%0 Journal Article
%T Economic Evaluation of Biopesticides vs. Chemical Insecticides: Impact on Cotton Farming in South Africa
%A Lawrence Malinga
%A Mark Laing
%J Entomology Letters
%@ 3062-3588
%D 2024
%V 4
%N 2
%R 10.51847/0dYZdyeQRm
%P 22-33
%X Cotton plays an important role in Africa's agricultural economy, yet its profitability is often challenged by high production costs. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of chemical insecticides—Chlorpyrifos® 480 EC, Karate® EC, and Bandit® 350 SC—against biopesticides—Eco-Bb®, Bolldex®, Delfin®, Nomu-Protec®, and Bb endophyte—in managing cotton pests. Among the tested pesticides, Delfin® incurred the highest expense at US$602, followed by Bolldex® at US$495.74, while Chlorpyrifos® was the most economical at US$28. Additional production costs amounted to US$1,396.50 per hectare, with labor being the most significant at US$544. The lowest production expenditure in the bollworm was observed with Karate® (US$1,455), whereas Delfin® had the highest (US$1,999). Bolldex® achieved the highest cotton yield (6,402 kg ha⁻¹), but Karate® had the greatest net profit (US$1,445.26 per hectare) and the best cost-benefit ratio (1.8). In the leafhopper, Bandit® produced the highest average seed cotton yield (6,394 kg ha⁻¹), followed by Bb endophyte (6,297 kg ha⁻¹). Net profit was highest with Bandit® (US$1,712), followed by Karate® (US$1,253), with Bandit® yielding the highest cost-benefit ratio (2). While biopesticides generally required higher investment than chemical insecticides, all treatments were financially viable.
%U https://esvpub.com/article/economic-evaluation-of-biopesticides-vs-chemical-insecticides-impact-on-cotton-farming-in-south-af-629umuhqtpnfbhh