In recent years, due to increased rainfall, improved soil moisture, and a rise in the area of cotton intercropping, there has been a noticeable increase in fallen leaves in the fields. This has led to a higher occurrence of snails in cotton fields, which now requires greater attention for prevention and control.
Snails typically complete one life cycle per year. They overwinter under the roots of winter crops, in haystacks, or in loose soil. In March, they begin feeding on overwintering crops, while some snails start to sporadically attack cotton seedlings on the seedbeds in early April. After the beginning of April, when cotton seedlings are transplanted, the damage becomes more severe. During the seedling stage, snails cause broken leaves, loss of the main stem, and even plant death.
During the bud stage, snails move along the stems and foliage of cotton plants, chewing on leaves, buds, flowers, stigmas, and young bolls. This leads to leaf damage, bud drop, and cracking of the young bolls after injury. In the boll-opening stage, snails feed on moist cotton lint from newly cracked bolls, causing exposed seeds, closed bolls, and rotten bolls. Their secretions and excrement also contaminate the lint, reducing its quality and market value.
To effectively manage snail populations in cotton fields, an integrated approach combining agricultural and chemical methods is recommended. Regular removal of field debris and weeds, as well as intercropping residues, can help reduce snail habitats. During the snail's reproductive season, frequent soil cultivation can expose eggs to the sun and wind, leading to dehydration and death. At peak snail activity, drying weeds in the field and using half-dried green material with a strong scent can help attract and trap them.
Chemical control can also be applied using baits such as prochloraz (6% polyacetal carvacene granules) mixed with bran, cottonseed meal, vegetables, lettuce leaves, or tender grass. These baits should be scattered in the evening around the cotton fields to maximize effectiveness. Combining these strategies ensures better long-term snail management and helps protect cotton crops from significant losses.
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