Introgressed lines as sources for fibre quality traits and resistance to biotic stresses for diversification of landraces in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Abstract

Among the different pests bollworms and sucking pests account for 25-35% and 5-10% yield loss respectively. Application of insecticides for pest management produces pest resurgence and undesirable environmental impacts. An alternative strategy for managing these pests is use of genetically resistant varieties for reducing the use of pesticides. Of late quality of fibre assumed major importance in view of latest technological happenings in textile industry. The wild species of Gossypium form an important source of genes for improving the cultivated varieties through introgressive breeding with divergent species of Gossypium to improve the fibre qualities along with tolerance to biotic stresses. The present study was, therefore, planned to evaluate diverse introgressed lines so as to identify potential sources for productivity potential, fibre quality traits, resistance to CLCuV and tolerance to sucking pests with which diversify the genetic base of cultivars.