Impact of Glands in Cotton Anthers on Feeding Behavior ofHeliothis virescens(F.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Larvae1

Abstract

The number of “gossypol” glands in cotton anthers and chemical composition of these glands vary among different cotton lines. The glands contain mostly gossypol but also contain other terpenoid aldehydes, and each gland is enveloped by tissues containing an anthocyanin. Although young Heliothis virescens (F.) larvae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) avoid feeding on the glands of anthers, their ability to penetrate the mass of anthers and feed on female reproductive structures of cotton does not appear to be affected by the presence of glands.