Fuente: PubMed "plant biotechnology" Transgenic Res. 2026 May 11;35(1):21. doi: 10.1007/s11248-026-00494-9.ABSTRACTCotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is a vital cash crop in India's rainfed Central Zone, facing challenges from low productivity, erratic rainfall, and biotic (sucking pests, diseases) and abiotic (drought) stresses. While Bt cotton varieties with the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) gene have reduced bollworm losses, the need persists for high-yielding, stable varieties with broader tolerance. This study evaluates the newly released Bt cotton variety NH 1901 Bt (BG I), bred for rainfed regions of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. Evaluated over three years (2020-21 to 2022-23) in multi-location trials under the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Cotton, NH 1901 Bt achieved a weighted mean seed cotton yield of 1474 kg/ha-a 17.32% increase over the Zonal Bt check (Suraj Bt, 1256 kg/ha) and 20.71% over the non-Bt check (NH 615, 1221 kg/ha). Beyond yield, NH 1901 Bt showed robust tolerance to Bacterial Blight and Alternaria Leaf Spot, plus notable resistance to sucking pests, addressing post-Bt era concerns. It also offers superior fibre quality: Upper Half Mean length of 25.23 mm, strength of 25.47 g/tex, and Micronaire of 4.17 µg/inch, ideal for medium-staple cotton.NH 1901 Bt's consistent performance and broad-spectrum tolerance make it a reliable, high-yielding choice for resource-poor farmers, bolstering sustainable cotton production and the regional economy.PMID:42113386 | DOI:10.1007/s11248-026-00494-9