Mechanisms of resistance in cotton to whitefly (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bemisia tabaci</Emphasis>): antixenosis

Screenhouse experiments were conducted under free-choice conditions to determine the mechanism of resistance operating in cotton against whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae). Twelve cotton genotypes belonging to Gossypium hirsutum and G. arboreum were assessed for oviposition preference by whitefly. The trichome density and length, distance from lower leaf surface to nearest vascular bundles, leaf lamina thickness and compactness of vascular bundles were estimated for each genotype and correlations with number of eggs laid were determined. The genotypes RS2098, CNH911, and PA183 were non-preferred for oviposition and exhibited an antixenosis mechanism of resistance. NHH44, LK861, Supriya, RS2013 and LD694 were categorized as moderately resistant while IS-376/4/1/20/72 and F846 were categorized as susceptible. Greater leaf lamina thickness and more compact vascular bundles were correlated with egg laying by whitefly.