Fruiting Behavior of Insect‐resistant Cotton Strains in an Insect‐free Environment1

Abstract

AbstractNectariless and frego bract strains of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) were compared with background‐related strains or cultivars Bayou Sm 1, ‘Deltapine 16,’ and ‘Stoneville 7A’ on the basis of productivity and maturity in an insect‐free greenhouse environment. The nectariless strain of Deltapine 16 was similar to its parent cultivar, whereas nectariless Bayou D2Sm and Stoneville 7A were more productive from late flowers than their background‐related nectaried counterparts. La Frego 2 was similar to its Stoneville 7A parent, whereas La Frego 3159 was more productive from midseason flowers, and La Rak Frego 3161 yielded less and was earlier than Stoneville 7A. Neither trait differed consistently in fruiting behavior compared to that of its background‐related nectaried and normal bract counterparts. Thus, the observed differences may be due to heritable factors not associated with the trait per se, or to selection during the backcross program.