Advances in the control of the cotton boll weevil: studying its morphological variability

A research team from INTA and Conicet analyzed specimens of cotton boll weevils from various localities at different times of the year to understand their population dynamics and, thus, improve pest control. It was determined that their morphology varies according to the environmental and seasonal context, which would allow for adjusting the management strategies of the insect. According to Carolina García —a researcher from INTA Sáenz Peña, Chaco—, “this type of studies allows detecting patterns of variation that could be related to environmental factors, agricultural practices, and even the availability of alternative hosts during the winter, which is fundamental information for adjusting control strategies.” For the research, specimens collected during the winter and the growing season in Chaco, Santa Fe, Formosa, and Santiago del Estero were analyzed using traditional morphometry techniques. “Our results show that there are relevant morphological variations between regions and ...