Main Cotton Research Articles

Molecular characterization of Fusarium isolates from Upland cotton roots in Uzbekistan and whole-genome comparison with isolates from the USA.

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (FOV) is a significant cotton (Gossypium spp.) pathogen causing vascular wilt, browning of the vascular tissues, and plant death in the most severe cases. This global disease is responsible for sizeable crop losses annually and is found in many cotton producing regions, including the Republic of Uzbekistan and the USA. Specifically, FOV race 4 (FOV4) has been disrupting production for years. This study aimed to genetically characterize FOV4 isolates causing disease in the main cotton producing region of Uzbekistan and compare with FOV4 isolates from the USA. A field study conducted in the Bukhara region of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the spring of 2022 identified both FOV4 and new Fusarium isolates from Upland cotton exhibiting typical Fusarium wilt symptoms. Molecular markers were initially used to identify isolates of interest, and a phylogenetic analysis was performed using partial EF1-α sequences, followed by a comparative genomic analysis. We also report for the first time the isolation of F. solani and F. commune causing Fusarium wilt in Uzbekistan. Furthermore, we show that the FOV4 population within our sampling region of Uzbekistan may be dominated by a single biotype with an effector profile similar to that of FOV race 7 (FOV7). One of these effector proteins is also present in the F. commune isolate showing virulence to cotton. Whole genome comparisons between FOV races can identify unique genetic markers for FOV4 and aid in the development of tools for breeding FOV resistant cotton varieties.

The Impact of Factor Price Change on China’s Cotton Production Pattern Evolution: Mediation and Spillover Effects

Cotton is an important agricultural crop and strategic resource. China is currently the country with the largest global cotton production and consumption, but few studies have systematically analyzed the dynamic relationship between factor price change (FPC) and cotton production pattern evolution (CPPE). Based on provincial panel data from the main cotton planting areas from 1985 to 2021, this paper used spatial econometric models to empirically analyze the impact of FPC including labor price, production material cost, and mechanical cost on CPPE from the perspective of mechanical substitution difficulty. The findings are that (1) FPC significantly affected CPPE, specifically the rise of labor price induced the demand for mechanical substitution, resulting in a significant cotton agglomeration effect; (2) spatial econometric analysis found that FPC had a significant spatial spillover effect on CPPE in adjacent regions; and (3) the transfer analysis found that higher mechanical substitution difficulty exerted an inhibitory effect on cotton planting, leading to a gradual shift of the main cotton planting areas from the Yangtze River Basin and Yellow River Basin with high labor prices to the Northwest Inland region with lower labor prices. Updating the production technology and improving the efficiency of cotton specialization are effective strategies. The results are valuable for policy making related to the development of China’s cotton industry.

Incidence of insect-pests in response to plant density and nutrient levels in Desi cotton (Gossypium arboreum) under rainfed condition

The field experiment was conducted to study the effect of spacing and nutrients on insect-pests infestation on compact desi cotton (Gossypium arboreum) grown under rainfed condition during kharif seasons of 2019–20 to 2021–22 at the Main Cotton Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Surat. The experiments were carried out in factorial randomized block design with nine treatment combinations with three replicates comprised of three levels of spacing viz., 60 cm × 15 cm, 60 cm × 30 cm and 120 cm × 45 cm and three nutrient levels, viz. 120, 150 and 180 kg N/ha. The population of sucking pests viz., leafhopper, thrips, whitefly and mealy bug as well as open boll and locule damage by bollworms was recorded significantly lower in plant density at normal (recommended) spacing, 120 cm × 45 cm and vice a versa. Only the aphid population was found significantly lowest in closer spacing (60 cm × 15 cm). Amongst nitrogen levels, there was a significant difference with respect to N levels and the highest population of sucking pests as well as open and locule damage was recorded at N level of 180 kg N/ha. With respect to treatment combinations, there was no significant difference in sucking pests (aphids, thrips, whitefly and mealybugs) and open boll and locule damage amongst different treatment combinations of spacing and nitrogen levels. However, the treatment combination comprising the spacing of 120 × 45 cm and 120 kg N/ha recorded significantly lowest population of leafhopper followed by treatment combination of spacing 120 cm × 45 cm with nitrogen level of 150 kg/ha. Hence, proper interventions for leafhopper control is required when compact desi cotton was sown at closer spacing under rainfed condition.

Boll weevils in dry bolls: is there a performance disadvantage?

BackgroundAnthonomus grandis grandis is the main cotton pest in the Americas, with the potential to become a pest in other continents. The insect uses the plant’s reproductive organs for feeding, oviposition, and survival strategies in the off-season, sheltering in dry bolls. This study aimed to know the reproductive potential, feeding, longevity, and morphometric characteristics of boll weevils from dry bolls, squares, and traps. Adults were obtained from infested squares, dry bolls, and traps installed in cotton fields and the Caatinga area. Thirty weevil pairs were maintained in the laboratory to assess the oviposition, feeding holes, longevity, and morphometric measurements of the parental and F1 generations.ResultsIn the parental generation, boll weevils from traps (the Caatinga area and cotton cultivation) showed greater reproductive potential. Boll weevils from squares and the Caatinga area showed greater feeding activity compared with those from cotton cultivation. Greater rostrum length, thorax + abdomen length, and abdomen width were observed in boll weevils from cotton cultivation and dry bolls. The origin of boll weevils parental generation did not affect progeny emergence time. The F1 generation of boll weevils showed significant differences in average longevity depending on the origin of different microhabitats. Furthermore, differences in rostrum lengths were observed, with the boll weevils coming from traps installed in cotton cultivation, the Caatinga area, and dry bolls being the largest. Regarding thorax + abdomen length and abdomen width, the highest values were observed in those from the Caatinga area and cotton cultivation.ConclusionIt was proven that dry bolls did not affect the reproductive, feeding, and longevity performance of boll weevils, enabling better insect fitness (reproduction and size) in relation to those coming from squares. The use of dry bolls as off-season shelter is an important survival strategy for the boll weevil.

Challenges for crop diversification in cotton-based farming systems in India: a comprehensive gap analysis between practices and policies

IntroductionCrop diversification is a promising practice to improve the sustainability of agricultural production systems, contributing to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem functions, and food security without compromising productivity. Although diverse cropping systems may be more labour-intensive and require good knowledge of the specific cropping system in the local context, they have high potential in managing many of the problems faced in current cotton production in India. However, the adoption of crop diversification is still moderate, with an overall crop diversification index (CDI) of 0.65 for all of India and state-wise CDI between 0.43 and 0.83.MethodsTherefore, a four-phased study was conducted to identify the main barriers to crop diversification in cotton-based farming systems in India and highlight levers that can foster their wide adoption to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. The study was carried out between January to October 2020 and consisted of i) a literature review of regional and national policy and planning, ii) situational analysis with a problem tree approach, iii) individual stakeholder interviews with stakeholders from the broader Indian cotton sector, and iv) a participatory feedback workshop with said stakeholders. A total of 51 stakeholders from 24 different organizations were interviewed, 37 of them on technical aspects of crop diversification and 21 stakeholders on market and policy aspects. The same stakeholders were invited to the participatory feedback workshop, where 26 participated in the session on different benefits of crop diversification practices, and the session on market and policy challenges counted 24 participants. The study focused on the main organic cotton producing states in India: Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.Results and discussionIn our study, it became evident that many policies and governmental schemes exist to promote national food security, sustainable agriculture, and agricultural marketing infrastructure, but crop diversification is still not gaining momentum on the ground. Various levers were identified in the areas of market and procurement, capacity building and knowledge transfer, supply industry and infrastructure, and farmers and women empowerment, where the current policy landscape is failing to foster crop diversification effectively on the farm level.

Cotton yield responses to climate change and adaptability of sowing date simulated by AquaCrop model

The feedback mechanism of cotton yield to climate change is important knowledge for cotton planting planning and stable production. However, the impact of sowing date on cotton yield in China's main cotton producing areas under future climate change is still unclear. To deal with it, this study first evaluated the applicability of the AquaCrop model using actual observed cotton growth and yield data. Then, based on the 27 Global Climate Models (GCMs) multi-model ensemble data in the Sixth Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6), the future climate changes in China 's main cotton producing areas from 2021 and 2060 (2040 s) and 2061–2100 (2080 s) under two typical Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP) 2–4.5 and SSP5–8.5 were predicted. Finally, the effects of different sowing dates on cotton yield under SSP2–4.5 and SSP5–8.5 scenarios were simulated. The results showed that: (1) AquaCrop model had good applicability and it could accurately simulate cotton growth and yield. (2) The temperature under the SSP2–4.5 and SSP5–8.5 scenarios increased significantly compared with the baseline period (1985–2020). Precipitation during the cotton growth period mainly showed an increasing trend, but the spatial and temporal variability was large. The reference crop evapotranspiration (ETo) during the cotton growth period mainly showed a decreasing trend under the SSP2–4.5 (2040 s) scenario, while it mainly showed an increasing trend in other future periods. (3) The cotton yield under the SSP2–4.5 and SSP5–8.5 scenarios increased by an average of 10.51% and 13.67%, 14.76% and 28.04% in 2040 s and 2080 s compared to the baseline period (1981–2015), respectively. (4) Early sowing was beneficial to increase cotton yield, cotton yield sown on March 31 increased by an average of 5.32% compared to May 10. In conclusion, future climate change will have positive impacts on cotton production in China, and early sowing is an effective adaptation measure to cope with climate change.

Analysis of Emission Reduction Measures and Simulation of PM2.5 Concentrations in the Main Cotton Production Areas of Xinjiang in 2025

Cotton production in Xinjiang is increasing year by year, and the improved crop yields have had an impact on the environment. This study investigated the changes in six significant pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, O3, and CO) from 2017 to 2022 in Xinjiang. We compiled a biomass burning emission inventory to make the MEIC emission inventory more complete. The Weather Research and Forecasting Community Multiscale Air Quality (WRF–CMAQ) model was employed to simulate air quality in different reduction scenarios in 2025, and it explored ways to alleviate air pollution in the main cotton areas of Xinjiang. The result shows that the main pollutant in Xinjiang is particulate matter (PM particles with aerodynamic diameters less than 2.5 µm and 10 µm), and the concentration of particulate matter decreased from the northern mountains toward the south. The concentrations of O3 (ozone) were highest in summer, while the concentrations of other pollutants were high in autumn and winter. If the pollution is not strictly controlled in terms of emission reduction, it is impossible to achieve the target of a 35 μg/m3 PM2.5 concentration in the planting area. In the scenario of enhanced emission reduction measures and the scenario of higher intensity emission reduction measures, there was a failure to reach the target, despite the reduction in the PM2.5 concentration. In the best emission reduction scenario, PM2.5 in Xinjiang is expected to drop to 22.5 μg/m3 in November and 34 μg/m3 in March, respectively. Therefore, in the optimal emission reduction scenario, the target of 35 μg/m3 will be reached. This study emphasized the importance of future air pollution mitigation and identified a feasible pathway to achieve the target of 35 μg/m3 PM2.5 concentration by 2025. The research findings provide useful insights for the local government which can be used to develop strategies aimed at mitigating substantial pollution emissions.

Incidence of Cotton Thrips (Thrips tabaci Lindeman) and Its Correlation with Weather Parameters

Investigations on incidence of cotton thrips (Thrips tabaci Lindeman) on Bt and non-Bt cotton hybrid were carried out at Main Cotton Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Surat (Gujarat) during Kharif, 2017-18. The thrips incidence initiated from fourth week of June and it continued till first week of December in Bt and non-Bt cotton. The peak activity of thrips was observed during third week of August in Bt hybrid and the higher fluctuation of thrips was observed during the second week of August to third week of September and first week of October. Thrips population had significant negative correlation with maximum temperature in Bt cotton. In case of non-Bt, the peak activity of thrips was found during first week of September. As far as association with abiotic factors was concerned, maximum temperature and bright sunshine hours had significantly negatively correlation, while minimum temperature and morning relative humidity were positively associated.

Numeracy and consistency in age declarations: a case study on nineteenth and twentieth century Catalonia

A rich tradition exists on measuring human capital in historical societies through basic mathematical skills using the method of age heaping. In this article, we novelty propose to calculate it also through the analysis of the consistency in individual consecutive age declaration statements in five towns of Baix Llobregat’s county (Barcelona, Spain) during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The region underwent a proto-industrialization in the eighteenth century and was one of the main wool and cotton textile producers in the nineteenth century in Catalonia. Our main results show that (I) numeracy levels in this county were above the Spanish average in the whole period and, during the first years of the nineteenth century, ahead of countries such as Italy, Portugal and the USA. However, its numeracy dropped from 1880’s due the early industrialization of Catalonia in the Spanish and Southern Europe context, the existence of child labor in the factories and that also coincided with the phylloxera crisis. (II) To this effect, women presented lower levels of numeracy than men, but their levels tended to converge. (III) As regards emigrants, those who came to the rest of Spain had the lowest level of numeracy compared to the natives. (IV) Moreover, we found that literacy, the 1901 education reform and a higher socioeconomic status had a positive effect on reporting ages consistently over time. (V) Finally, we prove a positive association between systematically reporting ages ending in 0 or 5 and having a higher individual error in age statements along the life course.

The high genetic yield of Xinjiang cotton is associated with improvements in boll-leaf system photosynthesis

ContextDespite significant advancements in cotton breeding, there is ongoing debate regarding the mechanism of the yield increase in early-maturing cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) through photosynthesis of single leaves in Xinjiang, China. ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the role of the boll-leaf system (BLS) involving the main-stem leaf, the sympodial leaf, and the boll, in cotton yield formation. Our hypothesis was that genetic breeding enhances cotton yield by improving BLS photosynthesis. MethodsTo examine the relationship between BLS photosynthesis and yield, we conducted a comprehensive literature review spanning 70 years to assess yield changes in the Xinjiang cotton-growing region. We also conducted a series of field experiments in 2020 and 2021 using main cultivars to further investigate the connection between BLS photosynthesis and yield. ResultsLiterature data analysis revealed a consistent increase in boll density, boll weight, and yield of the main cotton cultivars in Xinjiang since the 1950s, particularly after the 1990s. The succession of cultivars showed greater improvements in boll density than boll weight. Our experiments supported these findings by demonstrating that the gradual genetic enhancement in cotton cultivars also led to increased photosynthetic area (PA) and photosynthetic rate (Pn) of the boll-leaf system (BLS). When the BLS was isolated by stem girding, we observed a significant rise in PA, Pn, and boll weight during the genetic improvement. Notably, the boll weight of the cultivars from the 2010s showed the least impact from girdling. These results highlight the prominent enhancement of BLS photosynthesis and subsequent boll growth throughout the succession of Xinjiang cotton cultivars. Further analysis revealed that genetic breeding improved the PA and Pn of both the main-stem leaf and sympodial leaf within the BLS. Specifically, the Pn of the main-stem leaf exhibited a stronger association with boll density than boll weight. Conversely, the Pn of the sympodial leaf showed a significant association with boll weight but not with boll density. ConclusionsThe gradual genetic improvement of cotton cultivars significantly enhanced BLS photosynthesis, resulting to improvements in both boll density and boll weight. The improvement in photosynthesis of the main-stem leaf contributed to enhanced boll density, while the improvement in photosynthesis of the sympodial leaf promoted greater boll weight.

The nitrogen footprint and reactive nitrogen reduction potential of cotton production in China

Analyzing the nitrogen footprint (NF) and the potential reduction of reactive nitrogen in crop production and proposing higher N utilization efficiency strategies are important approaches to sustainable crop development. Cotton is an important cash crop in China. However, only a few studies have systematically quantified the NF of cotton production in China, analyzed its temporal and spatial varieties, clarified its main constituent factors and influential factors, and explored its nitrogen emission reduction potential. This study adopts the life cycle method and analyzes the temporal-spatial varieties in the NF of cotton production in China's main cotton planting areas from 2004 to 2018 based on statistical data, analyzes the main components of the nitrogen footprint of China's cotton production, studies the main driving factors of China's cotton nitrogen emissions based on principal component analysis, simulates the nitrogen emissions of China's cotton production combined with the STIRPAT model, and comprehensively analyzes the potential nitrogen emission reduction of China's cotton production. The results indicated that the average nitrogen footprint per unit area (NFa) of cotton planting districts in Northwest China (Nw.CPD), the Yellow River Basin (Yel.RCPD) and the Yangtze River Basin (Yan.RCPD) was 112 kg Neq·ha−1, 65 kg Neq·ha−1 and 155 kg Neq·ha−1, respectively, and the NFa of cotton production in Hunan was the highest. In terms of spatial distribution, the NFa, NFy and NFv of cotton production in Yan.RCPD were higher than those in Yel.RCPD and Nw.CPD, and the NF of cotton planted in Yel.RCPD was the lowest. The NFa of cotton planting in China increased continuously, and the NFa in Nw.CPD showed an increasing trend, while the NFa in Yel.RCPD and Yan.RCPD showed a decreasing trend. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that fertilizer and the associated reactive nitrogen losses were the main components of the nitrogen footprint. The prediction results of the STIRPAT model showed that compared with 2018, China's cotton production can reduce nitrogen emissions by 54.43 kilotons in 2050 at most. Improved fertilizer utilization efficiency, optimized field management measures and effective policy intervention are effective strategies to reduce the nitrogen footprint of cotton production.

Analysis of Pollution Characteristics and Emissions Reduction Measures in the Main Cotton Area of Xinjiang.

With cotton production in Xinjiang increasing annually, the impact on the environment of agricultural waste produced to improve production has been reflected. This study selected Bozhou of Xinjiang, the main cotton producing region in northern Xinjiang, as the research object, and collected hourly concentration data of six pollutants from 2017 to 2021, and analyzed the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of each pollutant. At the same time, Morlet wavelet analysis was used to further analyze the variation period of PM2.5 (PM particles with aerodynamic diameters less than 2.5 μm) concentration. The Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with the Community Multiscale Air Quality (WRF-CMAQ) model was used to evaluate the emissions reduction measures for the most polluted month. The results showed that the concentration of particulate matter (PM particles with aerodynamic diameters less than 2.5 μm and 10 μm) decreased from the southern mountains to the north; moreover, the concentrations of CO (carbon monoxide), NO2 (nitrogen dioxide), and SO2 (sulfur dioxide) in the suburbs were higher than those in the urban center. The concentration of O3 (Ozone) was the highest in summer, while the concentrations of other pollutants were high in autumn and winter. Under the time scale of a = 13, 24, PM2.5 had significant periodic fluctuation. The health risk values of PM2.5 and PM10 in this study were within the scope of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) criteria, but it is still necessary to keep a close watch on them. In the context of emissions reduction measures, agricultural sources reduced by 20%, residential sources by 40%, industrial sources by 20%, and transportation sources by 20%; no change in the power source remains. Under these conditions, the daily average value of each pollutant met the first level of the national ambient air quality standard. The research results provide a reference for the local government to formulate heavy pollution emissions reduction policies.

Mpp23Aa/Xpp37Aa Insecticidal Proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bacillales: Bacillaceae) Are Highly Toxic to Anthonomus grandis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Larvae.

The beetle Anthonomus grandis Boheman, 1843, is the main cotton pest, causing enormous losses in cotton. The breeding of genetically modified plants with A. grandis resistance is seen as an important control strategy. However, the identification of molecules with high toxicity to this insect remains a challenge. The susceptibility of A. grandis larvae to proteins (Cry1Ba, Cry7Ab, and Mpp23Aa/Xpp37Aa) from Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner, 1915, with toxicity reported against Coleopteran, has been evaluated. The ingestion of different protein concentrations (which were incorporated into an artificial diet) by the larvae was tested in the laboratory, and mortality was evaluated after one week. All Cry proteins tested exhibited higher toxicity than that the untreated artificial diet. These Cry proteins showed similar results to the control Cry1Ac, with low toxicity to A. grandis, since it killed less than 50% of larvae, even at the highest concentration applied (100 μg·g-1). Mpp/Xpp proteins provided the highest toxicity with a 0.18 μg·g-1 value for the 50% lethal concentration. Importantly, this parameter is the lowest ever reported for this insect species tested with B. thuringiensis proteins. This result highlights the potential of Mpp23Aa/Xpp37Aa for the development of a biotechnological tool aiming at the field control of A. grandis.

Formulation of a biocellulose mask containing the essence of Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f combination with vitamin E as anti-aging

Most ageing processes are accelerated due to an increasing amount of endogenic stress from outdoor or indoor activity overload. The essence of aloe vera is formulated in the form of a biocellulose mask. It is one of the solutions to deliver essence within polymeric substances, obtained through the fermentation process with the help of Acetobacter xyllinum.
 The aim of this study is to enhance anti-ageing activity derived from Aloe vera (L) essence combined with vitamin E, thus in the form of a biocellulose mask that will prolong skin contact and reduce the main cotton sheet mask problem of deforestation, hence its eco-friendly benefit.
 Material and methods: Twelve volunteers around 25 to 45 years old are subjected to a biocellulose mask containing Aloe vera essence combined with vitamin E for at least 4 weeks to achieve a balanced skin criterion including wrinkles, spots, facial pores, and moisture. Aloe vera and vitamin E constituents within F0; F1, F2; F3, [0%, 0%]; [0%, 1%]; [5%, 0 %] and [5 %, 1 %] as per the following.
 Results: Results showed that bio-cellulose masks containing 5 % Aloe vera with 1 % of vitamin E essence in F3 provide a beneficial anti-ageing activity rather than other biocellulose mask preparations.
 Conclusion: Biocellulose mask through the fermentation process can improve skin conditions, the formula combined with the well-known activity of aloe vera as an exfoliating agent and antioxidant vitamin E, it can not only provide skin rejuvenation but also provide anti-ageing activity

The Impact of Global Cotton and Wheat Prices on Rural Poverty in Pakistan

The incidence of rural poverty in Pakistan increased during the late 1990s after having declined during the 1980s and early 1990s. A number of structural factors have been identified as contributing to rural poverty in Pakistan. Among them are low levels of health and education spending and the unequal of farmland distribution. These structural factors help explain the levels of poverty in Pakistan, but not the increase in poverty in the late 1990s. One hypothesis is that the increase in rural poverty is the result of an adverse trend in world commodity prices, particularly cotton, a major commercial crop, and other agricultural commodities such as wheat, rice, and sugar. The overall objective of this paper is to measure the impact of changes in world commodity prices on poverty in rural Pakistan, with particular focus on cotton prices and the main cotton producing districts of Punjab and Sindh provinces.

Establishment of Toxicity and Susceptibility Baseline of Broflanilide for Aphis gossypii Glove

The Aphis gossypii is an important pest that can damage cotton plants and can cause a huge economic loss worldwide. Chemical control is a main method to manage this pest, but the cotton aphid resistance to insecticides has become a severe problem in the management of the cotton aphid. It is important to introduce a novel insecticide for rotational application with other insecticides. Broflanilide, as a meta-diamide insecticide with a special mode of action, showed high efficiency against lepidopterous larvae. However, we found that broflanilide possessed high insecticidal activity against the sap-sucking pest A. gossypii. The susceptibility of A. gossypii to broflanilide from 20 field populations in main cotton planting areas of China in 2021 was determined by the leaf-dipping method. LC50 values of broflanilide to A. gossypii ranged from 0.20 μg mL-1 to 1.48 μg mL-1. The susceptible baseline of A. gossypii to broflanilide was established with the LC50 value of 0.41 μg mL-1 and might be used to calculate the resistance ratio (RR) of cotton aphid population in broflanilide resistance monitoring. The RR value of field populations in China was from 0.49 to 3.61 in 2021. It suggested that the broflanilide may be a potential agent in the resistance management of A. gossypii to insecticides. These results are significantly useful for the rational chemical control of cotton aphids.

Population Dynamics of Aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover on Bt and non-Bt Cotton and Correlation with weather Parameters

Investigations on the population dynamics of aphid Aphis gossypii Glover on Bt (G.Cot.Hy.8 BG II) and non-Bt (G.Cot.Hy.8) were carried out at Main Cotton Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Surat, Gujarat during the Kharif, 2020-21. The incidence of aphids initiated in the first week of July (27th SW) in Bt cotton hybrid and in the second week of July (28th SW) in non-Bt cotton hybrid and continued till the crop harvest in the second week of January (2nd SW) in both the hybrids. The peak activity of aphids was recorded during the third week of December (51st SW) in Bt as well as non-Bt cotton hybrid. In both Bt and non-Bt cotton, the aphid population had a significant negative correlation with morning relative humidity. There was a highly significant negative correlation with minimum temperature, evening relative humidity, rainfall, rainy days, and a positive correlation with sunshine hours.

Analysis of the Influence of Agricultural Natural Disaster on Farmers’ Technology Adoption Decision

Xinjiang is the main cotton-producing area in China. However, its natural environment is special, and natural disasters frequently occur during the agricultural production process. Fortunately, the application of modern agricultural production technology provides a good tool for cotton farmers to reduce disaster losses. In order to analyze the impact of agricultural natural disasters on farmers’ adoption of agricultural production technology, based on the survey data of 216 cotton farmers in the main cotton production areas, this study uses a binary logistic model to analyze the impact of disaster types and stages on cotton farmers’ application of drip irrigation water-saving technology. The results show that hail, drought, and disease disasters have a significant impact on the application of drip irrigation water-saving technology, considering that the damage to equipment and technology’s control of disasters are the reasons behind; post-disaster remediation in the growth or maturity period also has a significant impact, which can reduce losses; and market price risk for cotton also has a significant impact.

Toxicity of Selected Insecticides against Cotton Mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley) in Laboratory Bioassays

Investigations on susceptibility of insecticides in cotton mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley) was carried out at Main Cotton Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Surat during October 2020 to January 2021 through the IRAC leaf dip bio-assay technique. Mealybug population from the farmer’s field of Bharuch district were collected and reared at Main Cotton Research Station, NAU, Surat under field cage cover. Leaf dip bio-assays were carried out for the seven insecticides viz., imidacloprid 70 WG, acetamiprid 20 SP, thiamethoxam 25 WG, buprofezin 25 SC, lamda cyhalothrin 5 EC, spinosad 45 SC and profenophos 50 EC with eight concentrations including control with three repetitions. At recommended rate, profenophos 50 EC at 0.1% and acetamiprid 20 SP at 0.004% recorded 83.50 and 80.77% mortality of mealybug after 72 hours of exposure. Buprofezin 25 SC at 0.05% recorded 78.89 while imidacloprid 17.8 SL at 0.00445% exhibited 67.70 and thiamethoxam 25 WG at 0.01% found to show 65.91% mortality of mealybug under laboratory bioassay after 72 hours of exposure.

Overexpression of AmCBF1 enhances drought and cold stress tolerance, and improves photosynthesis in transgenic cotton.

China’s main cotton production area is located in the northwest where abiotic stresses, particularly cold and drought, have serious effects on cotton production. In this study, Ammopiptanthus mongolicus C-repeat-binding factor (AmCBF1) isolated from the shrub Ammopiptanthus mongolicus was inserted into upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivar R15 to evaluate the potential benefits of this gene. Two transgenic lines were selected, and the transgene insertion site was identified using whole-genome sequencing. The results showed that AmCBF1 was incorporated into the cotton genome as a single copy. Transgenic plants had distinctly higher relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll content, soluble sugar content, and lower ion leakage than R15 after drought and cold stress. Some characteristics, such as the area of lower epidermal cells, stomatal density, and root to shoot ratio, varied significantly between transgenic cotton lines and R15. Although the photosynthetic ability of transgenic plants was inhibited after stress, the net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate in transgenic plants were significantly higher than in R15. This suggested that an enhanced stress tolerance and photosynthesis of transgenic cotton was achieved by overexpressing AmCBF1. All together, our results demonstrate that the new transgenic cotton germplasm has great application value against abiotic stresses, especially in the northwest inland area of China.