Early Generation Testing in Upland Cotton

Abstract

Early generation testing (EGT) is often used to identify segregating populations that are expected to contain the greatest frequency of favorable genotypes and to eliminate inferior populations with limited promise. The goal of this study was to determine if EGT methods utilized in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) at College Station (CS) and Weslaco (WS), TX, since 1990 and 1992, respectively, and through 2002, could be used to predict advanced strain performance. Data were collected from 283 unique F2 populations at CS and 146 unique F2 and F3 populations at WS. Correlations of F2 population yield and individual plant selection fiber data suggests that the method used at CS limits the use of EGT for lint yield, yet enhances the use of EGT for the highly heritable fiber traits. Conversely, correlations of F2 population yield and population fiber data suggest that the method used at WS supports EGT for lint yield, but limits the use of EGT for fiber traits. However, by using F3 population fiber yield means and individual plant selection fiber data, EGT is validated at WS. Also, correlations of F2 yield and fiber data with combined yield and fiber data of advanced strains in standard performance trials across multiple locations in central and south Texas indicated that EGT reasonably predicted advanced generation performance.