Investigation for a Rapid Diagnostic Test for Caterpillar Resistance to Transgenic Cotton

When caterpillars appear in cotton, e.g., bollworms, this can be the result of their natural tolerance, in some cases there is the potential for enviornmental factors affecting caterpillar susceptibility, and because of caterpillar resistance.  Research is being conducted to examine the feasibility of a rapid (as little as 2 h) diagnostic for resistance using artificial cotton leaves.  The assay would be easy to conduct and be inexpensive, providing the farmer information in essentially real time for management decisions and product assessment.