The changing climate for entomology

Abstract

In the four years since the release of Bollgard II® and the relaxation of the cap limiting the area of Bt cotton (Fitt & Wilson 2005) there have been significant changes to pest management in cotton. Widespread adoption of Bollgard II® (>85% of the area; Pyke in press) and improved efficacy compared to Ingard® have resulted in an 85% reduction in insecticide use. Bollgard II® crops currently receive less than one spray per hectare for Helicoverpa spp, compared with 7-11 in conventional crops (Figure 1). Here we review the current trends in pests and pest management in the current cotton system, highlight challenges, report on new tools to help manage pests and finally discuss the implication of climate change for IPM in cotton.