Resistance evaluation of commercial cotton varieties against pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) across diverse cotton growing regions of Pakistan

Abstract

Pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella Saunders) is a serious yield and quality loss causing insect pest of cotton worldwide. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess the resistance of six cotton varieties in the field against pink bollworm attack during 2024 and 2025 growing seasons at Balochistan, Sindh and Punjab.  A replicated complete block design (RCBD) was used in planning the experimental trial of selected varieties. The results showed that there were significant differences (p < 0.05) between the different varieties of cotton in their reaction to infestation by pink bollworm and their yield performance. CIM-499 had the maximum number of larvae and maximum damage in flowers, squares, green bolls and seeds, which made it highly susceptible. The CKC-05 genotype, however, was the most resistant sow with the lowest percentages of infestation, damage and the highest yield throughout the years and locations. FH-333 and NIAB-KIRAN also performed fairly better in terms of infestation and their yield was stable, whereas the yield performance of Koonj and NIAB-878 was moderate. The highest infestation was found on green bolls, with a higher occurrence being the preferred feeding site for larvae than flowers and squares. These results demonstrate the need for resistant cultivars in sustainable cotton production in Pakistan using integrated pest management