ABSTRACT
An adaptable IPM package developed for cotton at the Regional Research Station, Raichur was demonstrated on over 100 ha. in farmers fields. It involves integration of seed treatment for early sucking pests and soil born diseases, raising a trap crop, releases of Trichogramma egg parasitoids, application of Helicoverpa NPV and botanicals (neem) and selective use of pesticides, with proper application technology based on ETL of pests and monitoring with sex pheromone traps. This was compared with farmers’ plant protection practices. Assessment of sucking pest and bollworm populations and the natural enemy complex were made both in IPM and non IPM farmer fields. Analysis of the cost effectiveness of the IPM strategy indicated a reduction of 40 per cent in pesticide applications with a 50 per cent reduction in the cost of plant protection, resulting in higher net profit and natural enemy populations in IPM fields. Various constraints in the IPM technology implementation and potential benefits to cotton entomologists, extension officers, policy makers and cotton farmers are discussed.

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