ABSTRACT
Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner), commonly known as cotton bollworm, or legume pod borer, is a major pest damaging a wide range of crops. Globally, the extent of losses caused by Helicoverpa exceed $2 billion, and the cost of pesticides applied for controlling this pest exceed $500 million annually (Sharma 2001). The polyphagous nature, coupled w ith the high reproductive rate and mobility, make it a very difficult pest to control. Approaches to contain the damage caused by Helicoverpa include manipulation of cultural practices, natural enemies, host plant resistance and chemical control. However, when used singly, none of these methods is effective in controlling this pest. And therefore, there is a need for integration of different methods. Chemical control has inherent problems, unless used judiciously. Pesticide application results in environmental contamination. Widespread use of pesticides also results in the development of resistance to insecticides.
