (Helicoverpa armigera, Pectinophora gossypiella and Earias insulana and E. biplaga) and Lygus bug (Lygus spp.) can cause leaf tatter..