Phytophagous insects pose a significant threat to global crop yield and food security. The need for increased agricultural output while reducing dependence on harmful synthetic insecticides necessitates the implementation of innovative methods. The utilization of CRISPR-Cas (Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) technology to develop insect pest-resistant plants is believed to be a highly effective approach in reducing production expenses and enhancing the profitability of farms. Insect genome research provides vital insights into gene functions, allowing for a better knowledge of insect biology, adaptability, and the development of targeted pest management and disease prevention measures. The CRISPR-Cas gene editing technique has the capability to modify the DNA of insects, either to trigger a gene drive or to overcome their resistance to specific insecticides. The advancements in CRISPR technology and its various applications have shown potential in developing insect-resistant varieties of plants and other strategies for effective pest management through a sustainable approach. This could have significant consequences for ensuring food security. This approach involves using genome editing to create modified insects or crop plants. The article critically analyzed and discussed the potential and challenges associated with exploring and utilizing CRISPR-Cas technology for reducing insect pest pressure in crop plants.

Investigations on incidence of cotton thrips (Thrips tabaci Lindeman) on Bt and non-Bt cotton hybrid were carried out at Main Cotton Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Surat (Gujarat) during Kharif, 2017-18. The thrips incidence initiated from fourth week of June and it continued till first week of December in Bt and non-Bt cotton. The peak activity of thrips was observed during third week of August in Bt hybrid and the higher fluctuation of thrips was observed during the second week of August to third week of September and first week of October. Thrips population had significant negative correlation with maximum temperature in Bt cotton. In case of non-Bt, the peak activity of thrips was found during first week of September. As far as association with abiotic factors was concerned, maximum temperature and bright sunshine hours had significantly negatively correlation, while minimum temperature and morning relative humidity were positively associated.

The study investigated the influence of mealybug and red cotton bug populations on different cotton hybrids under protected and unprotected conditions. The results revealed that under protected conditions, the mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis population was significantly lower (0.23/plant) compared to unprotected conditions (1.14/plant). Among the hybrids, G. Cot. Hy. 10 BG II (0.35/plant) and Ajeet 155 BG II (0.40/plant) showed the lowest mealybug populations, while RCH 2 BG II recorded the highest (1.19/plant). Significant differences were observed in the interaction between protection levels and hybrids with lower pest populations recorded under protected conditions. Similarly, for the red cotton bug, the population was significantly lower under protected conditions (0.23/plant) compared to unprotected (0.87/plant). G.Cot.Hy.10 BG II showed the lowest red cotton bug, Dysdercus cingulatus population (0.24/plant), while RCH 2 BG II had the highest population under unprotected conditions (1.24/plant). Significant differences were found in the interaction of protection levels, hybrids, and periods with protected conditions consistently showing lower pest incidences.

The life cycle and morphometrics of cotton leaf roller, Haritalodes derogata (F.) (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae) study revealed that the average duration of eggs, larvae, male pupae, female pupae, male adult and female adult moths varied from 3.84 ± 0.99, 15.40 ± 1.63, 7.32 ± 0.69, 7.88 ± 0.97, 9.32 ± 0.75 and 10.40 ± 0.82 days, respectively. Pre-oviposition and post-oviposition periods were 3.36 ± 0.70 and 2.40 ± 0.65 days, respectively and the fecundity was 265.40 ± 42.55 eggs, within oviposition periods of 3.56 ± 0.58 days. The total life span for male and female was 37.40 ± 2.06 and 39.68 ± 2.36 days, respectively. The length and breadth of egg measured 0.54 ± 0.03 and 0.47 ± 0.02mm, of full-grown larvae was 27.78 ± 1.18mm and of male and female pupae were 11.95 ± 0.78 and 4.19 ± 0.14 and 13.34 ± 0.49mm and 4.38 ± 0.11 mm, respectively. The length and breadth with wings expanded of male was 11.48 ± 0.70 and 22.27 ± 0.67mm, while that of female moth was 13.79 ± 0.53 and 28.12 ± 1.42mm, respectively.

A field experiment was conducted to analyse the population dynamics of natural enemies including Chrysoperla, coccinellids, and spiders, in Bt cotton under both protected and unprotected conditions. The results indicated that the population of natural enemies was significantly higher under unprotected conditions compared to protected fields, where insecticides were applied. Among the tested hybrids, G. Cot. Hy.10 BG Ⅱ recorded the highest predator activity, showing a greater population of Chrysoperla, coccinellids, and spiders in unprotected conditions. In contrast, the lowest predator activity was observed in RCH 2 BG Ⅱ, while Ajeet 155 BG Ⅱ and ATM BG Ⅱ had minimal natural enemy presence. These findings highlight the importance of unprotected conditions in preserving natural enemies and suggest that certain Bt hybrids, such as G. Cot. Hy.10 BG Ⅱ, may better support predator populations. This research is crucial for understanding how insecticide use affects natural enemy populations and identifying hybrids that promote predator activity. Incorporating natural enemies into pest management strategies can enhance the sustainability of cotton production. Predators of pests, coccinellids and Chrysoperla, were observed from the 33rd to 52nd, whereas spider populations were observed from the 31st to 52nd SW under unprotected conditions.