Registration of Four Exotic Germplasm Lines Derived from an Introgressed Population of Cotton

Abstract

John Cotton (JC) cotton germplasm was developed from multiple crosses between Gossypium hirsutum L. and G. barbadense L. JC14 (Reg. No. GP‐921, PI 658308), JC32 (Reg. No. GP‐922, PI 658309), JC60 (Reg. No. GP‐923, PI 658310), and JC65 (Reg. No. GP‐924, PI 658311) were released by the USDA‐ARS in 2009 for their exceptional fiber quality or desirable combinations of lint yield and fiber properties. These lines were tested for agronomic performance and fiber quality in 2006, 2007, and 2008 at three locations. JC14 and JC60 averaged 277 and 281 kN m kg−1, respectively, for bundle strength over 3 yr compared with 258 kN m kg−1 for the high quality check ‘Phytogen 72’ (PHY72). The properties of 50% span length, short fiber content, and fineness in these two lines were also superior to those of PHY72. Lint yield of JC65 averaged 1190 kg ha−1, compared with 1565 and 1090 kg ha−1 for ‘Deltapine 555BG/RR’ and PHY72, respectively. Elongation (8.06%), short fiber content (3.46%), and fineness (174 mg km−1) in JC65 were all superior to those of PHY72. Lint yield of JC32 averaged 1161 kg ha−1 with 8.21% elongation, 3.52% short fiber content, and 174 mg km−1 fineness. The superior traits in these lines can be incorporated into Upland cotton cultivars for genetic improvement of both lint yield and fiber quality.