Thrips Resistance and Field Performance of Advanced Cotton Breeding Lines and Cultivars Under Organic Management

Thrips management is more problematic in organic systems where synthetic pesticide applications are prohibited.  Additionally, organic growers are in need of commercial, non-transgenic cotton varieties that are adapted for the Texas High Plains.  Twelve advanced cotton breeding lines and 4 cultivars were evaluated in an organically-managed field experiment to evaluate lines for field thrips resistance and other agronomic characteristics.  There were a number of differences for each parameter among genotypes and all breeding lines performed well compared to the commercial standards.  However, breeding line 07-7-1407CT appeared to exhibit an excellent combination of thrips resistance and field performance and could be viable option for commercial organic production or for use as a parent line.