Eggs and larvae of the bollworms Earias spp. followed a uniform distribution on G 27, LD 133, LD 230 (Arboreum) and F 414 (hirsutum) cotton varieties in Ludhiana (Punjab). Clump distribution of Earias eggs and larvae on the four cotton varieties may result from environmental heterogeneity. Although Earias gravid females laid maximum eggs at the top (41–50 cm) plant canopy mostly, examination of the whole length of the plants is suggested for sampling Earias on the four varieties.
Sample sizes of 10 plants in arboreum and seven in the hirsutum variety resulted in reliable estimates of population at 5% risk level. Injured fruiting bodies and larval numbers were significantly and positively correlated.
