NEW METHODS OF PROTECTING COTTON STALKS FROM PESTS IN AGRICULTURE

Abstract

This scientific work is dedicated to an in-depth study of advanced and innovative methods for protecting cotton plants from pests in agriculture. The necessity of reducing over-reliance on traditional chemical pesticides and minimizing their negative environmental impacts, alongside the development of pest resistance, necessitates the creation of more sustainable and effective control strategies. This paper first analyzes the main pests that significantly damage cotton crops, outlining their biology and the economic harm they cause. Subsequently, modern approaches such as biological control methods, including the use of entomophagous and entomopathogenic agents, as well as monitoring and control tools like pheromone traps, are thoroughly examined. The importance of agrotechnical measures, including crop rotation, proper management of crop residues, and optimal planting dates, is highlighted. The advantages and future prospects of genetically modified cotton varieties resistant to pests, particularly Bt-cotton, are evaluated. Finally, the principles and practical significance of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system, which encompasses and effectively combines all these methods, are elaborated. The research findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive approaches for effectively protecting cotton crops from pests while increasing yields and maintaining ecological balance. These approaches serve to ensure sustainable agriculture not only for the present but also for future generations.