Host Plant Resistance to Insects in Cotton

Across the globe, cotton production is limited by endemic and introduced insect pests. The incorporation of host plant resistance (HPR), defined as the ability of a plant to defend itself against targeted biotic stresses, has been a key breeding target for many cotton breeding programs. The development of resistant cultivars provides a cost effective and environmentally sustainable solution for cotton growers. The key insect pests to cotton production include Helicoverpa spp., pink bollworm, Spodoptera spp., silverleaf whitefly, various plant and stink bugs, aphids, and thrips. Cotton plants have a range of native and genetically modified traits that infer HPR. However, breeding for HPR in cotton is a slow and complex process, with cultivar development commonly requiring more than 15 years to reach the market. Often, the incorporation of native HPR traits has a negative impact on yield and important agronomic characteristics, so it is not economically viable. Therefore, determining the value of a native HPR trait under multiple scenarios is a critical element for research and development investment. This chapter aims to review the major pests to cotton production and the current status of native HPR in commercial cultivars to each pest, outline the process of breeding for HPR in cotton, and discuss the economic value of HPR traits.