INCIDENCE OF EARLY OUTBREAKS OF THE APHID APHIS-GOSSYPII GLOVER IN COTTON GROWING IN CAMEROON

Early outbreaks of Aphis gossypii were formerly negligible in central Africa but now affect cotton from the start of its development cycle. Four years of trials on protection against infestation show that the o utbreaks cause a delay in vegetative development and seed cotton produ ction losses of 5-23%. This makes Aphis gossypii one of the main pests in this part of the world. Early sowing is the most effective way of controlling infestation. Protection of the seed appears to be the best method of control for late sowing.