Efficacy of BollgardII Cotton to Control Alabama Argillacea in Argentina

Bollgard II^® cotton expresses both Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab Bt proteins which are active against several pests such as tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens), cotton earworm (Helicoverpa gelotopoeon), pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella), and fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda).

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of Bollgard II^® Cotton on Alabama argillacea, one of the most important lepidopteran pests in Argentina.

Field experiments were conducted in Reconquista and Los Frentones, during 2009/10 season. Bollgard II^®, Bollgard I^®, and the conventional varieties were planted in a RCBD experimental design with 4 replications. At six time intervals after planting, percent cotton defoliation and the number and sizes of living larvae were evaluated.  Final yield was also measured.

Both Bollgard I^® and Bollgard II^® significantly reduced cotton defoliation and the number of living larvae which resulted in a yield benefit. The results demonstrate that A. argillacea can be included as a target pest of Bollgard II^® Cotton, representing a significant benefit for the cotton production in the region.