Insecticide use and practices among cotton farmers in northern Uganda

Abstract

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is an important cash crop in Uganda. Insecticide application practices among cotton growers in northern Uganda were examined to determine the pests targeted and the compliance of control measures with the standards recommended by the Uganda’s Cotton Development Organization (CDO). A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to fifty farmers, who were randomly selected from seven sub-counties of Padyere County, Nebbi district. Insecticide use practices were not consistent with the recommendations of the CDO. For instance, over 50% of the farmers did not use protective wear during insecticide application. The concentrations of insecticides applied were lower than those recommended by the CDO. The main insecticides used were Cypercal (Cypermethrin), Karate 5EC (Lambdacyhalothrin), Ambush (Permethrin) and Polytrin Ka (Profenofos). Insecticides were mostly applied during flowering and pre-harvest stages. The main target pests were bollworms (Helicoverpa armigera Hubner.), aphids (Aphis gossypii Glover), lygus bugs (Taylorilygus vosseleri Pop.) and cotton stainers (Dysdercus cingulatus Fab.).

Key words: Gossypium hirsutum, organophosphates, pest management, pyrethroids