MM1.1: Development and promotion of medium and long linted diploid cottons (G.arboreum and G.herbaceum)

Diploid desi cotton (G.arboreum and G.herbaceum) are resistant to pests and diseases, drought tolerant and are suitable for growing under rain-fed conditions with low inputs and higher productivity. However desi varieties of G.arboreum and G.herbaceum developed were low yielding, poor in fibre quality and not suitable for higher speed ginning in textile sectors during early twentieth century. Hence production and development of introduced tetraploid G.hirsutum (American cotton) became more demanding resulting in lowering of research activity in diploid cotton. The higher cost of cultivation of tetraploid varieties and hybrids has forced the marginal cultivators into the money lenderstrack and a kind of socio-economic unrest. Moreover, introduction of Bt cotton put additional difficulty for marginal farmers particularly of rain-fed ecosystem. Looking to this balance sheet, one can realize for cultivation of diploid (desi) cotton which is high yielding, (equal to hirusutum cotton) possessing superior fibre properties. The release of productive long linted variety like PA-255 (Parbhani), DLSA 17 (Dharwad) and MDL2463 (A.P) of arboretum cotton with fine fibre qualities created a hope to raise the productivity of rain-fed areas satisfying the requirements of textile industry. In view of this, project is being launched for development and promotion of desi cotton with high fibre qualities suitable for rain-fed cultivation to strengthen the economy of marginal cultivars.

OBJECTIVES

  • Development of medium and long linted diploid G.arboreum and G.herbaceum cottons.
  • Breeding desi cotton genotypes with low gossypol, naked seeded and high oil content.
  • Promotion of medium and long staple G.arboreum/G.herbaceum genotypes.

Name of the Lead Center: CICR (RS), Sirsa

Co-operating Centres: PAU, Ludhiana, HAU, Hisar, CICR, Nagpur, RAU, Sriganganagar, MPUAT, Banswara (Herb.), NAU, Bharuch (Herb.), MAU Parbhani, JNKVV, Khandwa, MPKV, Rahuri, PDKV, Akola, ANGRAU, Mudhoi, UAS, Dharwad,(Herb.), TNAU, Kovilpatti.