Comparative proteomic analysis of resistant and susceptible cotton genotypes in response to leaf hopper infestation

The cotton leaf hopper is a major pest in cotton, causing a hopper burn in leaves. In this study, a comparative proteomic analysis of NDLH2010 (Resistant) and LRA5166 (Susceptible), infected with leaf hopper, was employed using a nano LC-MS/MS approach. A total of 1402 proteins varied significantly between leaf hopper-infected and control plants. The resistant and susceptible genotypes had differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) of 743 and 659, respectively. Functional annotation of DEPs revealed that the DEPs were primarily associated with stress response, hormone synthesis, photosynthesis, cell wall, and secondary metabolites. Notably, DEPs such as polyphenol oxidase, carboxypeptidase, heat shock proteins, protein BTR1-like isoform X2, chaperone protein ClpB1, and β glucosidase factors associated with environmental stress response were also detected. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis confirmed a positive correlation between protein abundances and transcripts for all genes. Collectively, this study provides the molecular mechanisms associated with cotton defense responses against leaf hopper. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Cotton, a natural fiber, assumes a pivotal role as a raw material for textile industries, thereby bearing significant importance in the global economy. The cotton production sector is considerably affected by both biotic and abiotic stresses. The cotton leaf hopper (Amrasca biguttula biguttula (Ishida)) stands as a polyphagous insect, emerging as a dominant sap-feeding pest of the cotton crop. The continuous onslaught of sap-feeding insects on cotton plants has a detrimental impact, with leaf hoppers potentially causing yield reductions of up to 50%. Therefore, comprehending the molecular interplay between cotton and leaf hopper, elucidated at the proteome level, holds promise for more effective pest management strategies. This approach holds the potential to offer insights that contribute to the development of leaf hopper-resistant cotton varieties.