Which class of pesticides is commonly used in cotton production?

In cotton production, insecticides are commonly utilized to manage pest populations that can severely affect the crop yield and quality. Cotton plants are susceptible to a variety of insect pests, including boll weevils, aphids, and caterpillars, which can cause significant damage to the cotton bolls and foliage. The application of insecticides helps to protect these crops from infestation and ensures effective control of these harmful insects.

While herbicides and fungicides are also important in cotton farming—herbicides for weed control and fungicides for managing fungal diseases—they do not address the specific challenge posed by insect pests in the same direct manner that insecticides do. Rodenticides are used for controlling rodent populations and are generally not a primary concern in cotton production. Thus, the use of insecticides is crucial for maintaining the health and integrity of cotton crops, making this the most appropriate choice among the options provided.