Potential Insect Deterrence in a Tri-Species Progeny

Plant-incorporated Bt toxins and chemical applications are the primary means of managing insect pests in cotton. However, resistance to these management practices have led to renewed interest in host plant resistance as a more sustainable approach to crop management. β-Caryophyllene derivatives (12-hydroxy-β-caryophyllene and hydroxy-β-caryophyllene acetate) from progeny of tri-species cotton hybrids consisting of either Gossypium hirsutum L., G. arboreum, and G. armouranium, or G. hirsutum, G. arboreum, and G. turneri have demonstrated resistance to nematodes, drought, and heat, but their impacts on cotton pests are unknown. Greenhouse and field studies were initiated this spring to examine the influence of these derivatives on colonization and injury by thrips, cotton aphid, cotton bollworm, and fall armyworm on cotton plants.