Indian scenario on the occurrence of a dreaded insect pest Pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella on Bt cotton-A review

• Published in: Journal of environmental biology 2022-01, Vol.43 (1), p.11-19
• Main Author: Prasada Rao, G.M.V.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0254-8704; 2394-0379
• DOI: 10.22438/jeb/43/1/MRN-1850

The pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella, has become a significant production constraint on Bt cotton in India. This problem is unique to India because the pest has developed multi-fold resistance to Cry toxins in many Indian populations but not in other countries. Most Indian populations have developed multifold resistance to Cry 1 Ac and Cry 1Ac + Cry 2 Ab toxins. Year-round cultivation of long-duration Bt cotton hybrids on a large scale has a pronounced impact on the incidence. Also discussed other factors responsible for the occurrence of pink bollworm on Bt cotton in India. Insecticide Resistance Management (IRM) strategies implemented by different cotton-growing countries globally; the USA, India, and China had a significant impact on the interaction of pink bollworm on Bt cotton. Huge selection pressure resulted in resistance to Cry toxins. Time-tested IPM, if implemented on a community basis focusing on pheromones technology and closed season, will help sustain the cotton cultivation in India in the future. Thus, this review aims to congregate exhaustive information on the history, biology, resistance to Bt cotton, and Integrated Management (IPM) options for the Indian scenario, which would help researchers in their future endeavors.