Seed packets mention refuge or RIB seed. What is refuge in BT cotton and how does it help against bollworm?
How to do refuge planting and why is it required in BT cotton (kapas)?
PPrakash Meena9mo ago · 302 views
4 Answers
🌾Farmer.in Krishi TeamExpert ✓9mo ago
Refuge is a small portion of non BT cotton grown alongside BT cotton so that some bollworms survive on non BT plants and stay susceptible to the BT toxin, slowing resistance build up. Many companies now supply RIB, refuge in a bag, where non BT seed is pre mixed in the BT packet so you just sow the whole bag together, no separate planting needed. If your packet has a separate refuge pouch, plant it as instructed, usually as border rows around the BT field. Skipping refuge speeds up pink bollworm resistance, which is exactly why BT cotton started failing in many areas. Always follow the refuge instructions printed on the seed packet.
SSunil Patidar9mo ago
Earlier I ignored the refuge pouch thinking it was a waste of land. After bollworm hit our area badly the officers explained why it matters. Now I just buy RIB packets so it is mixed and I do not have to think about it.
KKailash Gurjar8mo ago
If your packet still has the separate refuge pouch, do not throw it or sow it in some far corner. Plant it as border rows right around the BT block as written, otherwise it does not work as intended. With RIB packets you avoid this confusion entirely since the non BT seed is already blended in.
DDevilal Meena8mo ago
One small worry farmers raise is that the non BT refuge plants can get bollworm damage, which is true, but that is exactly the point, those few susceptible moths keep the BT working on the rest of the crop for years. Think of the refuge as cheap insurance for your hybrid, not wasted land. Follow the packet instruction whether it is RIB or a separate pouch.