Brazilian Cotton Research Articles

First Report of Cotton Leafroll Dwarf Virus infection of Malvaviscus arboreus in China.

Cotton leafroll dwarf virus (CLRDV, genus Polerovirus, family Solemoviridae) has been reported to infect cotton in Brazil, Argentina, India, Thailand and Timor-Leste (Agrofoglio YC et al. 2017; Corrêa RL et al. 2005; Mukherjee et al. 2012; Ray et al. 2016; Sharman et al. 2015), and in the United States (Ali and Mokhtari et al. 2020; Avelar et al. 2019). It has also been recently reported to infect Cicer arietinum (chickpea) in Uzbekistan and Hibiscus syriacus in Korea (Igori et al. 2022; Kumari et al. 2020). In China, the natural infection of plants by CLRDV has not been reported previously. In August 2017, leaf samples were collected from a wild plant of Malvaviscus arboreus (Malvaceae) exhibiting symptoms including leaf yellowing and distorting in Tengchong County of Yunnan Province. Leaves were used for total RNA extraction using TRIzol Reagent (Invitrogen, USA). Small RNA library construction and deep sequencing was performed on illumina HiSeqTM 2000 platform by Novogene Bioinformatic Technology Co., Ltd (Beijing, China). A total of 11, 525, 708 raw reads were obtained and further computationally analyzed by Perl scripts. The adaptors were removed and the obtained 7, 520, 902 clean reads with size of 18- to 26-nucleotide (nt) were aligned with the GenBank virus RefSeq database using Bowtie software. These reads were mainly mapped to the genomes of hibiscus bacilliform virus (genusBadnavirus,familyCaulimoviridae), hibiscus chlorotic ringspot virus (genus Betacarmovirus, family Procedovirinae), hibiscus latent Singapore virus (genus Tobamovirus, family Virgaviridae) and CLRDV isolate ARG (accession no. GU167940). The average coverage depth of clean reads mapped to CLRDV genome was 97.76%. Contigs greater than 50 nt were used to search for similar sequences by BLASTx, and 107 contigs were annotated as homologous to CLRDV isolates. To confirm CLRDV infection, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed using the specific primer pair CLRDV-F (5'-TCCACAGGAAGTATCACGTTCG-3') and CLRDV-R (5'-CCTTGTGTGGTTTGATTCGTGA-3') designed based on two of these contigs well-aligned to the genome of CLRDV isolate ARG. An amplicon of 1095-bp size was amplified, and was sequenced by Sanger sequencing (TsingKe Biological Technology, Chengdu, China), and BLASTn search results showed a maximum nucleotide identity of 95.45% with CLRDV isolate CN-S5, an isolate obtained from soybean aphid host in China (accession no. KX588248). To obtain more information on this CLRDV isolate, four primer pairs were designed and used for RT-PCR amplification (TableS1). The amplicons with size of about 860-, 1400-, 3200- and 1100-bp, were obtained separately and assembled into a complete genome sequence up to 5, 865-nt in length (isolate YN, deposited under GenBank accession no. MN057665). BLASTn showed the highest nucleotide similarity of 94.61% with CLRDV isolate CN-S5. From 2018 to 2022, additional M. arboreus samples with leaf yellowing or curling symptoms (9 from Shapingba District in Chongqing City, 5 from Nanchong City in Sichuan Province, 9 from Kunming City and 12 from Tengchong County in Yunnan Province) were collected and tested for CLRDV by RT-PCR using primer pairs CLRDV-F/CLRDV-R. The nucleotide sequences of the CLRDV P0 gene in two samples from Tengchong County were obtained by Sanger sequencing and deposited under GenBank (CLRDV isolate TCSL1 P0 gene, accession no. OQ749809; CLRDV isolate TCSW2 P0 gene, accession no. OQ749809). To our knowledge, this is the first report of CLRDV naturally infecting Malvaviscus arboreus in China, thus extending the information on its geographical distribution and host range. Malvaviscus arboreus is a widely cultivated ornamental plant in Yunnan Province, China. The natural occurrence of CLRDV not only affects the ornamental value of Malvaviscus arboreus, but also poses a potential threat to cotton production in China. This study will assist further surveillance of CLRDV infection and future development of effective protection strategies against CLRDV in China.

Reassessing the productivity of enslavement on large-scale plantations and small farms in Brazilian cotton production (c.1750–c.1810)

Abstract This article compares the two largest raw cotton regions in Brazil between the 1750s and the 1810s. Through the analysis of new data on cotton export records and parish records, we argue that the high pattern of ownership of enslaved people, together with the organization of labour, the specialization in cotton and the cultivation of short fibres, made enforced labour more productive in Maranhão. In turn, the low pattern of ownership of enslaved people and food production, together with the cultivation of long and fine fibres of cotton made it less productive in the North-East. Yet the enormous manpower working on small farms in the North-East grew cotton at quantities close to the productive large-scale plantations in Maranhão.

Simultaneous silencing of juvenile hormone metabolism genes through RNAi interrupts metamorphosis in the cotton boll weevil.

The cotton boll weevil (CBW) (Anthonomus grandis) is one of the major insect pests of cotton in Brazil. Currently, CBW control is mainly achieved by insecticide application, which is costly and insufficient to ensure effective crop protection. RNA interference (RNAi) has been used in gene function analysis and the development of insect control methods. However, some insect species respond poorly to RNAi, limiting the widespread application of this approach. Therefore, nanoparticles have been explored as an option to increase RNAi efficiency in recalcitrant insects. Herein, we investigated the potential of chitosan-tripolyphosphate (CS-TPP) and polyethylenimine (PEI) nanoparticles as a dsRNA carrier system to improve RNAi efficiency in the CBW. Different formulations of the nanoparticles with dsRNAs targeting genes associated with juvenile hormone metabolism, such as juvenile hormone diol kinase (JHDK), juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolase (JHEH), and methyl farnesoate hydrolase (MFE), were tested. The formulations were delivered to CBW larvae through injection (0.05-2µg), and the expression of the target genes was evaluated using RT-qPCR. PEI nanoparticles increased targeted gene silencing compared with naked dsRNAs (up to 80%), whereas CS-TPP-dsRNA nanoparticles decreased gene silencing (0%-20%) or led to the same level of gene silencing as the naked dsRNAs (up to 50%). We next evaluated the effects of targeting a single gene or simultaneously targeting two genes via the injection of naked dsRNAs or dsRNAs complexed with PEI (500ng) on CBW survival and phenotypes. Overall, the gene expression analysis showed that the treatments with PEI targeting either a single gene or multiple genes induced greater gene silencing than naked dsRNA (∼60%). In addition, the injection of dsJHEH/JHDK, either naked or complexed with PEI, significantly affected CBW survival (18% for PEI nanoparticles and 47% for naked dsRNA) and metamorphosis. Phenotypic alterations, such as uncompleted pupation or malformed pupae, suggested that JHEH and JHDK are involved in developmental regulation. Moreover, CBW larvae treated with dsJHEH/JHDK + PEI (1,000ng/g) exhibited significantly lower survival rate (55%) than those that were fed the same combination of naked dsRNAs (30%). Our findings demonstrated that PEI nanoparticles can be used as an effective tool for evaluating the biological role of target genes in the CBW as they increase the RNAi response.

The complex evolution of Brazilian cotton production

Today Brazil is the world’s second leading source of cotton, reprising the role it played for a brief time in the early 19th century. But this history of its production is a complex one of both growth and stagnation, and includes profound changes in the types of cotton exported and where and how it was produced. It went from being a product of small farmers to one grown primarily on large estates. Our essay explores these changes over time and offers an analysis of how production shifted from the Northeast to the Southeast and ended finally in the Center-West of the country and why it went from a being net importer of cotton to a major exporter in just the past thirty years.

Competition and trade policy in the world cotton market: Implications for US cotton exports

AbstractCotton is a cornerstone of global fiber markets, and many importing and exporting countries play important roles in the global cotton market. The US cotton sector has long been one of the world's largest. However, Brazil's cotton production has rapidly grown, and the country has become one of the leading cotton producers, accounting for an ever‐increasing share of world cotton production and trade. This meteoric rise has put Brazil's cotton sector in frequent competition with the United States over export sales and market share. We empirically investigate how the expansion of the Brazilian cotton sector has impacted the US cotton sector's position in world markets by quantifying the extent to which rising Brazilian production has caused reallocations of US exports. We also explore how the recent US–China trade war affected these market dynamics by assessing the impacts of China's retaliatory tariffs on US cotton. Our results show that Brazil's cotton production has caused a major disruption to US cotton exports, resulting in a significant reduction in US exports to large cotton importers such as China, Vietnam, and Pakistan, and that these trends were reversed (at least temporarily) by the US–China trade dispute. By illustrating how competitive forces and trade disputes have shaped recent market dynamics for this key commodity, our work adds to the growing literature examining the interplay between competition and trade policy in the global agricultural sector.

Genealogy and genetic base of Brazilian cotton cultivars

Genealogy and genetic base of Brazilian cotton cultivars

From fashion to farm: Green marketing innovation strategies in the Brazilian organic cotton ecosystem

This study explores how green marketing innovations have been co-created by Brazilian organic cotton ecosystem participants, in order to understand how they develop green marketing innovation strategies together. Organic cotton in Brazil shows how initiatives and programs that act above commercial interests could offer guidance and promote cohesion in the ecosystem. To discuss how collaborative achievements and green marketing strategies can impact innovation, a case study on the Brazilian organic cotton ecosystem was conducted. Results showed that the evolution of organic cotton was based on the initiative of designers and branded producers, and on a network that includes Brazilian R&D institutions, international and Brazilian non-governmental organisations (NGOs), smallholders’ associations, and the government. Their joint effort built the ecosystem and led smallholders to adopt sustainable agroecological practices such as rainfed crops, soil nutrition, biodiversity maintenance, and integrated fibre and food crop production. The outcomes of those initiatives are enhanced production, expanding market opportunities, and better social and economic conditions for families in rural areas. For the advance of knowledge about green marketing, this paper offers a perspective that includes a marketing pillar and an ecosystem pillar.

Characterization of cotton cultivation: spatio-temporal considerations for Mato Grosso State

The State of Mato Grosso produces approximately 45% of cotton in Brazil, which makes it necessary to characterize the crop in this State. The objective was to analyze cotton production in the State of Mato Grosso through official data from the IBGE's Systematic Survey of Agricultural Production (LSPA), both for micro-regions and meso-regions. Temporal graphs and maps were constructed for planted area, quantity produced and yield. Temperature and precipitation were analyzed for the crop cycle period. Northern Mato Grosso has the largest area and quantity of seed cotton production. It is also the mesoregion with the highest growth between 2005 and 2016. However, fluctuations in planted area were reported due to supply and demand issues. The Parecis micro-region is highlighted as the one with the highest production, area and productivity. In addition, climatic factors suggest that most micro-regions are ideal for cotton production. In conclusion, production and productivity in Mato Grosso State can continue to increase with a stable market and the introduction of technology.

Characterization and genomic analyses of a novel alphabaculovirus isolated from the black armyworm, Spodoptera cosmioides (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The black armyworm Spodoptera cosmioides is a pest of increasing importance in Cry1Ac-Bt toxin crops and non-Bt crops of soybean and cotton in Brazil. Here we characterized a baculovirus isolated from extracts of S. cosmioides that died with symptoms of nuclear polyhedrosis. The putative novel virus exhibited polyhedral occlusion bodies (OBs) with virions containing multiple rod-shaped nucleocapsids, characteristic of alphabaculoviruses. The virus isolate was named Spodoptera cosmioides nucleopolyhedrovirus isolate CNPSo-72 (SpcoNPV-CNPSo-72). SpcoNPV-CNPSo-72 was lethal to third-instar S. cosmioides caterpillars but not to S. frugiperda under the tested viral concentrations. Moreover, SpcoNPV-CNPSo-72 contained a circular 147,763 bp long genome and a G + C content of 44.8% with 151 annotated ORFs (10 unique for baculovirus) and five homologous regions (hrs). The 38 currently defined baculovirus core genes were found in the SpcoNPV-CNPSo-72 genome. After phylogenetic analysis, the novel virus was found to be closely related to other members of Alphabaculovirus, especially to the Spodoptera-infecting viruses, which included Spodoptera eridania nucleopolyhedrovirus isolate 251, Spodoptera litura nucleopolyhedrovirus isolate II, Spodoptera exigua multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus isolate US-1, Spodoptera eridania nucleopolyhedrovirus isolate CNPSo-165, and Spodoptera frugiperda multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus isolate 19. Surprisingly, the new baculoviral genome was found to code for a putative arginine-associated tRNA gene with a predicted intronic sequence of 105 nt. The gene was found inside the bjdp CDS. Overall, baculoviruses are pathogens that lethally infect insect larvae and their study allows a better understanding of large DNA virus evolution, which provides important insights for the development and improvement of biological control agents.

Brazilian Cotton Jeans Recycling: Characterization of Shredded Pre-consumer Waste

Brazilian Cotton Jeans Recycling: Characterization of Shredded Pre-consumer Waste

Cotton Weaving Waste Incorporation in PVC Composites

The largest amount of solid waste from the textile industries is mainly derived from fabric manufacturing until the cutting stage: hard fibers (spinning waste), beaming and soft fibers (weaving yarn waste), and off-cuts (cutting process). This research aimed to (i) conduct an exploratory interview with a large Brazilian cotton textile manufacturer to identify its main solid waste and corresponding destinations; and (ii) produce and evaluate PVC composites reinforced with cotton textile residues from the weaving process. Cotton fibrous reinforcements in the proportion of 2.5% (w/w) presented the best results of tensile strength and elongation concerning the others. Briquette residue (2.5%) had better dispersion in the matrix and slightly higher tensile strength when compared to other residues. The composites presented different visual aspects, and their use in fashion products with sustainable appeal could be a viable alternative. Therefore, additional tests should be performed to ensure the appropriate mechanical properties for applications in this and other areas.

Stanley J. Stein (1920–2019)

Stanley J. Stein (1920–2019)

Comparative analysis of the competitiveness of Beninese and Brazilian cotton exports in international trade from 2006 to 2018

Abstract: This study aims to analyze the competitiveness and orientation of Brazilian and Beninese cotton exports in international trade from 2006 to 2018. The cotton category in this article refers to “neither carded nor combed” (HS: 5201). To measure competitiveness, we chose to calculate the Revealed Comparative Advantage Index (RCAI) and Symmetric Revealed Comparative Advantage Index (SRCAI), proposed by Balassa (1965) and Laursen (1998) respectively. The Regional Orientation Index (ROI), proposed by Yeats (1997), of cotton for Asia and EU-28 is used. The data were collected from the International Trade Center (ITC) /Trade Map and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The results found indicate that the Brazilian’s and Beninese’s cotton has been increasing values and above the unit showing its competitiveness in the international market. In addition, Benin was more competitive than Brazil because it has, on average, a higher SRCAI than Brazil (0.99 and 0.7 respectively). Concerning the ROI, it was found that Brazilian and Beninese cotton exports are strongly directed towards Asia, the main consumer market for Beninese and Brazilian cotton. As for the EU-28, both Benin and Brazil do not direct their cotton sales to this economic block.

Efficiency Versus Manpower. Reassessing Slavery in Large-Scale Plantations and in Small Farms in Brazilian Cotton Production (C. 1750 - C.1810)

Efficiency Versus Manpower. Reassessing Slavery in Large-Scale Plantations and in Small Farms in Brazilian Cotton Production (C. 1750 - C.1810)

Species Determination and CYTB-G143A Monitoring of Ramulariopsis spp. Isolated from Cotton in Brazil

Ramularia leaf spot is a disease of major importance on cotton fields in Brazil due to its effects on yield and cotton fiber quality. Two Ramulariopsis (syn. Ramularia) species, R. gossypii and R. pseudoglycines, are reported as the causal agents of this disease, but it is unknown which species is the most prevalent in Brazilian cotton fields. The goal of this work was to determine the most frequent species occurring on field samples from a molecular monitoring program that sampled from all cotton-growing regions in Brazil from 2017 to 2020 seasons. We also used molecular tools for genotyping a region of the CYTB gene for all sampled isolates. Sequencing of an ITS-rDNA region was used for Ramulariopsis species determination, and a DNA fragment from the CYTB gene was amplified, sequenced, and analyzed for all 165 isolates. The ITS-rDNA sequencing confirmed that all isolates belong to Ramulariopsis, and most notably, all the single nucleotide polymorphisms observed in this region, are of the R. pseudoglycines species for all 165 isolates; thus all analyzed isolates were assigned to this species. The analysis of the CYTB gene fragment sequenced showed the presence of the G143A substitution, and absence of G137R substitution, in all 165 isolates.

Challenges and Opportunities for in situ Maintenance of the Native Brazilian Cotton Gossypium mustelinum Miers

The native Brazilian cotton Gossypium mustelinum has never been planted. It is tetraploid and may cross with cultivated cotton. Endemic to Northeast Brazil, it was known only to grow in semi-arid areas, but expeditions in 2011, 2016, and 2018 localized plants in preservation areas on the coast of Northeast Brazil (in the States of Paraiba and Pernambuco), as predicted before by niche simulations. New climatic modeling shows that new populations can still be found in the Pernambuco semi-arid area, despite the lack of herbarium and germplasm bank information. Historical data show that the preserved populations are in regions where sympatry has not occurred in the last 47 years. Gene flow is unlikely to be a threat, and communication may foster significantly in in situ preservation.

Field efficacy of Bt cotton containing events DAS-21023-5 × DAS-24236-5 × SYN-IR102-7 against lepidopteran pests and impact on the non-target arthropod community in Brazil.

The efficacy and non-target arthropod effects of transgenic DAS-21023-5 × DAS-24236-5 × SYN-IR102-7 Bt cotton, expressing proteins Cry1Ac, Cry1F and Vip3Aa19, was examined through field trials in Brazil. Fifteen field efficacy experiments were conducted from 2014 through the 2020 growing season across six different states in Brazil to evaluate performance against key lepidopteran pests through artificial infestations of Chrysodeixis includens (Walker), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith,1797), Spodoptera cosmioides (Walker, 1858) and Chloridea virescens (F., 1781), and natural infestations of Alabama argillacea (Hübner) and S. frugiperda. The impact of this Bt cotton technology on the non-target arthropod community in Brazilian cotton production systems was also assessed in a multi-site experiment. DAS-21023-5 × DAS-24236-5 × SYN-IR102-7 cotton significantly reduced the feeding damage caused by S. frugiperda, S. cosmioides, C. includens, C. virescens and A. argillacea, causing high levels of mortality (greater than 99%) to all target lepidopteran pests evaluated during vegetative and/or reproductive stages of crop development. Non-target arthropod community-level analyses confirmed no unintended effects on the arthropod groups monitored. These results demonstrate the value of transgenic Bt cotton containing event DAS-21023-5 × DAS-24236-5 × SYN-IR102-7 for consideration as part of an integrated approach for managing key lepidopteran pests in Brazilian cotton production systems.

Aphelenchoides besseyi Parasitizing Common Bean in Brazil.

Aphelenchoides besseyi is the causal agent of soybean green stem and foliar retention syndrome known as "Soja Louca II." This nematode has recently been reported parasitizing cotton in Brazil. In Costa Rica, it causes the symptoms known as "amachamiento" and false angular spots in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). Due to the great importance of beans to Brazilian agriculture, the objective of this research was to study the pathogenicity of A. besseyi in common bean under greenhouse conditions, including its endoparasitic relationships by staining root and shoot system tissues with fuchsin acid. In addition, A. besseyi was collected and quantified from shoot systems 30 days after inoculation by washing the tissue in water and blender centrifugal flotation. We observed the symptoms of amachamiento, leaf and vein deformation in the expanded trifoliate leaves, and also leaves with necrotic, brown to reddish and angular lesions, characteristics from false angular spot, and deformed stems characterized by enlargement of nodes, retortions, and necrotic lesions. High numbers of nematodes were found inside common bean plants. This is the first report of the pathogenicity and symptoms caused by A. besseyi in common bean in Brazil. These findings are important for development of management strategies to avoid losses on bean cropped in infested areas.

Overview of Pest Status, Potential Risk, and Management Considerations ofHelicoverpa armigera(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) for U.S. Soybean Production

AbstractSince its introduction and establishment in Brazil in 2013 and subsequent spread through most of Latin America, the Old World bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), has become an economically important pest of soybean, cotton, and other crops. Because this pest can migrate long distances aided by wind currents, it is expected to arrive and establish in the United States. There were reports of H. armigera moth incursions collected in pheromone traps from Puerto Rico and Florida, but no reports yet of field establishment in the United States. Although H. armigera is a polyphagous pest and poses threats to multiple crops, it has shown preference for and is considered a key pest of soybean and cotton in Brazil. Soybean and cotton in Mid-Southern states will be at greater risk for economic loss when this pest establishes in the United States due to similarities of H. armigera with the native sibling species, Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) (Boddie). Both are polyphagous, could damage the same crops, and have documented cases of resistance. Establishment of H. armigera in the United States presents uncertainty about how the two species may interact in U.S. agroecosystems. Management strategies for H. armigera consist of correct species identification, monitoring and early detection, and determining the susceptibility of populations to multiple control tactics to deploy effective management tools. Although it is expected to be a key pest of soybean and cotton, in this article, we discuss the overview of the potential threats which H. armigera poses to soybean production in Mid-Southern states when it establishes in the United States.

RNAi-Mediated Suppression of Laccase2 Impairs Cuticle Tanning and Molting in the Cotton Boll Weevil (Anthonomus grandis).

The cotton boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis, is the most economically important pest of cotton in Brazil. Pest management programs focused on A. grandis are based mostly on the use of chemical insecticides, which may cause serious ecological impacts. Furthermore, A. grandis has developed resistance to some insecticides after their long-term use. Therefore, alternative control approaches that are more sustainable and have reduced environmental impacts are highly desirable to protect cotton crops from this destructive pest. RNA interference (RNAi) is a valuable reverse genetics tool for the investigation of gene function and has been explored for the development of strategies to control agricultural insect pests. This study aimed to evaluate the biological role of the Laccase2 (AgraLac2) gene in A. grandis and its potential as an RNAi target for the control of this insect pest. We found that AgraLac2 is expressed throughout the development of A. grandis with significantly higher expression in pupal and adult developmental stages. In addition, the immunolocalization of the AgraLac2 protein in third-instar larvae using specific antibodies revealed that AgraLac2 is distributed throughout the epithelial tissue, the cuticle and the tracheal system. We also verified that the knockdown of AgraLac2 in A. grandis resulted in an altered cuticle tanning process, molting defects and arrested development. Remarkably, insects injected with dsAgraLac2 exhibited defects in cuticle hardening and pigmentation. As a consequence, the development of dsAgraLac2-treated insects was compromised, and in cases of severe phenotypic defects, the insects subsequently died. On the contrary, insects subjected to control treatments did not show any visible phenotypic defects in cuticle formation and successfully molted to the pupal and adult stages. Taken together, our data indicate that AgraLac2 is involved in the cuticle tanning process in A. grandis and may be a promising target for the development of RNAi-based technologies.