In recent years, with increased rainfall, improved soil moisture, and a rise in cotton intercropping areas, the number of fallen leaves in the field has significantly increased. This has led to a higher occurrence of snails in cotton fields, making it essential to focus on prevention and control measures.
Snails complete one life cycle per year. They overwinter beneath the roots of winter crops, in haystacks, or in loose soil. In March, they begin feeding on overwintering crops, while some snails start damaging cotton seedlings on seedbeds as early as April. After the beginning of April, when cotton is transplanted, the damage becomes more severe for young seedlings. During the seedling stage, snails cause broken leaves, loss of apical buds, and even plant death.
During the bud stage, snails crawl along the stems and foliage of cotton plants, feeding on leaves, buds, flowers, and young bolls. This leads to leaf damage, bud drop, and flower abortion. The damaged bolls may fall off or develop cracks, which can lead to further issues.
In the boll-opening stage, snails feed on the moist cotton fibers inside newly opened bolls, causing exposed seeds, closed bolls, and rotten bolls. Their secretions and excrement can contaminate the cotton, reducing its quality and market value.
To effectively manage snail infestations in cotton fields, an integrated approach combining agricultural and chemical methods is recommended. Field debris and weeds from intercropping should be removed regularly. During the snail breeding season, frequent soil cultivation helps expose eggs to sunlight and wind, leading to dehydration and death. At peak snail activity, dried weeds can be used as bait. These weeds are dried until they have a slight fragrance and are then placed strategically in the field.
Chemical control options include using baits made from food-grade bran, cottonseed cakes, vegetables, lettuce leaves, or tender grass. These baits can be mixed with 6% polyacetal carvacene granules and scattered in the field in the evening to attract snails. This method is both effective and environmentally friendly, helping to reduce snail populations without harming beneficial insects or the crop itself.
By implementing these strategies, farmers can better manage snail infestations and protect their cotton crops throughout the growing season.
Frozen Swimming Crab,Blue Swimming Crab,Frozen Crab Whole,Portunus Trituberculatus Crab
Zhoushan Haiwang Seafood Co., Ltd. , https://www.haiwangseafoods.com