Identification of petal spotted mutant in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) with some desirable morphological and technological characters

Abstract

Morphological mutants of Gossypium hirsutum L. or Upland cotton have been extensively used in genetic mapping studies, varietal identification and in several instances have proven useful in agronomic improvement efforts [1]. Cultivated Upland cotton lacks an area of anthocyanin pigmentation at the base called a petal spot but it is not uncommon in the primitive cottons or race stocks [2]. Seed production systems all over the world are still based on visual differences and this character can therefore, be used by the breeders and seed producers as identification marker [3]. With the availability of a high yielding, high fibre quality mutant of this marker Character, it is also essential to study the inheritance of the trait for its effective utilization.