Dataset for: Estimation and validation of feeding coefficient of cotton pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) for yield loss assessment

This dataset contains the raw and processed data used in the study “Estimation and validation of feeding coefficient of cotton pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella Saunders) on cotton bolls for yield loss assessment.” The data were generated through controlled feeding experiments and validated using multi-season and multi-location field observations.

The dataset includes measurements of oven-dried seed cotton dry matter from individual cotton bolls subjected to different larval density treatments of pink bollworm (0, 1, and 2 larvae per boll). The difference in dry matter between uninfested and infested bolls was used to estimate feeding coefficients and quantify percent yield loss attributable to larval feeding.

To validate the experimentally derived feeding coefficients, independent datasets on loculi damage and seed cotton weight loss collected from multi-season field observations and multilocation surveys across major cotton-growing regions of India were used.

Dataset Contents

The repository contains the following data files:

Raw experimental data

Fresh boll weight before larval infestation

Oven-dried seed cotton weight per boll after larval feeding

Treatment-wise larval density (0, 1, or 2 larvae per boll)

Replication information

Derived variables

Dry matter loss per boll

Percent dry matter loss

Feeding coefficient (g larva⁻¹ day⁻¹)

Validation dataset

Multi-season field observations on loculi damage

Percent seed cotton weight loss derived from healthy vs PBW-damaged loculi

Multi-location field survey data across India

Statistical analysis outputs

ANOVA results

Paired t-test outputs

Validation statistics including RMSE and Mean Bias Error (MBE)

Methods Summary

Feeding coefficients were estimated based on differences in oven-dried seed cotton weight between uninfested and pink bollworm-infested bolls under controlled infestation levels. Validation of the derived feeding coefficient was performed using independent multi-season and multi-location field datasets by comparing experimentally derived dry matter loss estimates with observed weight loss in pink bollworm-damaged loculi.

Reuse Potential

The dataset provides a mechanistic parameter linking insect feeding intensity with crop dry matter loss and can be used for:

Crop–pest simulation modelling

Yield loss estimation in cotton

Economic threshold development

Climate change impact assessments on pest damage

Pest management decision-support tools

Keywords

Pink bollworm; feeding coefficient; cotton yield loss; dry matter loss; crop–pest modelling; pest damage assessment; Pectinophora gossypiella.