Screening of Bt and non-Bt Cotton Genotypes against Thrips tabaci under Field Condition

Cotton, often called “white gold” is one of the world’s most important cash crop and plays a vital role in human life and global economy. Cotton production has shown a decline trend in recent years due to a complex of biotic and abiotic factors. Among the biotic stresses the insect pests of cotton, especially Thrips tabaci has emerged as the most destructive pest affecting the cotton crop production in Sindh over the past decade. The experiment was arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with eight treatment and three replications. Eight cotton genotypes, four Bt Kang, IR-3701, MNH-886, Naib-878 and four non-Bt genotypes CRIS-585, CRIS-613, Sami, and Nusrat were selected for study. The results indicated that the maximum population of Thrips tabaci was recorded on Bt genotypes Naib-878 was (30.289±5.385/plant) and lowest population was observed on MNH-886 (18.378±4.273/plant) followed by Koong (18.378±4.273/plant) and IR-3701 (20.533±4.442/plant). While the highest population of Thrips tabaci on non Bt genotypes was recorded on CRIS-585 (19.311±4.145/plant) and minimum population on Nusrat (14.556±2.937/ leaf) followed by CRIS-613 (17.756±3.784/ leaf) and Saami (16.156±3.276/ leaf) respectively. In the present study it is concluded that the population of T. tabaci was found on all Bt  and non-Bt genotypes of cotton. However, Bt genotypes NIAB-878 was found more susceptible than other Bt genotypes, whereas the non-Bt genotypes Nusrat found comparative resistant against T. tabaci under field condition. For the effective management of T. tabaci in cotton, adoption of an integrated crop management practices is essential to ensure sustaining cotton productivity.