The Three Big Challenges for Cotton Sector in the Next Decade1. Insect pests & diseasesA cotton crop that is protected from the infestation of insect pests and diseases produces high yields. Protection against insect pests (particularly chewing pests) achieved by incorporating Cry genes has weakened and now requires supplemental chemical insecticides for achieving control for bollworm management, particularly pink boll-worm. Similarly, the evolution of new strains of diseases (especially cotton leaf curl disease and bacterial blight) remains a potential threat to cotton production. Cottonleaf curl can spread to other countries where whitefly is prevalent. If these two factors are not properly addressed, I am afraid they could eliminate cotton from several cotton growing regions. The potential of minor pests to evolve into major pests could be a future challenge as well; for example, infestation of mealy bug and dusky cotton bugin Pakistan appears concerning. This scenario could also arise in other countries.
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