Possible effect of genetically modified cotton on foraging habits of early instar <i>Helicoverpa armigera</i> (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae

Abstract

Abstract We estimated survival and final location of neonate Helicoverpa armigera after 72 h on both genetically modified (GM) and conventional cotton at the squaring stage. On average, about 2.5% out of a total of 1620 initial larvae survived on two gene GM cotton (CS × 450, 289BGII®) compared with 39.5% out of a total of 810 initial larvae on Sicot 189, a conventional cotton variety. A disproportionate number of larvae were collected on squares of GM cotton, assuming they behave the same way on GM plants as on conventional plants but suffer higher rates of mortality. Our results imply that the behaviour of neonates on GM plants in terms of finding squares (and/or better survival on squares) may be contributing to the continued pest status of Helicoverpa on GM cotton from time to time. Experiments to determine if selection for changed behaviour in the field has or is occurring are urgently required.