Title of article :
EFFICACY OF TRANSGENIC BT COTTON AGAINST HELICOVERPA ARMIGERA (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE) IN THE PUNJAB, PAKISTAN
Author/Authors :
Arshad, Muhammad University of Agriculture - Department of Agricultural Entomology, Pakistan , Suhail, Anjum University of Agriculture - Department of Agricultural Entomology, Pakistan , Zain-ul-Abdin University of Agriculture - Department of Agricultural Entomology, Pakistan , Gogi, M. Dildar University of Agriculture - Department of Agricultural Entomology, Pakistan
Abstract :
A transgenic Bt cotton line, IRFH-901 expressing Cry1Ac insecticidal protein from Bacillus thuringiensis Sub sp. Kurstaki (Berliner) was evaluated for resistance to cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) in the cotton planting region of the Punjab, Pakistan. The results showed that there was no significant difference in egg densities between Bt and non- Bt cotton. However, larval densities were significantly reduced in Bt cotton as compared to conventional non-Bt cotton. No insecticide application was needed to control this pest in Bt cotton. The results indicate that transgenic Bt cotton can play a significant role in reducing the pesticide application for the control of H. armigera. However, increased larval densities at later stages of crop may be a critical factor in the non-adoption of Bt cotton in Pakistan.
Keywords :
Bt cotton , Helicoverpa armigera , Egg and larval density , Pakistan
Journal title :
Pakistan Entomologist
Journal title :
Pakistan Entomologist
