Low Gossypol Containing Cottonseed: Not only a Fibre but also a Food Crop

Abstract

We achieved self-sufficiency in food grains but are still deficient in pulses and oilseeds production. Cottonseed is a good source of quality oil and is rich in protein. But the presence of gossypol in the seed makes it toxic for human consumption. Therefore, low gossypol cultivars were developed either through genetic modification or screening and conventional breeding techniques. Texas A&M University patented the genetically modified ultra-low gossypol (< 450 mg kg−1) cultivar—TAM66274. Our breeders developed cultivars with gossypol content as low as 1100 mg kg−1 using conventional breeding techniques. Cottonseed meal, after oil extraction, can be used as a protein supplement similar to soybean. Cotton breeders need to screen the available germplasm and cultivars for low gossypol as well as high oil and fibre productivity. Thus, developing low and ultra-low gossypol cultivars will be a boon to our country.