Cotton Research Institute Research Articles

Insights into the role of GhCYP and GhTPS in the gossypol biosynthesis pathway via a multiomics and functional-based approach in cotton

Two Cotton Research Institute (CRI) near-isogenic lines, CRI-12 glanded and CRI-12 glandless, were used to pinpoint potential genes and metabolic pathways linked to gossypol biosynthesis through transcriptome sequencing. We discovered more than 235 million clean reads and 1,184 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Consecutively, we conducted a weighted gene co-expression network analysis and found strong correlation of white and yellow modules containing GhTPS (GH_D09G0090) and GhCYP (GH_D05G2016) hub genes with the gossypol content. The importance of the GhTPS and GhCYP genes was demonstrated using RT-qPCR, virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) and target metabolite analysis. Silencing of these genes resulted in fewer glands on both leaves and stems two weeks after the infection, as compared to the wild type. In addition, a total of 152 metabolites were identified through targeted metabolite profiling. Differential metabolite screening revealed 12 and 18 significantly different metabolites in TRV:GhTPS and TRV:GhCYP plants vs. control group, respectively, showing reduction in accumulation of metabolites compared to the control. The content of hemigossypol, the final product of gossypol biosynthesis, was also reduced, as revealed by target metabolite analysis, suggesting the role of these genes in the gossypol biosynthetic pathway. Furthermore, a highly significant difference in gossypol content between the glanded and glandless lines was recorded. The findings of this study reveal a strong link between the gossypol content and GhTPS and GhCYP hub genes, suggesting their role in the gossypol biosynthetic pathway to reduce the accumulation of hemigossypol, which may offer new comprehension into the regulatory checkpoints of the gossypol biosynthesis pathway in cotton.

Phosphorus High-rate application through band placement improved cotton productivity under arid climate

The plant-available soil phosphorus rate and methods for applying phosphatic fertilizer and soil P-fixation capacity are critical factors for lower cotton productivity in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Hence, a two-year study was conducted in Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI), Multan, Pakistan, to examine the effects of various P rates and application methods on cotton crop output during the growing seasons of 2014 and 2015. Phosphorus was applied in four rates (0, 40, 80, and 120 kg ha−1 P2O5) using broadcast, band application, and fertigation methods. Results indicated that the impact of P rates was statistically significant on plant height, the number of nodes, monopodial and sympodial branches, leaf area index, harvest index, and seed cotton yield. The greater P application (120 kg P2O5 ha−1) had a better effect on cotton productivity than the lower application rates (0, 40, and 80 kg P2O5 ha−1). The band application responded better on nodes plant−1, sympodial branches plant−1, boll weight, leaf area index, lint yield, and harvest during the growing season 2015. Therefore, by adopting the band application coupled with 120 kg P2O5 ha−1 rather than the conventional method of broadcast, productivity of cotton crops could be increased.

Effect of the blending between upland and combing waste on cotton fiber and yarn quality

Blending of cotton wastes with raw materials to produce different textile products has economically and environmentally beneficial. This study was carried out in Cotton Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center. This investigation aimed to study the impact of blending ratio on fiber, mechanical and physical yarn quality properties to find out the optimum blending ratio that achieves the optimum yarn quality properties. For this purpose, fiber properties, mechanical and physical yarn quality properties of ring spun yarns produced from cotton variety Giza95, Delta pine245 cotton variety (upland cotton) combed cotton waste of Extra Fine Giza93 and six different binary blend ratios were studied. Blended samples were spun into 36s, and 40s, carded yarns at constant twist multiplier 4 on ring spinning system. the results showed that fiber properties, Physical and mechanical properties of yarns produced from Giza95 were better than 100% upland cotton, 100% combed cotton waste and the other blended yarns.65% Giza95-35% combed waste of blended samples recorded higher fiber properties(maturity ratio, fiber length, uniformity index, fiber strength and fiber elongation) than all blended samples.Also,the same blended ratio at 36s, yarn count give better lea count product strength, yarn strength, yarn elongation, evenness, imperfections and yarn hairiness compared with all blended yarns followed by 65% combed waste - 35% Giza95.While, the lowest yarn quality properties recorded by The blended yarn of 35% Giza95-65% Delta pine245. Also, it observed that increasing proportion of G95 cotton variety in blended samples led to improve fiber, mechanical and physical yarn properties

Mixing lint grades in relation to fiber and yarn quality of Egyptian cotton

This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of different mixing percentages of lint grades of Egyptian cotton varieties on fiber properties and yarn strength. Two lint grades within each variety of four Egyptian cottons from 2022 and 2023 crop seasons were used; Good to Fully Good (G/FG) and Fully Good Fair (FGF) for Giza 86, Good to Fully Good (G/FG) and Fully Good Fair to Good (FGF/G) for Giza 92, Good to Fully Good (G/FG) and Good Fair (GF) for Giza 94 and, Fully Good (FG) and Fully Good Fair (FGF) for Giza 95 with mixing percentage (30%-40%-50%) of the highest grades for each variety. Mixed lots of lint cotton grades were tested on Fiber Classifying System (FCS) instrument to measure fiber properties. Yarn strength was tested on Good Brand Lea tester at 60s and 3.6 twist factor. This experiment was conducted at Egyptian & International Cotton Classification Center (EICCC) in Cotton Research Institute (CRI), Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Giza, Egypt. Using traditional statistical analysis (normal probability distribution) with untraditional method (assumed probability distribution) illustrated that; It was remarkably increased upper half mean length,mean length, uniformity index, fiber strength, micronaire reading, maturity and linear density with increase of the percentage of the highest grade in the mixing for each studied variety. Meanwhile short fiber content showed the opposite trend, whereas, elongation had no obvious trend. Prominent improvement in yarn strength was observed when the highest lint cotton grade percentage increased from 30% through 40% and 50% in the mixing lots. Yarn strength increased from 2690 to 3170, from 2475 to 2850, from 2440 to 2845 and from 2135 to 2360 for Giza 92, Giza 86, Giza 94 and Giza 95, respectively. Generally, mixing method based on lint grades exhibited significant improvement in fiber and yarn quality properties. In the same time this method is easier than the experimental mixing methods based on micronaire reading or fiber strength. on the other hand, it is very important process in cotton production economy.

CYTO-124: A REMARKABLE VARIETY EVOLVED AGAINST COTTON LEAF CURL VIRUS DISEASE THROUGH INTROGRESSION

Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI), Multan, Pakistan has evolved an upland cotton cultivar “Cyto-124” through introgression for Cotton Leaf Curl Virus (CLCuV) resistance. It was developed through crossing [{2(G. hir. x G. ano.) X 3G. hir.} x {2(G. arbo. x G. ano.) x 2G. hir. It was tested for seed cotton yield in varietal trials, and zonal varietal trials at Govt. and farmer fields. Cyto-124 gave 37.1, 19.9 and 22.4% higher yield as compared to three standards MNH-786, CIM-554 and CRSM-38 respectively in varietal trials whileCyto-124 had seed cotton yield of 3075 kg ha-1 in-contrast to 2919 kg ha-1 of CIM-573 in zonal trials. Cyto-124 produced more seedcotton yield (SCY) than the standards for two consecutive years (2013 & 2014) in National Coordinated Varietal Trial (NCVT). In NCVT during 2013-14, this strain had a maximum yield of 2244 kg ha-1 compared with 1326 kg ha-1 of standard variety CIM-573 in Punjab. The virus data taken in NCVT indicated that minimum disease incidence (27.9%) was recorded in Cyto-124 making it the more tolerant strain against CLCuV. The approval of this CLCuV resistant cultivar will considerably contribute a lot in the revival of cotton.

Effect of Cowpea Trap Crop on the Control of [Aphis gossypii (Glover)] in Zimbabwean Cotton

Cotton aphids are major cotton pests causing significant yield losses of more than 65% in Zimbabwe. Field experiments to investigate the effectiveness of cowpea as a trap crop in reducing aphid pressure on cotton were conducted over three seasons 2010/11 to 2013/14 at Cotton Research Institute (CRI) in Kadoma, and Umguza in Matebeleland North, in Zimbabwe. Incidence of aphid predators on sole cotton, cotton intercropped with cowpea trap crop and the trap crop itself were also assessed. The measurements were aphid scores, aphid predator counts in both sole cotton, intercropped cotton and cowpea trap crop. Seed cotton yield was measured. Aphid scores and predator counts were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using GenStat 14th Edition software. The square root transformation [x + 3/8] was used for scores or counts not normally distributed. At CRI Cowpea trap crop significantly controlled aphids in intercropped cotton better than chemical control using Acetamiprid 20 SP (P< 0.05). Coccinellid grubs (ladybird beetle larval) populations were highest in cowpea trap crop. At Umguza poor germination of cowpea resulted in highest Coccinellid adults (ladybird beetle adults) in intercropped cotton. Yield of intercropped cotton was comparable to yield from plots where Acetamiprid 20SP was used as a standard practice. Farmers can adopt this technology of aphid control in cotton using commercial cowpea variety CBC 3 as cotton aphid trap crop.

Efficacy of Spinosad 48SC on the Management of Cotton Bollworms Diparopsis castanea (Hubner) and Herlicoverpa amigera (Hampson) in Zimbabwe

Bollworms management remains one of the major constraints to higher cotton productivity in Zimbabwe. Field trials to investigate the efficacy of Spinosad 48 SC on Diparopsis castanea (Hubner) and Herlicoverpa amigera (Hampson) were carried out for three seasons 2010/11 to 2013/14 at Cotton Research Institute, Kuwirirana, Umguza, and Chizvirizvi in Zimbabwe. A Randomised Complete Block Design with five treatments and four replications was used in this experiment. Three doses of Spinosad 48 SC 40ml/ha, 60ml/ha and 80ml/ha, were evaluated, along with Lambda cyhalothrin 5 EC at 200ml/ha as the standard treatment and the untreated control. Observations on bollworms eggs, larval counts and predator counts. The square root transformation of (x + 3/8) was used for data not following normal distribution. Data were analysed using Genstat 14th Edition. All the three doses of Spinosad 48 SC (40ml/ha, 60ml/ha and 80ml/ha) controlled Diparopsis castanea (Hubner) and Herlicoverpa amigera (Hampson) at CRI, Kuwirirana, Umguza and Chizvirizvi. The highest dose of Spinosad 48 SC of 80ml/ha resulted in the highest yield of seed cotton at CRI and Kuwirirana. All the three doses of Spinosad 48 SC killed predators in the same way as the standard insecticide. Spinosad 48 SC was recommended for registration on control of the two bollworms in Zimbabwe at 80ml/ha dose.

Optimizing plant type structure to adjust the temporal and spatial distribution of water consumption and promote the growth and yield formation of cotton

Global warming leads to further shortage of agricultural water resources. Understanding the water consuming characteristics of different cotton cultivars is crucial for efficient utilization of water resources and yield increasing. However, there is little evidence about the effects of cotton cultivars with different plant-type structures on yield formation and temporal and spatial distribution of water consumption. A two-year experiment was conducted at the Cotton Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences in 2020 and 2021 to evaluate the water consumption of six cotton cultivars with different plant-type structures cotton using spatial grid method and water balance method combined with 5TE sensor. The leaf area index (LAI), biomass, yield and spatial distribution of bolls were also measured and analyzed. The results showed that the loose-type cultivars consumed more soil water than the compact-type cultivars, which was due to the higher water consumption in the 40–120 cm soil layer. The cumulative water consumption and water consumption of each soil layer (0–40 cm 40–80 cm and 80–120 cm) of different cotton cultivars had significant quadratic function relationship with LAI, and had significant linear positive correlation with biomass accumulation (aboveground biomass and underground biomass), with R2 greater than 0.8. When consuming the same amount of water, loose-type cultivars produced more biomass and larger green leaf area than compact-type cultivars. However, the yield-increasing and water-saving effects of the two plant-type structure cotton cultivars were similar, while SCRC 28 and Ji 228 have higher yield and water use efficiency (WUE), which were suitable to be popularized and planted in the cotton area of the Yellow River basin. Cotton yield was significantly negatively correlated with boll setting rate in upper canopy and water consumption in 0–40 cm soil layer, and the R respectively were − 0.82 and − 0.69; it was positively correlated with boll setting rate in lower canopy and water consumption in 80–120 cm soil layer, and the R respectively were 0.75 and 0.64. Therefore, increasing the WUE of 0–40 cm soil layer and water consumption in 80–120 cm soil layer was beneficial to high yield of cotton. By optimizing the structure of different plant types, the temporal and spatial distribution of water consumption of cotton can be adjusted, and the yield of cotton can be effectively improved. The results can provide a basis for cotton cultivar selection and precision irrigation management.

Exploring the Role of Anti-Oxidant on Growth and Yield of Cotton to Mitigate the Heat Stress

Agriculture experiencing a continuous pressure of food in order to meet the necessities of rising population. The cottonseed used as oilseed as well as a major source of edible oil in Pakistan. Cotton production affected by biotic and abiotic factors. Experiment was done at Central Cotton Research Institute, Multan in 2019 to study the effect of foliar application of gibberellic acid (GA), ascorbic acid (AA), citric acid (CA) and a control group in which no antioxidant was used against heat stress. Design used for experiment was randomized complete block design (RCBD). In trial cultivar of cotton CIM-610 was used. Experiment was replicated four times. Plot size was 9m (length) x 6m (width) with net plot size of 54 m2 . Statistically significant results among the morphological plus physiological attributes were observed. Almost yield parameters as plant height, nodes per plant buds per plant and bolls per plant have maximum values every month from May to October, sympodial branches (39), boll weight (2.97g), seed cotton yield (3097 kg), ginning out turn (39.133), fiber length (27.33 mm), fiber strength (28.8g tex), 100 seed weight (8.363g), fiber brightness (68.97Rd), micronaire (5.5) and uniformity index (83.48%) were leading in exogenous application of GA then AA, thirdly application of CA. In GA treatment maximum of plant height,bolls per plant, boll weight, monopodial branches and seed cotton yield were seemed. Seed cotton and lint quality yield reduced greatly due to heat stress. Antioxidants application of exogenous can sustain cotton yield and quality against heat stress conditions. Antioxidants of plants gave best results than where no treatment was applied

Estimating gene action and combining ability for yield and fiber quality in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Genetic evaluation of segregating populations is one of the primary activities of cotton breeders. Seven cotton genotypes were crossed in a line ? tester mating design. The population of 12 F1, 12 F2 and their parents were tested in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications at the Nazilli Cotton Research Institute of T?rkiye during the 2014/2015 cotton-growing season. The genetic variability was significant for all characters studied. ?2GCA/?2SCA indicated non-additive gene action in controlling seed cotton yield (F2), ginning out-turn (F1) and fiber quality traits for both generations. The highly favourable GCA effects for seed cotton yield and fiber strength were recorded in the Carmen cultivar. Carmen ? Carisma hybrid exhibited high mean performance and SCA effects for seed cotton yield and fiber strength, while the performance of Gloria ? ST-468 was superior in terms of ginning out-turn. We concluded that individual plants with desired traits should be selected in later generations due to the preponderance of non-additive gene actions.

HEAT AND DROUGHT FORBEARING, UPLAND COTTON (GOSSYPIUM HIRSUTUM L.) VARIETY; RH-668 FOR CULTIVATION IN SEMI-ARID REGION

Cotton variety: RH-668, produced by Cotton Research Institute, Khanpur, holds excessive tolerance against dry climatic stipulations and maintains superior fiber personae.Parental combination;VH-259 × RH-620 was used in hybridization followed by Pedigree method of selection to extract uniform genotypes with superior phenotypes. These superior plantswere then tested for yield under drought stress at station level before competing atseries of adaptability trials in Punjab followed by provincialand national coordinated varietal trials in the course of 2013-2018. Due to governance incorporated by tolerance against heat & drought it outperformed others at various climatic conditions countrywide for yield and fiber linked characters in opposition to the Standards varieties FH-142 &CIM-602. In Provincial (PCCT) and National level(NCVT) it gave 29.0% & 8.8%, respectively more yield when compared to check variety; FH-142. Hence, Accredited by seed Council, Punjab in 2018 for generic cultivation with 39.4 Ginning outturn percentage, 4.5 micronaire value, staple length of 28.78 (mm) and seed-cotton yield prospectiveper acre ofsixty twomounds.Due to fruiting from lower nodes; erect root development, Brittle leaf surface, lesser shedding of fruiting structures and protracted sympods with bead like bolls arrangement, it deliberately tolerates heat stress.

Assessment of genetic variability in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) genotypes

The selection of high-yielding cotton lines is critical for the evaluation of phenotypic characteristics. For Cotton Breeders, it is always in preference to select desirable genotypes, based on the diversified characters from the available germplasm. The selected phenotypic diversity can be useful for aiding information in parental selection, adherence to this, a set of 12 advanced cotton lines were evaluated for genetic diversity at Cotton Research Institute, Tandojam during Kharif season in the year of 2020. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications while seven agronomical traits, were included in the experiment. The mean square of genotypes, was differed significantly (P<0.05) for all studied traits, representing that genetic diversity exists in these cotton germplasms and can be used in further utilization. Considering the agronomic performance, the genotype of B-2 was on the top in average values including plant height (174.40 cm), bolls plant-1 (42.067), seed cotton yield plant-1(139.34 g), GOT% (37.800%), and staple length (28.00 mm), hence indicating its valuable breeding resources for future cotton breeding. A Genetic Distance of 92.683 was found between B5 and B2 genotypes, which is high enough, and revealing that this pair may be used in a hybridization program for vigorous hybrid production and better selection in subsequent generations. The Variance Percentages for the first, second, and third principal components were 42.70, 23.10, and 17.20, respectively. The first three components contributed 83.00 percent of the variation for genotypes, which is high enough for the cotton crop improvements. The cotton genotypes, were divided into three categories, based on phenotypic data. The number of groups obtained, might be beneficial in generating cotton genotypes with a variety of characteristics and diversifying the Cotton Gene Pool. Keywords: cotton, genetic variations, morphological traits, seed yield.

INHERITANCE OF YIELD AND SOME FIBER PROPERTIES OF LINE X TESTER HYBRIDS IN COTTON (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

The aim of this study was to determine the general combining ability (GCA) of the parents and the specific combining ability of their hybrid combinations and to evaluate the hybrid vigor of F1 by investigating the genetic structure of the lines and testers. The study was carried out in randomized complete blocks design with three replications in the trial site of Nazilli Cotton Research Institute in 2015 and 2016 years. 28 F1 hybrids (4 lines and 7 testers) were used as material which developed from line x tester method. Investigated properties except fiber length in the created populations were influenced by non-additive gene effect. The values of heterosis for the seed cotton weight per boll, earliness ratio, ginning percentage, fiber length and micronaire were found positive while seed cotton yield was negative. In the established populations, the investigated traits except fiber length were affected by the non-additive gene effect. Seed cotton weight per boll earliness ratio, ginning percentage, fiber length and micronaire were positive while seed cotton yield was found negative. For seed cotton yield Gloria, TMN 199 and ZN 1018; for earliness ratio TMN 199, GW 2357 and TMN 170; for seed cotton weight per boll GW 2357 and Gloria; for seed index İpek 607; for ginning percentage TMN 199, TMD 139 ZN 1018; for fiber length Gloria, Flash, İpek 607 and UA 48; for fiber fineness İpek 607 and TMD 139; for fiber strength Gloria and UA 48 were found the best parents and also performed the best overall combining abilities for these traits. TMN 199 x İpek 607, TMN 199 x UA 48, Flash x GW 2357, Gloria x İpek 607, Gloria x UA 48 and ST 468 x ADN 712 for seed cotton yield; TMN 199 x TMN 170 for earliness ratio; Flash x GW 2357 and Gloria x İpek 607 for seed cotton weight per boll; TMN 199 x GW 2357 and Gloria x ADN 712 for seed index; Gloria x TMD 139, TMN 199 x TMN 170, Flash x ZN 1018 and ST-468 x TMN 139 for ginning percentage; Flash x ADN 712 and ST-468 x İpek 607 for fiber length; ST-468 x İpek 607 for fiber micronaire; TMN 199 x UA 48, Flash x İpek 607, ST-468 x GW 2357 and ST-468 x UA 48 for fiber strength were indicated the most promising hybrids and had the best overall combining abilities.

In silico analysis and expression profiling of Expansin A4, BURP domain protein RD22-like and E6-like genes associated with fiber quality in cotton.

To supply high-quality cotton fibre for the textile industry, the development of long, strong and fine fibre cotton varieties is imperative. An interlinked approach was used to comprehend the role of fibre genes by analyzing interspecific progenies of cotton species. Wild Gossypium species and races are rich source of genetic polymorphism due to environmental dispersal and continuous natural selection. These genetic resources hold mass of outclass genes that can be used in cotton improvement breeding programs to exploit possible traits such as fibre quality, abiotic stress tolerance, and disease and insect resistance. Therefore, use of new molecular techniques such as genomics, transcriptomics and bioinformatics is very important to utilize the genetic potential of wild species in cotton improvement programs. Interspecific lines and Gossypium species used in the study were grown at Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI), Multan. After retrieving DNA sequence of the genes from NCBI, the primers for gene expression and full-length gene sequence were designed. Expression profiling of Expansin A4, BURP Domain protein RD22-like and E6-like fibre genes was performed through Real Time PCR. BLAST and DNA sequence alignment was conducted for sequence comparison of interspecific lines and Gossypium species. Different in silico analysis were used for characterization of fibre genes and identification of cis acting promoter elements in promoter region. Variable expression of genes related to fibre development was observed at different stages. BLAST and DNA sequence alignment demonstrated resemblance of interspecific lines with G. hirsutum. In silico analysis on the sequence data also confirmed the role of Expansin A4, BURP Domain protein RD22-like and E6-like fibre genes in fibre development. Genetic engineering is also recommended by transferring E6-like, Expansin A4 and BURP Domain RD22-like genes in local cotton cultivars. Similarly, several stress tolerant and light responsive cis acting elements were identified through promotor analysis, which may contribute for fibre development in the breeding programs. Expansin A4, BURP Domain RD22-like and E6-like have positive role in fibre development with variable expression at fiber length and strength associated stages.

The Accuracy of FIBROTEST for cotton fiber length and strength measurements study sensitivity of cotton fiber instrument (CCS)

For investigation of the accuracy of FIBROTEST used two categories of standard calibration cotton, long/strong and short/weak. The present study was carried out at Cotton Research Institute (CRI), Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Giza, Egypt.Before carrying out the tests, the cotton samples were incubated in the BINDER equipment for two days to reach the standard conditions for the tests. The measurements that were analyzed are: length measurements properties, i.e.,upper half mean, upper half mean relative to HVI, 50% span length, 2.5% span length, mean length,uniformity index, uniformity index relative to HVI, short fiber content and short fiber index, and strength properties,i.e., absolute strength, strength relative to HVI, elongation, bundleweight, linear density, force, work and time atbreak. Results indicated that fiber length and strength measurements showed few differences for long / strong and short / weak cotton.The values of these measurements were distributed symmetrically with low skewness and kurtosis.The FIBROTEST gave values for UHM, UI and strength very close to their actual values.It can be admitted that this device is accurate in measuring, but to ensure this is achieved, especially for fiber strength, it is necessary to test a large number of subsamples.Since linear density is the actual effect of fiber strength, so to avoid this, emphasis is placed on linear density to achieve a more accurate measure of strength. The most suitable linear density for the long / strong cotton was 1723 and for the short / weak was 1274.To obtain a specific and repeated amount of linear density to achieve an accurate measurement of strength, the Fibro-sampler has to be considered in any development or modernization of the FIBROTEST device.

Pamukta (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Nep ve Lif Kalite Özellikleri Üzerine Modifiye Tekrarlamalı Seleksiyonun Etkisi

The aim of this research was to evaluate the efficiency of the recurrent selection method for increasing ginning out-turn, optimizing fiber characters and neppiness in cotton breeding. This study started with the creation of 24 F1 combinations at Nazilli Cotton Research Institute in 2013. According to recurrent selection method, plants of 45 populations were evaluated for the first cycle of the recurrent selection procedure such that the F1: C1S0 was evaluated in 2017, the F2: C1S1 in 2018 and the F3: C1S2 in 2019. The fiber nep number and size decreased with each filial generation (from F1 to F3). Generally, high heritability coupled with genetic advance was estimated for ginning out-turn, fiber characters and neppiness. The results of inbreeding depression values indicated that ginning out-turn and fiber length in the population increased while the fibers became coarser under stable fiber strength. In addition, inbreeding depression for nep and SCN (Seed Coat Neps) number were higher than that of nep and SCN size. Our results showed that the recurrent selection method can be successfully applied in a cotton breeding program.

Water relations composition among Egyptian cotton genotypes under water deficit

Background: water shortage is one of the major factor effects on growth characters and yield of most crops. Objective: this study was conducted to get to know the reactions of some Egyptian cotton genotypes to water deficit. Methods: The genetic materials used in this study included thirteen cotton genotypes belonging to Gossypium barbadense L., from the Cotton Research Institute (CRI), which was devoted to establishing the experimental materials for this investigation. Results: the ratio of GCA/SCA was less than unity for all studied indices, indicating predominance of non-additive gene action (dominance and epistasis), which is an important in exploitation of heterosis through hybrid breeding. Results: The data showed significant reduction in water relationship characters for all parental genotypes under stress conditions. The Egyptian variety Giza 68 gave high values for most water relationship characters. Data revealed that the greater the value of tolerance index is, the larger the yield reduction is under water deficit conditions and the higher the stress sensitivity is becoming. The parental genotypes Giza 96 showed the highest reduction in yield under water deficit conditions. At the same time, the cross combination Minufy x Australy showed higher values of yield reduction followed by the combinations Giza 67 x Australy. Of the male parents, the Russian genotype 10229 recorded the best GCA values for most water relationship characters. At the same time, the female parents, the old Egyptian genotype Giza 67 recorded the best values and exhibited good general combined for most water relationship characters. The cross combinations Giza 86 x Pima S6, Giza 77 x Pima S6, Giza 94 x Dandra and Giza 96 x Australy showed significant desirable SCA effect for most characters. Conclusion: relative water content %, osmotic pressure, chlorophyll and carotenoids content indicates better availability of water in the cell, which increases the photosynthetic rate. Also, the higher level of proline accumulation in the leaves which was recorded under deficit water suggests that the production of proline is probably a common response of plant under water deficit conditions.

Effect of Spatial-Temporal Light Competition on Cotton Yield and Yield Distribution

The photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) of crop canopy is highly related to yield formation, but how it relates to yield and yield distribution is not well understood. The focus of this study was to explore the relationship between light competition under different densities and yield distributions of cotton. The experiment was conducted in 2019 and 2020 at the Cotton Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Anyang city, Henan Province, China. A randomized block design was employed, with a total of three repeats. Each repeat had six density treatments: D1: 15,000; D2: 33,000; D3: 51,000; D4: 69,000; D5: 87,000; and D6: 105,000 plants·ha−1. As predicted, the results showed that the canopy light interception, leaf area index, plant height, and biomass of high-density cotton were higher than those of low-density cotton. The aboveground biomass produced by D6 was the highest, and was 12.9, 19.5, 25.4, 46.3, and 69.2% higher in 2019 and 14.3, 19.9, 32.5, 53.7, and 109.9% higher in 2020 than D5, D4, D3, D2, and D1, respectively. Leaf area, plant height, biomass, boll number, and boll weight were significantly correlated with the light interception rate. D5 (87,000 plants·ha−1) had a higher light interception rate and the highest yield. The highest lint yields produced by D5 were 1673.5 and 1375.4 kg·ha−1 in two years, and was 3.2, 4.3, 5.6, 9.7, and 24.7% higher in 2019, and 6.8, 10.6, 13.5, 21.5, and 34.4% higher in 2020 than D6, D4, D3, D2, and D1, respectively. The boll retention of the lower fruit branch under D5 reached 0.51 and 0.57 in two years, respectively. The shedding rate of the upper fruit branch decreased with the increase in cotton density in two years. The boll retention rate and shedding rate in the lower part of cotton plants were most closely related to light interception, with R2 values of 0.91 and 0.96, respectively. Our study shows cotton yield could be improved through higher light interception by optimizing planting density and canopy structure.

Effect of Biofertilizer Applications on Yield Components and Ginned Cotton Characteristics of some Egyptian Cotton Genotypes Growing in Clay and Calcareous Soil تأثير تطبيقات الأسمدة الحيوية على الصفات المحصوليه وصفات القطن المحلوج لبعض التراکيب الوراثيه للقطن المصرى النامى في الأراضي الطينية والجيرية

Two years field study were carried out in El-Noubaria and Sakha research station, Cotton Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center at Giza, Egypt, during 2018 and 2019 seasons. The aim of this study was to study the effects of inoculating some Egyptian cotton genotypes (Giza 97 and Giza 96) grown on clay and calcareous soils with different bio-fertilizers (Bacillus Polymxa, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus circulans, Azotobacter and Azospirillum) on yield components and ginned cotton characteristics. Results showed that when added the bacterial strains to the soil three times at 65, 85 and 105 days after sowing through the irrigation water of cotton plants, the bio treatments improved the absorption and available of NPK leading to reproductive organ, exhibited the result higher significant values due all the treatments with using low amount of mineral fertilizers. There was a significant increase in Sakha region with clay soil for most traits compared to Noubaria region with calcareous soil, while there were no significant differences in Noubaria region for short fiber index and upper half mean. The bio treatments in most traits under study give that highly significant increased. Generally, the application of Biofertilizer improved yield and its components and ginned cotton properties of some Egyptian cotton genotypes in clay and calcareous soils.

New promising high yielding cotton Bt-Variety RH-647 adapted for specific agro-climatic zone.

The Bt-cotton RH-647 was developed by Cotton Research Institute CRI, Khanpur has been acknowledged for its possesses superior plant characteristics and potential to yield out under harsh agro-climatic conditions of cotton productive district of Rahimyar Khan in Bahawalpur Division and southern Punjab in 2016. RH- 647 for its novel plant structure and improved fiber quality heat and drought tolerant to withstand successfully sustain yield out in harsh, highly variable hot and dry climatic conditions of and harsh seasoned. RH-647 was developed through one-way hybridization of elite parental genotypes accompanied by pedigree selection method through gene pyramiding technique for incorporation of excellent combinations of fiber traits and CLCuV disease tolerance with higher yield potential right from F1 population. The superior plant combinations were selected in F2-F6 generations were entirely based on phenotypic plant traits and progeny yield potential in field, plant shape, number of bolls per plant, average boll weight (g) and fiber quality traits over standard varieties. The single plant progenies were selected 56 sister lines were tested for Bt-gene (Cry1 Ac) were evaluated for high yielding performance for this superior cross and finally RH-647 as superior breeding line was bulked in year 2010. The strain was evaluated in Randomized Complete Block Design in preliminary yield trials (PYT) and two years in Advance Yield Trials (AYT) trials and Zonal Varietal trials for two years. The superior line 647/10 was ensued for performance in variety attestation tests as RH-647. RH-647 performed best in two years varietal trials (NCVT and PCCT and DUS) conducted for two successive growing seasons (2014–2015 and 2015–2016). RH-647 yielded out significantly compared with standard varieties MNH-886, FH-142 and CIM 602. After completion of mandatory trials in year 2016, RH-647 was approved as new Bt. cotton variety “RH-647”. RH-647 is early in maturity with high yield potential and best suited for wheat-cotton cropping pattern. It has fluffy opening and is easy to pick, strongly tolerant to CLCuV disease, high Ginning out turn GOT% (40.2%) with improved fiber traits; staple length (28.3 mm), fiber strength (4.2ug/inch) is duly capable to fulfill all industrial requisitions.