Molecular Entomology 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 200-208 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/me 200 Feature Review Open Access Management Strategies Against Cotton Bollworms in Genetically Modified Crops Hui Lu, Jun Li Animal Science Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: jun.li@cuixi.org Molecular Entomology, 2024, Vol.15, No.5 doi: 10.5376/me.2024.15.0024 Received: 09 Sep., 2024 Accepted: 10 Oct., 2024 Published: 22 Oct., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Lu and Li, 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: Lu H., and Li J., 2024, Management strategies against cotton bollworms in genetically modified crops, Molecular Entomology, 15(5): 200-208 (doi: 10.5376/me.2024.15.0024) Abstract The widespread adoption of Genetically Modified (GM) crops, particularly Bt cotton, has significantly transformed pest management strategies for controlling cotton bollworms. This study explores the biology, behavior, and management strategies for cotton bollworms, emphasizing the role of Bt cotton in mitigating pest-related crop damage. While Bt technology has reduced pesticide use and increased yields, challenges such as the evolution of pest resistance threaten its long-term efficacy. Through Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches, including non-GM refuges, biopesticides, and cultural practices, sustainable solutions are proposed to address resistance development. The study also examines socio-economic impacts, environmental concerns, and global regulatory challenges that influence the adoption of GM crops. Future directions suggest innovations in gene-editing technologies, enhanced pest resistance traits, and improved policy frameworks to sustain agricultural productivity. This research underscores the importance of collaborative efforts among farmers, researchers, and policymakers in ensuring the sustainability of GM crops for cotton production. Keywords Genetically modified crops; Bt cotton; Cotton bollworms; Integrated pest management (IPM); Resistance management 1 Introduction Cotton bollworms, particularly Helicoverpa armigera and Pectinophora gossypiella (pink bollworm), are some of the most destructive pests affecting cotton crops globally. These pests infest cotton plants by damaging the flower buds and bolls, leading to significant reductions in yield. Traditional pest control methods often rely on chemical insecticides, which pose risks to human health and the environment (Abudulai et al., 2018). Bollworm infestations can cause severe crop damage, with infestations leading to up to 91.2% damage in green bolls. Such extensive damage not only reduces yield but also significantly impacts the quality of the cotton fibers, often resulting in increased pesticide use and higher production costs (Naik et al., 2021). A resurgence of Helicoverpa armigera following reduced Bt cotton cultivation in China resulted in a 2.1-fold increase in crop loss and a 4.4-fold rise in pesticide use, underlining the critical role bollworms play in reducing both yield and fiber quality (Lu et al., 2021). The introduction of Genetically Modified (GM) crops producing insecticidal proteins fromBacillus thuringiensis (Bt) has revolutionized pest management in cotton. Bt cotton, which expresses Cry proteins that are toxic to bollworms, has been adopted in several countries, significantly reducing the need for chemical insecticides. For example, in Ghana, Bt cotton resulted in lower bollworm densities and higher yields, proving to be more cost-effective and environmentally sustainable than conventional practices (Abudulai et al., 2018). However, over time, pest resistance to Bt proteins, particularly in India and China, has threatened the efficacy of GM crops, necessitating new strategies for resistance management (Wan et al., 2017). This study evaluates the effectiveness of genetically modified cotton, particularly Bt cotton, in controlling bollworm infestations and enhancing cotton yields, while exploring the long-term sustainability of Bt cotton as a pest management tool, with a focus on resistance management strategies. Given the resistance issues to Bt toxins in regions like India and China, this study assesses Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches that combine Bt cotton with other agricultural, biological, and chemical control methods, also explores new strategies to address
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