The mechanism of resistance (nonpreference) of cotton genotypes (Gossypium hirsutum L.) to the cotton leafworm, Alabama argillacea (Huebner, 1818) was studied. Oviposition nonpreference in field (15 genotypes) and cages (six genotypes) were evaluated in free choice and no choice tests. The eggs present in the upper third of the plants were counted. Feeding nonpreference was evaluated with leaf disks, under laboratory conditions, using the genotypes CNPA 9211-21, CNPA 9211-31, JPM 157, STO 285 N, T 953-13-4-2 and T 1122-13-1, and first and third instar larvae, with twenty replications. Nonpreference was measured through dry weight consumption. No oviposition preference was found among the studied genotypes. The CNPA 9211-31 genotype was less consumed by small larvae, thus indicating that the feeding nonpreference mechanism of resistance to A. argillacea is present in this genotype.
Insecta; Gossypium hirsutum; host plant resistance; antixenosis
