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<p>The cotton stem weevil, <i>Pempherulus affinis</i> (Faust) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), has become an important early-season pest of cotton in India, particularly in the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. Its increased incidence is associated with shifts in pest dynamics following the adoption of <i>Bt</i> cotton, changes in agronomic practices, and climatic variability. The pest causes damage by boring into the stem, disrupting vascular tissues, and weakening plant growth, resulting in high seedling mortality and yield losses of up to 78.9% under severe infestation. This review synthesises available information on the biology, distribution, host range, damage symptoms, outbreak history, anatomical effects, and economic importance of <i>P. affinis</i>. Current management approaches include cultural practices, chemical and biological control measures, host plant resistance, and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. However, effective control remains constrained by the lack of resistant cultivars, limited availability of registered insecticides, and the pest’s concealed feeding habit. Recent research efforts have focused on field surveillance, varietal screening, assessment of <i>Bt</i> Cry toxins, and the development of eco-friendly IPM components. Strengthening systematic monitoring, resistance breeding, and farmer awareness is essential for sustainable management of <i>P. affinis</i> in cotton production systems.</p>

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Status of cotton stem weevil, Pempherulus affinis (Faust) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月6日

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  • K Shankarganesh,
  • V Gowtham,
  • A.H Prakash

摘要

The cotton stem weevil, Pempherulus affinis (Faust) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), has become an important early-season pest of cotton in India, particularly in the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. Its increased incidence is associated with shifts in pest dynamics following the adoption of Bt cotton, changes in agronomic practices, and climatic variability. The pest causes damage by boring into the stem, disrupting vascular tissues, and weakening plant growth, resulting in high seedling mortality and yield losses of up to 78.9% under severe infestation. This review synthesises available information on the biology, distribution, host range, damage symptoms, outbreak history, anatomical effects, and economic importance of P. affinis. Current management approaches include cultural practices, chemical and biological control measures, host plant resistance, and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. However, effective control remains constrained by the lack of resistant cultivars, limited availability of registered insecticides, and the pest’s concealed feeding habit. Recent research efforts have focused on field surveillance, varietal screening, assessment of Bt Cry toxins, and the development of eco-friendly IPM components. Strengthening systematic monitoring, resistance breeding, and farmer awareness is essential for sustainable management of P. affinis in cotton production systems.