Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.5, 270-277 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 270 Feature Review Open Access Resistance Management in Cotton: Addressing Bt Cotton Efficacy Shanjun Zhu, Mengting Luo Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: mengting.luo@jicat.org Field Crop, 2024, Vol.7, No.5 doi: 10.5376/fc.2024.07.0027 Received: 06 Aug., 2024 Accepted: 17 Sep., 2024 Published: 09 Oct., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhu and Luo, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Zhu S.J., and Luo M.T., 2024, Resistance management in cotton: addressing bt cotton efficacy, Field Crop, 7(5): 270-277 (doi: 10.5376/fc.2024.07.0027) Abstract Bt cotton has revolutionized pest management in cotton cultivation by providing an effective means of controlling major pests, such as the pink bollworm and cotton bollworm. However, the widespread adoption of Bt cotton has also led to the emergence of resistance in target pests, threatening its long-term efficacy. This study explores the development of resistance in cotton pests, the factors contributing to this challenge, and the current strategies implemented to manage resistance, such as refuge strategies and integrated pest management (IPM). A specific case study is presented, detailing the successful application of resistance management techniques in a Bt cotton-growing region. This study also discusses recent advancements in genetic and biotechnological approaches aimed at enhancing Bt cotton’s efficacy and addressing resistance issues. It concludes with future perspectives, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts, continuous monitoring, and the development of policies to sustain the benefits of Bt cotton in global cotton production. Keywords Bt cotton; Pest resistance; Integrated pest management; Resistance management; Cotton production 1 Introduction Bt cotton, genetically engineered to produce insecticidal proteins from the bacteriumBacillus thuringiensis (Bt), has revolutionized pest management in cotton cultivation. By expressing Bt toxins such as Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab, Bt cotton provides an effective defense against major lepidopteran pests, significantly reducing the need for chemical insecticides and promoting environmentally sustainable agricultural practices (Tabashnik et al., 2013; Gupta et al., 2021). Since its introduction, Bt cotton has been widely adopted in many cotton-growing regions around the world, leading to substantial economic and environmental benefits. Despite the initial success of Bt cotton, the evolution of resistance in target pests poses a significant threat to its long-term efficacy. Field-evolved resistance has been documented in several pest species, including the pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella), which has shown high levels of resistance to both Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab toxins in regions such as central and southern India (Naik et al., 2018). Globally, practical resistance has been observed in populations of 11 pest species, affecting multiple Bt toxins and compromising the effectiveness of Bt crops (Tabashnik et al., 2023). Factors contributing to resistance development include the genetic variability of pest populations, the inheritance patterns of resistance traits, and the management practices employed in Bt crop cultivation (Zafar et al., 2020; Jurat-Fuentes et al., 2021). This study integrates current knowledge on the mechanisms and patterns of pest resistance development in Bt cotton by examining field data, resistance monitoring studies, and the genetic basis of resistance, providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and strategies for managing Bt cotton resistance; insights gained from this study are crucial for developing effective resistance management practices that can sustain the benefits of Bt cotton and ensure its continued role in promoting sustainable cotton production and reducing reliance on chemical insecticides. 2 Bt Cotton and Its Mode of Action 2.1 Description of Bt cotton and its genetic modifications Bt cotton is a genetically modified organism (GMO) that has been engineered to produce insecticidal proteins derived from the bacteriumBacillus thuringiensis (Bt). These proteins, known as Cry toxins, target specific insect pests, providing an effective means of pest control (Bravo et al., 2011). The genetic modifications involve
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