An Overview on Colour Cotton Research – A Review

Abstract

In the current review of literature study we aimed to describe and delineate on current and future perspectives on colour cotton research. In India, about 40 coloured genotypes of upland cotton (G. hirsutum), mostly of various shades of brown and green colour have been developed. Brown cotton lines are at the forefront and expects that one of its varieties, DDCC-1, was proposed for release in 2021. Furthermore, DMB-225, a medium brown variety was developed in 2013, along with three other varieties. However, DMB-225 was not released commercially on the grounds that it would contaminate white cotton, though its fiber quality was found highly suitable. By not using chemical dyes, as well as reducing the use of pesticides, the naturally colored cottons have become popular for being ecological and environmentally safe. However, The limitations which impede commercial cultivation of coloured cotton itself signalize future thrust area of research viz. (i) development of wide range of colors with different shades, uniformity and stability, (ii) improvement of fiber properties such as length, strength and maturity, (iii) development of high yielding, early maturing varieties and hybrids, (iv) development of coloured cotton varieties and hybrids amenable to mechanical picking, (v) development of male sterility based hybrids in desi and upland coloured cottons, and (vi) development of coloured transgenic cottons..