**2. Germplasm history**

When *G. arboreum* L. was first domesticated is unclear but it is believed to have occurred in the Indus valley [14]. The indigenous cotton cultivated in Pakistan is *G. arboreum* L. that evolved from the primitive *G*. *herbaceum* L. In total, six distinct races of *G. arboreum* L. have been reported; "indicum"—primitive perennial form found in Western India, "burmanicum" —North Eastern India and Myanmar, "soudanense"—evolved in Egypt, Sudan and North Africa, "sinense"—evolved in southern part of China, "bengalense"—developed in Northern part of India and "cernuum"—evolved in the Assam and Chittagang hills of India and Bangladesh.

The annual types belonging to the race "cernuum" evolved independently. The cultivars that are belonging to this race are considered a useful genetic resource for producing big bolls, which are cultivated in the Gharo hills [14-16].The cultivated desi cotton belongs to *G. arboreum* L. "bengalense" in Pakistan and to *G. arboreum* L."cernuum" in Bangladesh.

*G. arboreum* L. genotypes/cultivars have been characterized at length based on morphological, physiological and agronomical features which suggest that this species can tolerate drought, and resist diseases and insect pests (such as bollworms and aphids). These features allow the *G. arboreum* L. types to adapt to dry and marginal lands [13, 17-19].

#### **2.1. Evolution of** *G. arboreum* **L. in Pakistan**

Historically, farming community of Pakistan has been cultivating *G*. *arboreum* L. largely on drought prone areas till 1920s which was gradually replaced by the introduction of high yielding Upland cotton varieties. For the last two decades, less than 2% of the total cultivated area of cotton is under *G. arboreum* L. types, which is expected to further decline with the passage of time.

Most cotton varieties/germplasm of *G. arboreum* L. in Pakistan has been bred by selecting variants—resulted due to limited cross pollination or mixing of seeds [20]. Consequently, it resulted in narrow genetic base of the cultivars/genotypes developed by selecting from a single population. The study conducted on 30 *G. arboreum* L. genotypes, largely originated in Pakistan demonstrated a narrow genetic base [20-21]. In this study, two major cultivars Ravi and FDH-228, showed 90.1% genetic similarity in RAPD assay [20]. It has been demonstrated that the narrow genetic base, like many other cultivated crop species, can impede the future breeding progress [13].

#### **2.2. Breeding history of desi cotton cultivars in Pakistan**

DNA markers, such as restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and simple sequence repeat/microsatellite (SSR), have also been utilized to provide genomic polymorphic

Breeders, geneticists, cytogeneticists and biotechnologists have made substantial contribution for the improvement of cotton germplasm conferring resistance and/or tolerance to various stresses including biotic and abiotic, through bridging conventional and genomic tools [13]. Breeding for earliness and photoperiod insensitivity has also been accomplished by intro‐ gressing genes from the alien cotton species, which paved the way for not only sustaining cotton production but also provided enough window for cultivating another crop like wheat on the same land, thus laying down a foundation for addressing food security concerns in

When *G. arboreum* L. was first domesticated is unclear but it is believed to have occurred in the Indus valley [14]. The indigenous cotton cultivated in Pakistan is *G. arboreum* L. that evolved from the primitive *G*. *herbaceum* L. In total, six distinct races of *G. arboreum* L. have been reported; "indicum"—primitive perennial form found in Western India, "burmanicum" —North Eastern India and Myanmar, "soudanense"—evolved in Egypt, Sudan and North Africa, "sinense"—evolved in southern part of China, "bengalense"—developed in Northern part of India and "cernuum"—evolved in the Assam and Chittagang hills of India and

The annual types belonging to the race "cernuum" evolved independently. The cultivars that are belonging to this race are considered a useful genetic resource for producing big bolls, which are cultivated in the Gharo hills [14-16].The cultivated desi cotton belongs to *G.*

*G. arboreum* L. genotypes/cultivars have been characterized at length based on morphological, physiological and agronomical features which suggest that this species can tolerate drought, and resist diseases and insect pests (such as bollworms and aphids). These features allow the

Historically, farming community of Pakistan has been cultivating *G*. *arboreum* L. largely on drought prone areas till 1920s which was gradually replaced by the introduction of high yielding Upland cotton varieties. For the last two decades, less than 2% of the total cultivated area of cotton is under *G. arboreum* L. types, which is expected to further decline with the

Most cotton varieties/germplasm of *G. arboreum* L. in Pakistan has been bred by selecting variants—resulted due to limited cross pollination or mixing of seeds [20]. Consequently, it

*arboreum* L. "bengalense" in Pakistan and to *G. arboreum* L."cernuum" in Bangladesh.

*G. arboreum* L. types to adapt to dry and marginal lands [13, 17-19].

**2.1. Evolution of** *G. arboreum* **L. in Pakistan**

markers which can distinguish most cotton species [10-12].

Pakistan.

Bangladesh.

passage of time.

**2. Germplasm history**

138 World Cotton Germplasm Resources

The initial breeding program for developing high yielding varieties involved selection from the available mixture of various *G. arboreum* L. types. Two cotton varieties Z. Mollisoni and 278-Mollisoni were developed through selections which gradually replaced the old types. The first cotton research station was established at Lyallpur (currently Faisalabad, located in Pakistan), and breeding for developing improved types by making selections from the available cotton varieties/genotypes was initiated by Mr. T. Trought and later continued by Mr. M. Afzal. In 1927, 15-Mollisone cotton line was tested in national trials which was approved for cultivation in 1930 on account of its high ginning outturn (GOT) 35% compared to 34% for "Mollisoni" and 33% for the mixture cultivated in the farmer's field. Another variety 39- Mollisoni exhibited 36-37% GOT versus 35% for 15-Mollisoni. The highest wrap count 8'S was spun by the lint produced of the varieties 39-Mollisoni and 15-Mollisoni (Table 1).

In 1935, efforts for development of elite desi cotton types from the historically cultivated mixture of *G. arboreum* L. biotypes known as "Multani Kapas" for the South West of Punjab— Multan region [22], were initiated through selection. A high yielding variety 119-Sanguineum (119-S), developed in 1936 and approved for cultivation in 1941, demonstrated relatively higher GOT 36.4% compared to 34% of the mixture of various biotypes. Another candidate line 231-R, bred at Hansi Research Center under the administrative umbrella of Cotton Section Lyallpur, was tested in various trials. Testing continued after 1947, and 231-R was ultimately approved for general cultivation in 1959 [23].

The Cotton Research Institute (CRI), Faisalabad carried out breeding for desi cotton at two research stations. Haroonabad was a drought prone area and the major cash crop of this region was desi cotton (60,712 hectares in the early 1950s). Breeding efforts at the Cotton Research Station Haroonabad started in 1952. Four candidate lines were identified based on leaf morphology (broad or narrow) and flower color (white or yellow). One of the varieties, 73/3, showed a higher GOT (42%) with staple length of 13.7 mm compared to a 37-38% GOT and 16-19 mm staple length of the already cultivated mixture. However, the newly developed varieties could match the yield of the already cultivated mixture of desi cotton. Thus breeding efforts, through selection, were abandoned.

The hybridization work at the Cotton Research Station, Faisalabad, started in 1930 to improve fiber quality, especially the staple length, of the existing cultivated desi cotton varieties. Wide crosses were made between 39-Mollisoni and the Chinese variety Million Dollar, resulting in improved strains (called Jubilee strains-D.C.17, D.C.26, D.C.37, D.C.40 and D.C.41). They had improved staple length and a higher GOT but with a lower yield potential over the control variety Mollisoni. Among these, D.C.40 showed improved quality features (staple length=20.3


mm) showed higher seed cotton yield (125 g/plant) and GOT (42%) over the control 231-R (90 g/plant). Later this germplasm was used for developing improved desi cotton cultivars.

Cotton Germplasm of Pakistan http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/58620 141

Sindh, another important cotton growing province of Pakistan, is known for having the earliest traces of cotton cultivation-6000 BC at Monjadharo [1]. Efforts were made to develop desi type in the early 20th Century. Seed of an improved cotton variety "Comilla" was imported from the East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). However, due to lack of concerted efforts, no significantly improved germplasm/variety could be developed. A decade later, few plants were selected from *G. arboreum* var neglectum [25] growing in farmer's field, and a variety 27 W.N. was developed in 1922 [26]. This line was released for general cultivation in 1926 with a different name S.N.R., which had a typical morphology (narrow leaves and white flowers) and lint features (GOT=39% and staple length 17.53 mm). This variety covered more than 40468 hectares in Hyderabad Division. Unlike previous varieties, this variety earned high premium in the internal market because of its improved fiber features. In 1963 another variety, TD-I,

Little efforts were made to improve desi cotton in what is now Bangladesh. Only one short staple cotton variety "Comilla" was developed which was known in the market for its

After the initial introduction of the upland cotton (*Gossypium hirsutum* L.) in Indo-Pak in 1818, the first planned experiments for testing the performance of the upland cotton genotypes were undertaken in 1830 in the Bombay presidency by Dr Lush [23]. It took another almost 50 years for cultivation in farmer's field. Unfortunately, *G. hirsutum* L. varieties could not compete against the indigenous 'desi' cotton (*G. arboreum* L.). These efforts were continued by Benouf and Dobbs under the newly established Agricultural Department in 1906 and later were

Historically, *G*. *hirsutum* L. was introduced in this region (Subcontinent) ~200 years ago, however, successful cultivation of this species was witnessed only around in 1930s parallel to the revolution witnessed in textile industry in Pakistan [20]. Out of the seven races of G. *hirsutum* L. "latifolium" was extensively used for developing improved cotton cultivars which presently covered ~98% of the total cotton cultivated area in Pakistan. The remaining 2% or even less is under cultivation of diploid cotton species, i.e. *G. arboreum* L. Like Upland cotton, efforts were also made for acclimatizing long staple cotton species (*G. barbadense* L.) but did

not capture area in Pakistan because of high photosensitivity resulting in low yields.

but largely by hybridization and a few using mutagens.

Pakistan witnessed a gradual replacement of the *G. arboreum* L. types with the high yielding varieties of *G. hirsutum* L. A number of cotton varieties were also developed through selections

was approved for general cultivation (Table 1).

**2.3. Introduction of** *Gossypium hirsutum* **L.**

transferred to Milne in 1908 [22].

roughness.

**NK:** Not known; ¥=Ginning out turn percentage;**€**=Thousand pounds per square inch

**Source:** Dr. Akhlaq Hussain, Description of cotton varieties of Pakistan 2004 and Cotton Research and development Memoranda till 60's (Ed. Dr. Mahbub Ali).

**Table 1.** List of approved *G. arboretum* L. (desi cotton) varieties

mm; highest wrap count=25 and GOT=38.5%) [24]. Efforts to improve staple length of the existing desi varieties continued by crossing one of the Jubilee strains with *G*. *anomalum* Wawr. and Peyr. that was introduced from Nigeria. Multiple strains were developed using back‐ crossing followed by selecting plants with improved fertility. These strains were tested in various yield trials in 1944 and demonstrated a substantial improvement in staple length (21.1 to 22.4 mm) particularly for D.C.94 (staple length=22.35 mm, GOT=38.2% and yield per acre=552 kg). These strains have the potential to compete with *G*. *hirsutum* L. var 4-F for fiber length. However, none of the strains found favor with the farming community. Interspecific crosses were made at Multan between *G. arboreum* L. and *G. thurberi* Tod. followed by two backcrosses with *G. arboreum* L. A few strains with improved staple length were identified; but these did not out yield the existing cultivars. A few strains with shorter staple length (17 mm) showed higher seed cotton yield (125 g/plant) and GOT (42%) over the control 231-R (90 g/plant). Later this germplasm was used for developing improved desi cotton cultivars.

Sindh, another important cotton growing province of Pakistan, is known for having the earliest traces of cotton cultivation-6000 BC at Monjadharo [1]. Efforts were made to develop desi type in the early 20th Century. Seed of an improved cotton variety "Comilla" was imported from the East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). However, due to lack of concerted efforts, no significantly improved germplasm/variety could be developed. A decade later, few plants were selected from *G. arboreum* var neglectum [25] growing in farmer's field, and a variety 27 W.N. was developed in 1922 [26]. This line was released for general cultivation in 1926 with a different name S.N.R., which had a typical morphology (narrow leaves and white flowers) and lint features (GOT=39% and staple length 17.53 mm). This variety covered more than 40468 hectares in Hyderabad Division. Unlike previous varieties, this variety earned high premium in the internal market because of its improved fiber features. In 1963 another variety, TD-I, was approved for general cultivation (Table 1).

Little efforts were made to improve desi cotton in what is now Bangladesh. Only one short staple cotton variety "Comilla" was developed which was known in the market for its roughness.

#### **2.3. Introduction of** *Gossypium hirsutum* **L.**

mm; highest wrap count=25 and GOT=38.5%) [24]. Efforts to improve staple length of the existing desi varieties continued by crossing one of the Jubilee strains with *G*. *anomalum* Wawr. and Peyr. that was introduced from Nigeria. Multiple strains were developed using back‐ crossing followed by selecting plants with improved fertility. These strains were tested in various yield trials in 1944 and demonstrated a substantial improvement in staple length (21.1 to 22.4 mm) particularly for D.C.94 (staple length=22.35 mm, GOT=38.2% and yield per acre=552 kg). These strains have the potential to compete with *G*. *hirsutum* L. var 4-F for fiber length. However, none of the strains found favor with the farming community. Interspecific crosses were made at Multan between *G. arboreum* L. and *G. thurberi* Tod. followed by two backcrosses with *G. arboreum* L. A few strains with improved staple length were identified; but these did not out yield the existing cultivars. A few strains with shorter staple length (17

**Source:** Dr. Akhlaq Hussain, Description of cotton varieties of Pakistan 2004 and Cotton Research and development

**Serial #**

**Name of variety**

140 World Cotton Germplasm Resources

**Center of release**

1 S.N.R. ARI, Tandojam 1926 (Sindh)

3 39-M AARI,Faisalabad 1934

4 119-S CRS, Multan 1941

8 SKD-10/19 CRI, Sakrand 1975

CRI, AARI, Faisalabad

CRI,AARI, Faisalabad

**Table 1.** List of approved *G. arboretum* L. (desi cotton) varieties

Memoranda till 60's (Ed. Dr. Mahbub Ali).

9 Ravi

12 FDH-228

**Year of**

**release Pedigree/parentage GOT %¥**

Selection from Sindh desi

Selection from local Desi

Selection from local Desi mixture called Multani Kapas

S.N.R.(single plant selection from S.N.R. G-IV bulked G-4/

1982 465 D-selection 40.3 14.9 8.0 80.0

2002 TD-1 x (Commila x FDH-170) 43.5 13.9 7.3 NK

types

2 15-M AARI,Faisalabad 1930 Selection from Local Desi 35.0 17.5 8.0 NK

mixture

5 231-R AARI, Faisalabad 1959 Selection from 39-Mollisoni 40.0 15.9 8.4 NK 6 TD-1 ARI, Tandojam 1963 (Sindh) Selection from S.N.R. 41.0 15.9 9.4 80.0 7 D-9 AARI, Faisalabad 1970 Bahawalpur Desi – Selection 41.0 14.5 8.2 80.0

NRPT 10 & 19)

10 Rohi CRS, Bahawalpur 1986 Haroonabad Local x D- 9 39.0 15.9 8.0 80.0 11 FDH-170 CRI, Faisalabad 1995 D-9 x TD-1 40.3 14.1 8.4 80.0

**NK:** Not known; ¥=Ginning out turn percentage;**€**=Thousand pounds per square inch

**Staple length mm**

39.0 17.5 7.8 NK

36.0 17.5 8.5 NK

35.5 17.5 8.4 NK

40.6 15.5 10.1 80.0

**Fineness µg/inch**

**Strength tppsi€**

> After the initial introduction of the upland cotton (*Gossypium hirsutum* L.) in Indo-Pak in 1818, the first planned experiments for testing the performance of the upland cotton genotypes were undertaken in 1830 in the Bombay presidency by Dr Lush [23]. It took another almost 50 years for cultivation in farmer's field. Unfortunately, *G. hirsutum* L. varieties could not compete against the indigenous 'desi' cotton (*G. arboreum* L.). These efforts were continued by Benouf and Dobbs under the newly established Agricultural Department in 1906 and later were transferred to Milne in 1908 [22].

> Historically, *G*. *hirsutum* L. was introduced in this region (Subcontinent) ~200 years ago, however, successful cultivation of this species was witnessed only around in 1930s parallel to the revolution witnessed in textile industry in Pakistan [20]. Out of the seven races of G. *hirsutum* L. "latifolium" was extensively used for developing improved cotton cultivars which presently covered ~98% of the total cotton cultivated area in Pakistan. The remaining 2% or even less is under cultivation of diploid cotton species, i.e. *G. arboreum* L. Like Upland cotton, efforts were also made for acclimatizing long staple cotton species (*G. barbadense* L.) but did not capture area in Pakistan because of high photosensitivity resulting in low yields.

> Pakistan witnessed a gradual replacement of the *G. arboreum* L. types with the high yielding varieties of *G. hirsutum* L. A number of cotton varieties were also developed through selections but largely by hybridization and a few using mutagens.
