The influence of pesticide applications on Helicoverpa armigera Hübner and sucking pests in transgenic Bt cotton and non-transgenic cotton in China

• DOI: 10.1016/j.cropro.2004.08.006
• Publication Date: 2004-10-15T15:21:27Z
• Authors: Xingyuan Men; Feng Ge; Clive A. Edwards; Erdal N. Yardim
• Keywords: Bt Cotton; Bollworm; Gossypium; Pink bollworm

Abstract Effects of pesticide applications, based on an IPM program on cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera Hubner, cotton mirids and cotton leafhoppers, were evaluated in transgenic Bt-cotton and non-transgenic cotton agroecosystems between 1999 and 2001 in China. Differences in pest populations between cotton varieties were also compared. In 1999 and 2000, bollworm populations on non-transgenic cotton were larger than those on transgenic Bt-cotton. In Bt-cotton fields, the numbers of fourth-generation bollworms were greater than those of in the second and the third generations over all 3 years of study. Leafhopper populations on Bt-cotton were consistently larger than those on non-transgenic cotton during the 3 years of study. Although the use of transgenic Bt-cotton decreased the need for insecticide applications against cotton bollworm, this relaxation from pesticide applications could cause increased populations of sucking insects, which could require additional insecticide applications.