Red cotton bug: Dysdercus cingulatus

Symptoms of damage:

• Infested seeds become discoloured and shrivelled

Identification of pest:

• Nymphs and Adults: Reddish bugs with white bands on the abdomen and black markings on the wings

Management:

• Conserve the biocontrol agent Harpactor costalis predaceous on nymph and adult
• Spray phosphamidon 40 SL @ 600 ml/ha