The target of 2.86 million hectares for cotton has been fixed for 2003-04, with the sowing showing an increase of 15.3 per cent over 2002-03.

Following the increased acreage and satisfactory crop situation, the federal government is expecting cotton production at around 11.2 million bales during the current season against a target of 10.55 million bales — despite the rains and flood that has hit the crop in Sindh.

Against the prospects of a bumper crop, the standing crop in the districts of Ghotki, Sukkur, Khairpur, and Nawabshah is now facing the insurgence of armyworm. If not controlled the menace could cause severe damage, particularly to the late sown cotton crop on vast acreage on this part of Sindh.

The survey undertaken by this scribe has indicated that the cotton variety FH-1000 is the worst victim of this pest followed by the CIM-499. It would be proper to mention that the FH-1000 is a high yielding, large leaves and big bells variety. However, the insurgence of armyworm has also been observed on other varieties where the application of urea fertilizer was in excess. As a matter of fact the cotton crop in district Ghotki, mostly because of the injudicious use of the pesticides, has been encountering the armyworm outbreak for the last over three years. But this year its insurgence may be due to prolonged monsoon rains. Presently the outbreak is localized in small to medium size patches, but the lack of knowledge to control and the prevailing climatic factors may spread the menace to vast acreage inflicting severe damage to the standing cotton crop, particularly the late sown and highly fertilized.

Hot spots of armyworm observed during the survey were Taluka Mirpur Mathelo, Ghotki and Dharki in District Ghotki; Taluka Pano Akil, Rohri and Salehpat in District Sukkur; Taluka Sobhodero in District Khairpur and Taluka Sakrand in district Nawabshah. Armyworm belongs to the family Noctuidae of Order-Lepidoptera. Geographically, it is found in Europe, South Africa, America, and the Orient. In Pakistan tobacco crop in the NWFP is subjected to severe armyworm attack.

A review of the literature has indicated that the introduction of ‘deltapine’ variety of cotton in Punjab from abroad has triggered its onslaught on the cotton crop in that province. Accordingly, the FH-1000 variety of cotton having high susceptibility for the armyworm may enhance this problem in Sindh province with the passage of time. Here, it would be proper to mention that, as per agriculture department source, the FH-1000 is not an approved variety of cotton for the province. However, with 6 to 7 sprays some growers claims that its yield is above 30 mounds. Besides cotton, tobacco, and lucern the armyworm is also a minor pest of the groundnut, gram, linseed, lentil, cabbage, maize, safflower, indigo, jute, etc.

Damage: The damaged crop on which larvae have fed gives a webbed appearance. Initially there are numerous small feeding points which finally spread over the entire leaf. Late holes and bare sections are to be found on leaves, young stalks, bolls, and squares (buds) resulting from the feeding activities of the pest.

It is extremely important to detect and control the armyworm while they are small. Controlling the nearly matured larva that has completed the feeding is a waste of time and money. Late spraying for the armyworm is often referred as a “revenge” spraying since the crop damage has been done and no economic benefit is realised. Initial field scouting for armyworms should be done in the field margins, the low areas with rank plant growth, and in the areas where plants have lodged. The indication of armyworm damage feeding include the leaf damage.