Biotechnology in Cotton: VIGS and PGPRs for studies in gene function and pest management

Abstract

Cotton is an economically important crop in the United States, with Alabama contributing to over 600,000 bales of production in 2025. Cotton producers face many challenges including climate change, pathogens, and pests. Although there are many pests of cotton, one of the most economically important is the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii. Due to population growth dynamics, resistance to insecticides is unavoidable with this pest, creating a gap for new pest managements strategies. Biotechnology tools like virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) and plant-growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) have the potential to fill this gap as biopesticides. VIGS can be utilized to directly target insect pests, limiting off-target effects. PGPRs can protect plants against pests while also providing growth promotion benefits. These tools can be used in conjunction with one another to increase the efficiency of control practices and alleviate chemical usage, promoting a healthy environment.