Background Cotton is the most widespread, profitable non-food crop in the world. Egypt is one of the greatest countries in producing cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in the world. Many pests attacked cotton which reduced the quality and quantity of the cotton yield such as pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) and the spiny bollworm (Earias insulana) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Results The insect infestation increased significantly by delaying planting date. The fewest numbers of pests attacked cotton recorded in the earliest planting date (March 23rd) with highest weight of cotton yield. The results showed that the mean rates of infestation with pink bollworm were (2.11, 3.5, 2.33 individuals/boll) for March 23rd, April 17th and May 6th, respectively, while the mean rates of infestation with bollworm were (1.60, 2.79, 1.67 individuals/boll) for March 23rd, April 17th and May 6th, respectively. Conclusion It was concluded that planting cotton as early as on March 23rd reduces the rate of infestation of E. insulana and P. gossypiella and increases the population of its natural enemies as well. Then, it is resulting a significant increase in the quality and quantity of the yield of cotton.

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The effect of post harvest treatment and the hump beetle , Gibbium psylloids (Zemp.), on the quality and quantity of dry chamomile flower heads was studied. Results, after storage period of two years, revealed that the glass jar packing received the lowest insect population, followed by plastic net then card box, while the highest insect population was observed in polyethylene bag. The highest weight loss of dry chamomile flower heads occurred in plastic net and the lowest in glass jar, at the end of the second year of storage. The essential oil percentage decreased by increasing the storage period in all experimental packages. Acid number decreased in all package except in polyethelene bag, which recorded an increase in acid number after two years storage.