Yield Losses Assessment Due to Pests on Cotton in Lao PDR

Abstract

From 1985 to 1991 research on cotton protection was carried out in Lao PDR to determine the incidence of the major pests and the efficiency of the recommended protection program. Results showed that without any pest control, the development of the plants was very low and yield losses reached almost 70% of the potential production. The recommended program, with seven insecticide sprayings, reduced the incidence of the pests but was not enough to ensure the required production. Moreover, it increased the cost of production and was not profitable. Only the intensive program with a weekly insecticide application could protect the crop satisfactorily. To cope with this situation, an IPM strategy, aiming at reducing the cost of pest control, must be implemented.