INHERITANCE OF LINT COLOUR IN DESI COTTON (GOSSYPIUM ARBOREUM L.)

Abstract

The inheritance of lint colour was studied in five coloured linted genotypes namely Light Brown, SP 3936 (A), Khaki Colour 8631, Malvensis and 7869 Brown. The segregation in Bq and Fz populations developed from coloured x white linted crosses showed fitness of 1:1 and 3:1 ratio, respectively indicating a single gene governing inheritance of lint colour. Though the inheritance appears to be monogenic, test for allelism of the colour linted genotypes indicates presence of three independent loci responsible for lint colour. Expression of lint colour gene in Khaki Colour 8631 is similar to Lc~, whereas in Malvensis and 7869 Brown genotype, it resembles to the expression of B B B LC3. Lcz and LC3 are cumulative in action, when occur together, producing darker lint B B colour, i.e. brown lint, whereas single dominant allele (Lcz or LC3) produce light brown lint. Genes carried by Light Brown and SP 3936 (A) are different from Lc~ and Lc~. B A new independent locus Lcs with a gene symbol Lcs responsible for light brown lint is proposed.