Journal of Global Agriculture and Ecology

Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is an economically important fibre crop that contributes significantly to agricultural income and the textile industry, particularly in India. However, its productivity is severely affected by numerous insect pests, especially sucking pests and bollworms, which cause substantial yield and quality losses throughout the crop growth period. Among these pests, sucking insects such as aphids, jassids, thrips, and whiteflies, along with the pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella), are the major constraints to cotton production. The present investigation was conducted to study the “population fluctuations of cotton pests and their natural enemies under rainfall conditions” during Kharif 2020–21 and 2021–22 at Agriculture Research Station, Achalpur, Dr. PDKV, Akola. The cotton variety AKH-081 was grown under field conditions following the recommended agronomic practices without plant protection measures. Weekly observations were recorded on randomly selected plants for major sucking pests, viz., aphid, thrips, whitefly, leafhopper and pink bollworm, along with natural enemies such as ladybird beetles, chrysopids, and spiders. The results indicated that most sucking pests, including aphid, thrips, leafhopper and whitefly, appeared during the 32^nd–33^rd standard meteorological weeks, while pink bollworm infestation commenced during the 36^th standard meteorological week. Peak pest populations were observed during the mid to late crop growth stages. Correlation analysis revealed a significant negative association of aphid and pink bollworm with rainfall. However, leafhopper and thrips showed a significant positive association with rainfall, while whitefly exhibited non-significant positive associations with rainfall. The natural enemies were present throughout the crop season, and their peak activity coincided with higher pest abundance. The study highlights pest dynamics and emphasises the importance of understanding natural enemies in regulating cotton pest populations under field conditions.