We have introduced agronomically valuable genes into several important crop species, including cotton. These genes encode a bromoxynil specific nitrilase, and an altered EPSP synthase which confer tolerance to the herbicides bromoxynil and glyphosate respectively. Genes, which code for the Bacillus thuringiensis crystal toxins and the cowpea trypsin inhibitor, are also being introduced into plants to protect against insect damage.

Genetic engineering of cotton depends on the availability of a reliable transformation system. An Agrobacterium mediated transformation system has been developed for cotton. We are also investigating ballistic DNA delivery to meristematic tissue.