Products

Helicoverpa armigera (Gram Pod Borer / Cotton Bollworm)

Helicoverpa armigera – Pheromone Lure

Helicoverpa armigera is a highly destructive, polyphagous pest that affects more than 200 plant species, including cotton, chickpea, tomato, pigeon pea, and maize. The larval stage causes extensive damage by feeding on flower buds, pods, fruits, and young leaves. Due to its high reproduction rate and resistance to many chemicals, it is best managed through Integrated Pest Management (IPM), with pheromone traps playing a vital role in monitoring and mass trapping.


Host Crops:

  • Cotton

  • Chickpea (Gram)

  • Pigeon pea (Arhar/Tur)

  • Tomato

  • Maize

  • Okra (Bhindi)

  • Sunflower

  • Groundnut

  • Sorghum

  • Other legumes, vegetables, and cereals


Damage Symptoms:

  • Larvae bore into buds, flowers, and fruits

  • Holes in pods or fruits with frass (insect waste) around entry

  • Extensive defoliation in early infestations

  • Damaged cotton bolls and tomato fruits

  • Significant yield reduction and crop quality loss

👉 Yield losses can range from 30% to over 80%, especially in pulses and cotton.


Lifecycle of Helicoverpa armigera:

  1. Eggs are laid singly on tender plant parts

  2. Larvae pass through 5–6 instars, feeding voraciously

  3. Pupation occurs in the soil

  4. Adults are nocturnal moths, yellow-brown with dark markings

🕒 One full life cycle is completed in 25–35 days depending on temperature and humidity.


Monitoring & Control Methods:

Pheromone Trap Monitoring

Recommended Trap Types:

  • Funnel Trap

Lure Type:

  • Helicoverpa armigera sex pheromone lure

Trap Density:

  • 5–08 traps per acre for monitoring

  • Up to 10–12 traps per acre for mass trapping

🟢 Pheromone traps help monitor pest population peaks and allow timely intervention, reducing the need for chemical sprays.


Other IPM Techniques:

🌱 Cultural Control:

  • Rotate crops with non-host species

  • Intercropping with trap crops like marigold

  • Remove and destroy infested plant parts


Why Use Pheromonetrap.in Traps for Helicoverpa Control?

  • High-attractant lures for Helicoverpa armigera

  • Durable traps suitable for field conditions

  • Long lure efficacy (up to 30–45 days)

  • Ideal for IPM in cotton, pulses, and vegetables

  • Affordable bulk packages for large farms