Abstract
A broad range of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) germplasm resources exist with characteristics useful for improving modern cotton cultivars. However, much of this germplasm is not well utilized. The objective of this study was to evaluate agronomic and fiber traits of four germplasm populations to determine the effectiveness of pooling germplasm for generating variability to improve traits of interest. Four populations were developed with parents chosen based on (1) dwarfing genes, (2) a combination of fiber strength and length traits, (3) glandless genes, or (4) inclusion in the G. hirsutum center-of-origin, i.e. race, germplasm group. The dwarf germplasm population had smaller bolls, a smaller lint index, a smaller seed index, lower micronaire, and shorter fibers than the other three populations. There were no significant differences in lint yield, elongation, or strength among the germplasm populations. In contrast to the general lack of significant differences among populations for agronomic and fiber traits, within population variation was observed to be high. Therefore, selections could be made within the race population to raise lint yields and within the fiber population to increase fiber length. Likewise, selections within the glandless population could be made for boll size, lint index, seed index, micronaire, and strength. These results suggest that intercrossing multiple parents in complex populations generates a large amount of variability with potential uses in crop improvement.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
