Potential Insect Deterrence in Tri-Species Cotton Hybrid

In the Southern United States, the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is of economic importance, threatening several agronomic crops and acting as a primary pest of commercial cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Plant incorporated Bt toxins have been the primarily means of managing fall armyworm in cotton. However, resistance to these toxins have led to renewed interests of host plant resistances as a more sustainable approach to fall armyworm management. Caryophyllene derivatives in tri-species cotton hybrids have demonstrated resistance to nematodes, root rot, and Fusarium wilt, but its impact on cotton insect pests is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the survival and development of fall armyworm larvae feeding upon the leaves of tri-species cotton hybrids expressing caryophyllene derivatives.