Registration of PSI 113 and PSI 425 Germplasm Lines of Pima Cotton Possessing Superior Fiber Quality Traits

Abstract

Cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.) germplasm lines PSI 113 (Reg. No. GP‐916, PI 655939) and PSI 425 (Reg. No. GP‐917, PI 655940) were jointly developed and released by the USDA–ARS and New Mexico State Agricultural Experiment Station in 2008. The purpose of the release was to provide public and private breeders with agronomically improved resources for genetic improvement of fiber quality and to serve as genetic resources for broadening the germplasm base of Pima germplasm in the United States. Lines PSI 113 and PSI 425 originated from a cross made at New Mexico State University in 1997 of germplasm line 8810 and the Sea Island breeding line NMSI 1601, followed by individual plant selection within the F2, F3, and F4 generations and progeny selection in the F5 generation. Eight progeny lines, along with two commercial check cultivars and two high fiber quality check lines, were selected for evaluation in replicated tests at Maricopa, AZ, Shafter, CA, Westside, CA, and Las Cruces, NM, in 2005 and 2006. Across locations, lines PSI 113 and PSI 425 exhibited fiber lengths and strengths superior to commercial check cultivars and fiber yields not differing from the commercial cultivars. Lines PSI 113 and PSI 425 were selected for release from among the eight progeny lines on the basis of their overall agronomic performance and improved fiber characteristics across locations.