**6. Characterization, evaluations and utilization**

Based on the work done at the CICR in cooperation with the CIRCOT, NBPGR and SAU Centres over the past few decades, the various aspects have been presented below:

#### **6.1. Germplasm Index Card (GIC)**

A GIC was designed and distributed for use by cotton breeders all over India. The GIC was designed by the Central Institute for Cotton Research, Nagpur based on the recommendations of the National Germplasm Advisory Committee on Cotton constituted by the CICR under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). This card contains some 76 important characters of cotton plant and produce and is included in the Cotton Genetic Resources Catalogue published by the CICR in 1990 [23] It is based on the International Board for Plant Genetic Resources (IBPGR) model with suitable modifications and various characters, their descriptors and descriptor states for cotton for precise evaluation of genetic resources of cotton. Common and standard procedures were also provided for recording observations with comparable uniformity over locations. Provision was made for recording data on all quality attributes of fibre (technological characters) as well as cottonseed and biomass, harvest index etc. (Figure 2).

**Figure 2.** Germplasm Index Card (GIC) designed by CICR Nagpur for recording data on cotton germplasm

#### **6.2. Cotton genetic resources catalogue**

Gene Bank of Cotton in India is located at the Central Institute for Cotton Research, Nagpur including its regional station at Coimbatore. The total collection represents almost entirely cultivated accessions of *G. hirsutum, G. barbadense, G. arboreum,* and *G. herbaceum*. In addition, the collection also consists of race stock accessions of each cultivated species, 26 wild species,

High level of coordination is being achieved in germplasm exchange and utilization with the world level International Institute for Plant Genetic Resources and national level institutions (NBPGR, CICR, CIRCOT and SAUs), The availability of equipment and techniques for mass screening for several parameters in the laboratory, in the fields and glass houses, has made possible to generate precise data in various environments and enabled to have a new-look and re-look at the germplasm for various breeding and gene deployment strategies. It also helped to develop varieties and hybrids for meeting the demands of the farmers, the textiles industry for various end-uses and to overcome inter-fibre competition based on consumer preferences and the cottonseed utilization and biomass utilization industries. Now more information has been accumulated to improve cottonseed yield and quality profile useful for agro-based industrial exploitation. This is to meet human needs for edible oil, protein and cellulose to contribute to enhanced food and nutritional security and also develop various by-products for

Sharing of germplasm may take place as per Government of India policies and based on intercountry government protocols and exchange programmes on mutual basis of agreements, if any. Within the country, the germplasm is readily available for public sector research institu‐

Based on the work done at the CICR in cooperation with the CIRCOT, NBPGR and SAU

A GIC was designed and distributed for use by cotton breeders all over India. The GIC was designed by the Central Institute for Cotton Research, Nagpur based on the recommendations of the National Germplasm Advisory Committee on Cotton constituted by the CICR under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). This card contains some 76 important characters of cotton plant and produce and is included in the Cotton Genetic Resources Catalogue published by the CICR in 1990 [23] It is based on the International Board for Plant Genetic Resources (IBPGR) model with suitable modifications and various characters, their descriptors and descriptor states for cotton for precise evaluation of genetic resources of cotton.

Centres over the past few decades, the various aspects have been presented below:

use as animal feed and further processing in ancillary industries [27, 10].

and 32 synthetic introgressed derivatives.

98 World Cotton Germplasm Resources

**5. Sharing of germplasm resources**

**6.1. Germplasm Index Card (GIC)**

tions carrying out research on cotton and related activities.

**6. Characterization, evaluations and utilization**

The Germplasm Index Card designed by the CICR was used as the basis for germplasm cataloguing. The Catalogue of Cotton Genetic Resources was compiled based on germplasm data gathered all over the country, particularly at CICR Nagpur, Maharashtra state (Central zone) and its regional centres at Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu (Southern zone) and Sirsa in Haryana state (Northern zone) representing all the three major cotton growing zones of the country. Data for special applications were also recorded by the departments of Pathology, Entomology, Soil Science Agronomy, Physiology, Biochemistry etc. Fibre quality data were generated by the Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (CIRCOT), Mumbai and its regional units and that for oil content and seed oil index were obtained at the CICR by using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and other instruments [23].

Close collaboration for data recording and evaluation was ensured between the CICR, the CIRCOT, Mumbai, the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) New Delhi, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi and all the State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) in cotton growing states of the country as partners with the CICR as members of the Germplasm Advisory Committee for Cotton. Average data over 2-3 seasons were taken into consideration for deciding on the potential values of each germplasm acces‐ sion. The data have been computerized by the CICR. Multi-location data were also generated for field performance, wherever possible and made available to regional breeding centres.

The estimated numbers of elite types with relatively high performance for various characters in the *Gossypium* gene pool in the CICR were arrived at based on the evaluation in comparison with appropriate local checks (standard cultivars) over seasons with consistent superiority [15] and most of them are included in the breeders working collections for regular use. The details

> **Wild and other stocks**

101

Cotton Germplasm in India — New Trends http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/58622

**Elite character types** *hirsutum barbadense arboreum herbaceum*

High stable yield performance 380 16 300 31 - High boll weight 145 5 150 20 - High boll number potential 140 3 60 45 2 High seed weight 330 10 40 20 - High lint index 249 12 30 12 - High ginning 120 15 150 40 - Micronaire value (3.5-4.0) 190 30 2 50 4 High span length 220 60 50 40 - High fibre strength 145 50 180 55 5 Compact to medium plant type 42 5 10 3 - High sympodial branching 275 12 40 20 2 High seed oil content 75 10 60 25 - Early maturity 30 3 75 10 - High biomass potential 400 10 120 45 12 High harvest index 120 1 15 10 - High seed number per boll 230 2 20 30 - Long pedicel 35 - - - - Morphological markers 185 10 30 2 - Insect pests & disease resistance 280 10 many many 50 CMS, GMS and Restorer sources 34 - 2 - 3 High coarse absorbent types 15 - 100 10 - Drought tolerance potential 50 - 300 150 15 Naked seeded types 5 - 1 - 3 Delayed morphogenesis of gossypol - - - - 3 Chromosomal variants - - - - 77 Low gossypol gland types 60 - 10 5 - High fuzzy types 100 - 200 50 4 Working collections 425 10 130 60 perennials

**Table 6.** Estimated number of elite germplasm accessions with relatively high performance for various characters in

*Gossypium* gene pool.

of elite types for various characters are given in Table 6.

#### **6.3. Selected list of superior germplasm**

Based on germplasm evaluation over locations and seasons, the elite accessions for characters of high economic importance in cotton representing all the four cultivated species especially for early maturity, plant architecture, yield influencing attributes like boll number, boll weight and high ginning, seed quality and stress tolerance etc., were sorted out from the total germplasm evaluated. Some of the elite germplasm accessions identified species-wise in the cotton gene pool [15] are indicated in Table 5.


**Table 5.** Some elite germplasm accessions identified for different characters

The estimated numbers of elite types with relatively high performance for various characters in the *Gossypium* gene pool in the CICR were arrived at based on the evaluation in comparison with appropriate local checks (standard cultivars) over seasons with consistent superiority [15] and most of them are included in the breeders working collections for regular use. The details of elite types for various characters are given in Table 6.

members of the Germplasm Advisory Committee for Cotton. Average data over 2-3 seasons were taken into consideration for deciding on the potential values of each germplasm acces‐ sion. The data have been computerized by the CICR. Multi-location data were also generated for field performance, wherever possible and made available to regional breeding centres.

Based on germplasm evaluation over locations and seasons, the elite accessions for characters of high economic importance in cotton representing all the four cultivated species especially for early maturity, plant architecture, yield influencing attributes like boll number, boll weight and high ginning, seed quality and stress tolerance etc., were sorted out from the total germplasm evaluated. Some of the elite germplasm accessions identified species-wise in the

LRA5166, BN, Narasimha, LRK516, PKV442

TxcaMd21-5-78, SIMA 1, PKV081 Compact plant type 54727, USSR 6250,PRS72, PRS74,NHS1412, DCI 118

Empire WR61, DS56,DS59, Tashkant 1

*G. barbadense* High yield 25-1-3, K3475, CBS34, C 6002-3, ERB4492,ERB 13552, SIV 135, USSR mix 76, CV76, EC I 34390, EC I 32374, SB 289E, SB1085-6

Narrow Lobe, Chineese Spotless

*G. herbaceum* General good 5495. Suj M3-3-5, EPSB, Russian 9,Baluchisthan, Kumpta, G. *G. arboreum* COT 11,

Kirghis A2, 9030H

High boll number FTA MDH133, Deltapine 90, MDH 2, LRA 5166, NHS 1412, Narasimha High ginning (40%) Nc177-16-30, Arkot 2-1,Superokra, NC Hairy, IRMA23, U585-12, Half & Half,

High yield Reba Pvt9, Delcot 311, Aleppo 40, Deltapine 16, Tashkent 3, Pee Dee 2164,

High Yield G27, Lohit, AKH4, LD 230, LD 133, LD 135, LD 141, LD 143, AKA 28, AKA 8401,

Long staple LS1, LS2, LS3, 2927, H511,Adonicum, Sel 32-1, K5567, K7, K8, K9, K10

Dwarf (below 80cm) USSR6248, Acala8861 x CA491Early F-8, Acala 1577-7780,TXORSC 80-1-79,

Tx Maroon 2-78, TXORHU1-78, Tamcot CAMDE, Tamcot SP37, Tamcot SP 215, Tamcot SP23, RebaB50, 101-102B, BJA592

TXORSC 801-79, Acala 8-1 x Tamcot Sp21, Acala 69/5, D244-10, Riverina poplar. U. aRk, d203-5, d238-13-5,USSR n. Ac.83 (RKS), MCU7, SIMA-1, PKV081, NHS1412,

T120-76, CP188, Acala 8-1xTamcot SP215, 108F,Hopicala, NC Smooth 1, 133F,

Demeter-iii(1), S1291, 149F, 152F, B4 Empire, DS56, DS 59, SIMA1, LRA5166,

79/Lohit, Behnoor, AKA12, H4616, Ac733, AKH4, Comilla, 30820, 30840, Gao 16, CB-VIII, Gao 16-CB4, Gao 16-CB7, Coconados 5, Chineese Broad lobe, Chineese

H46, H47, Bani 306, Ac types (PAU), Nanded 3883, Desi 52, Coconadas White

G. Cot 13, 519-14, Suj 3-3-19, 86-5, 87-2, E2-13-2, 72-34, Suj 22-3-1, LS Early,

MCU5, MCU7, MCU10, F414, NH1412, Suman, Narasimha, Anjali,

**6.3. Selected list of superior germplasm**

100 World Cotton Germplasm Resources

cotton gene pool [15] are indicated in Table 5.

(140-150days)

Bacterial blight resistance

>5.5g

*G. arboreum* High seed oil "/

>20%

**Table 5.** Some elite germplasm accessions identified for different characters

High boll weight "/

*G. hirsutum* Early maturity

**Species Characters Elite types identified**


**Table 6.** Estimated number of elite germplasm accessions with relatively high performance for various characters in *Gossypium* gene pool.

#### **6.4. Range of variability**

The extent of variability was assessed for leaf attributes (shape, pattern of lobes and size), calyx shape and size, burst bolls (shape, size, boll opening type and lint colour), seeds (seed size, fuzz content and fuzz colour) and lint (length, density and colour) and the wide range of variability was portrayed in an exhibit form. Some of the wild species especially for delayed morphogenesis, petal spot pattern and colour-linted sample were also included in the exhibit. The range of variability in cotton germplasm accessions of *G. hirsutum* and *Desi* (Diploid) cottons under Nagpur (India) conditions along with some selected wild species and colour lint [23,15] cotton are exhibited in Figure 3.

**Figure 3.** Top: Range of variability in cotton germplasm accessions of A: *G. hirsutum* and B: *Desi* (Diploid) cottons un‐ der Nagpur (India) conditions; Bottom: C 1-4 represents selected wild species and D-colour linted cotton.

*herbaceum*; fibre length from *G. barbadense* (into *G. hirsutum*); fertility restorer gene from *G. harknessii;* high ginning outturn from *G. arboreum*; hairiness from *G. tomentosum* into *G.*

*bickii, australe*

In cotton, the approximate number of collections maintained in various centres in the four cultivated species and wild stocks including advanced intermediate breeding lines was estimated at 20,750, but it included duplicates and repeat collections since each Centre maintained as per local breeders' needs [29]. Enormous intra and inter-racial variability occurs in-*Gossypium arboreum* including land races of *bengalense* like *sanguineum*, multani cotton, *roseum* and genotypes characterized by high boiling potential, high yields, low boll weight, medium to high ginning out-turn, fine and long fibre, susceptibility to boll worm and late maturity. The race *cernuum* is extremely coarse-fibred, with very high ginning out-turn (up to 50%), boll weight (4.5-6.0g) and seed number (10-16 seeds/locule). Similarly, *G. herbaceum*

*barbadense* and caduceus bract from *G. armourianum*.

**Table 7.** Inherent potentials in wild species of *Gossypium* identified

**Improvement of Character** *Gossypium species*

High ginning outturn *australe*

*Helicoverpa somalense*

Whitefly tolerance *armourianum* Mite resistance *anomalum* Aphid resistance *davidsonii* Disease resistance Bacterial blight *anomalum, armourianum, raimondii*

Nematode *darwinii*

Frost resistance *thurberi*

Delayed morphogenesis of

gossypol glands

Fibre strength & elongation

Fibre quality Fibre length *anomalum, stocksii, raimondii, areysianum, longicalyx,*

Fibre fineness *longicalyx, anomalum, raimondii*

Insect resistance Bollworms *thurberi, anomalum, raimondii, armourianum, somalense*

*Fusarium* wilt *sturtianum, harknessii, thurberi*

*longicalyx*

Lint yield *anomalum, sturtianum, australe, stocksii, areysianum*

Jassid resistance *anomalum, armourianum, raimondii, tomentosum*

*Verticillium* wilt *hirsutum (var. mexicanum.nervosum), harknessii*

*harknessii, trilobum, aridum*

Drought tolerance *darwinii, tomentosum, stocksii, areysianum, anomalum, australe, harknessii, aridum, raimondii*

*stockssii, areysianum, thurberi, anomalum, sturtianum, raimondii,*

Cotton Germplasm in India — New Trends http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/58622 103

**6.6. Germplasm utilization**

Other attributes Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS)

#### **6.5. Inherent potentiality identified in different wild species**

Inherent potentiality identified in different species of *Gossypium* by Indian scientists and others based on [3, 28, 19, 24, 29, 30] for improving the cultivated cottons is briefly summarized in Table 7.

Some useful character transfer into *G. hirsutum* and *G. barbadense* cultivars is described below:

Some useful character transference (introgressions) into cultivars of the two tetraploid species has been achieved and based on [3, 28, 19, 24, 29, 30], some of the achievements include jassid resistance potential from *G. tomentosum*; smoothness for boll weevil resistance from *G. armourianum*; rust resistance from *G. raimondii*; blackarm resistance from *G. arboreum* (into *G. barbadense);* fibre length from *G. thurberi* and *G. raimondii*; fibre strength from *G. thurberi*; cytoplasmic male sterility from *G. harknessii;* drought resistance from *G. arboreum* and *G.*


**Table 7.** Inherent potentials in wild species of *Gossypium* identified

*herbaceum*; fibre length from *G. barbadense* (into *G. hirsutum*); fertility restorer gene from *G. harknessii;* high ginning outturn from *G. arboreum*; hairiness from *G. tomentosum* into *G. barbadense* and caduceus bract from *G. armourianum*.

#### **6.6. Germplasm utilization**

**6.4. Range of variability**

102 World Cotton Germplasm Resources

[23,15] cotton are exhibited in Figure 3.

The extent of variability was assessed for leaf attributes (shape, pattern of lobes and size), calyx shape and size, burst bolls (shape, size, boll opening type and lint colour), seeds (seed size, fuzz content and fuzz colour) and lint (length, density and colour) and the wide range of variability was portrayed in an exhibit form. Some of the wild species especially for delayed morphogenesis, petal spot pattern and colour-linted sample were also included in the exhibit. The range of variability in cotton germplasm accessions of *G. hirsutum* and *Desi* (Diploid) cottons under Nagpur (India) conditions along with some selected wild species and colour lint

**Figure 3.** Top: Range of variability in cotton germplasm accessions of A: *G. hirsutum* and B: *Desi* (Diploid) cottons un‐

Inherent potentiality identified in different species of *Gossypium* by Indian scientists and others based on [3, 28, 19, 24, 29, 30] for improving the cultivated cottons is briefly summarized in

Some useful character transfer into *G. hirsutum* and *G. barbadense* cultivars is described below:

Some useful character transference (introgressions) into cultivars of the two tetraploid species has been achieved and based on [3, 28, 19, 24, 29, 30], some of the achievements include jassid resistance potential from *G. tomentosum*; smoothness for boll weevil resistance from *G. armourianum*; rust resistance from *G. raimondii*; blackarm resistance from *G. arboreum* (into *G. barbadense);* fibre length from *G. thurberi* and *G. raimondii*; fibre strength from *G. thurberi*; cytoplasmic male sterility from *G. harknessii;* drought resistance from *G. arboreum* and *G.*

der Nagpur (India) conditions; Bottom: C 1-4 represents selected wild species and D-colour linted cotton.

**6.5. Inherent potentiality identified in different wild species**

Table 7.

In cotton, the approximate number of collections maintained in various centres in the four cultivated species and wild stocks including advanced intermediate breeding lines was estimated at 20,750, but it included duplicates and repeat collections since each Centre maintained as per local breeders' needs [29]. Enormous intra and inter-racial variability occurs in-*Gossypium arboreum* including land races of *bengalense* like *sanguineum*, multani cotton, *roseum* and genotypes characterized by high boiling potential, high yields, low boll weight, medium to high ginning out-turn, fine and long fibre, susceptibility to boll worm and late maturity. The race *cernuum* is extremely coarse-fibred, with very high ginning out-turn (up to 50%), boll weight (4.5-6.0g) and seed number (10-16 seeds/locule). Similarly, *G. herbaceum* grown in Gujarat (Wagad, Broach, Lalio and Goghari Cotton) and Karnataka (Kumpta Cotton) differ from each other in plant habit, maturity, leaf lobation, boll size, lint colour, ginning outturn and seed characters [12].

improvement researches both in the public and private sector R&D Units. Quality of mainte‐ nance of germplasm must be kept up at a higher level to maintain purity for the attributes for which each accession is noted for and maintained for original attributes without exercising

In India, several varieties and hybrid cotton cultivars have been developed through interspe‐ cific hybridization and many of them were released for cultivation from time to time in the last sixty years. Some of them also became promising parents for developing superior hybrids.

**Cultivars developed** *Gossypium Species involved* **Research institution involved**

Badnawar 1, Khandwa 1, Khandwa 2 *hirsutum x tomentosum* JNKVV Indore SRT1, Deviraj (170 C02), Gujarat 67 (G67) *hirsutum x arboreum* GAU Surat Devitej (134 Co2 M) *hirsutm* x *herbaceum* GAU Surat MCU2, MCU5 *hirsutum* x *barbadense* TNAU Coimbatore PKV 081 *hirsutum x anomalum* Dr. PDKV, Akola Rajat *hirsutum* x *(thurberi x anomalum)* Dr. PDKV, Akola AKA 8401 *arboreum* x *anomalum* Dr. PDKV, Akola Arogya *hirsutum* x *anomalum* CICR Nagpur

Varalakshmi, DCH 32, DHB 9 *hirsutum* x *barbadense* UAS Dharwad DDH2 *herbaceum* x *arboreum* UAS Dharwad G. Cot. DH7 & G. Cot. DH 9 *herbaceum x arboreum* GAU Surat

TCHB 213 *hirsutum* x *barbadense* TNAU Coimbatore

24, 15, 10] and the farmers have gotten higher yields and higher income.

MDCH 201 *herbaceum* x *arboreum* MAHYCO Seeds private Ltd Jalna

NHB 12 *hirsutum* x *barbadense* Marathwada Aricultural University

HB 224, Shruthi *hirsutum* x *barbadense* CICR Regional Station, Coimbatore

A large number of *G*. *hirsutum* x *G*. *hirsutum* F1 commercial hybrids and a few *hirsutum* x *barbadense* F1 commercial hybrids have been released by several private seed companies and marketed as proprietary hybrids during 1980 to 2001. After the introduction of transgenic Btcotton in 2002-03, several seed companies developed and marketed as many as 1500 commer‐ cial hybrids of *hirsutum x hirsutum* with Bt-background as Cry1Ac (Bollgard-I) and as BG-II (Cry1Ac+Cry 2Ab) and the yield level in the country showed significant increases. Several private H x H hybrids used varieties as superior parents such as-Narasimha, Brahma etc., [31,

**Table 8.** Some cotton varieties and F1 hybrids developed through interspecific hybridization and released for

(MS)

(MAU) Nanded

Cotton Germplasm in India — New Trends http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/58622 105

Details of the salient achievements [34] are presented in Table 8.

selection for new attributes [33].

Commercial varieties

F1 Commercial Hybrid cottons

cultivation

The Indian *G*. *hirsutum* types are represented by Punjab American Cotton, Buri types, CTI types, Indo-American types and Madras Cambodia Uganda types. The present day Punjab American Cotton varieties being cultivated in North India are selections from LSS and 216 F (e.g., 320 F, Bikaneri Nerma, H777, F 444, SH 131 etc.). The types Buri 1007 and Buri 0394 are resistant to wilt, jassid and frost. Several CTI varieties (Bandnawar-1, Bandnawar-3 Khand‐ wa-2 etc.) were released through hybridization between Cambodian variety Co.2 with *G. tomentosum* and have high degree of jassid resistance due to hairy leaves. Inter-specific hybridization involving *G. hirsutum* and Asiatic diploid species carried out at Surat in Gujarat gave rise to several Indo-American types (e.g., 170-Co-2, 134-Co 2-M, Gujarat-67, etc.). These varieties are genetically divergent from rest of the *hirsutum* varieties developed in India and are good examples of commercial varieties developed from tetraploid x diploid species for the first time. Pure line selections of Cambodian types at Coimbatore and Tamil Nadu gave rise to variety CO2. This variety was further crossed with two Uganda types, viz. 4-4/4 and A-12, and the selections from these crosses were established as Madras Cambodian Uganda (MCU) types. This resulted in developing long-linted superior quality cottons like MCU-5, MCU-8 and MCU-9.

*G.barbadense* was introduced in India during the 1930s. However, its cultivation was restricted to limited area in southern states of the country. In 1967, a variety Sujata, a selection from Egyptian variety Karnak, was evolved. The first Indian variety of hybrid origin Suvin was evolved in 1971 from a cross of Sujata and St. Vincent. Therefore, the present day *G. barba‐ dense* cotton in India has these three stocks.

The success in hybrid cotton in India was achieved at Surat where an *intra-hirsutum* cross of Gujarat-67 x American Nectariless (an exotic from USA) was released for commercial cultiva‐ tion in 1968 as Hybrid 4. The first commercial interspecific hybrid Varalaxmi acceptable to farmers and industry was developed at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad (Karnataka) in 1972 from a cross between Laxmi (an adapted *G. hirsutum*) and SB 289 E (a Russian *barbadense* variety). Later, a large number of inter-specific hybrids have been devel‐ oped in India, such as CBS 156, JKHy-1, JKHy-11, Savitri, Godavari, Suguna, H-6, Jayalaxmi, and diploid DDH-2, etc. which are widely grown in different parts of the country [29, 31, 32].

Possession of germplasm in numerical strength in R&D Centres and in a nation is really a great asset. Unless and until the resources are utilized effectively in crop improvement and signifi‐ cant achievements of farming and commercial value is demonstrated, the conservation and maintenance is not really justified. Considering the huge cost involving staff, infrastructure like fields, glass houses and equipment, besides recurring contingencies, a proper strategy should be in place to screen all germplasm and constitute the most elite breeders' working collections for breeders' use. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) basis to enable breeders to obtain germplasm would pay high dividends for the nation in intensifying crop improvement. A suitable global and national policy to share germplasm for breeding requirements may be evolved and adopted for supporting the cotton improvement researches both in the public and private sector R&D Units. Quality of mainte‐ nance of germplasm must be kept up at a higher level to maintain purity for the attributes for which each accession is noted for and maintained for original attributes without exercising selection for new attributes [33].

grown in Gujarat (Wagad, Broach, Lalio and Goghari Cotton) and Karnataka (Kumpta Cotton) differ from each other in plant habit, maturity, leaf lobation, boll size, lint colour, ginning out-

The Indian *G*. *hirsutum* types are represented by Punjab American Cotton, Buri types, CTI types, Indo-American types and Madras Cambodia Uganda types. The present day Punjab American Cotton varieties being cultivated in North India are selections from LSS and 216 F (e.g., 320 F, Bikaneri Nerma, H777, F 444, SH 131 etc.). The types Buri 1007 and Buri 0394 are resistant to wilt, jassid and frost. Several CTI varieties (Bandnawar-1, Bandnawar-3 Khand‐ wa-2 etc.) were released through hybridization between Cambodian variety Co.2 with *G. tomentosum* and have high degree of jassid resistance due to hairy leaves. Inter-specific hybridization involving *G. hirsutum* and Asiatic diploid species carried out at Surat in Gujarat gave rise to several Indo-American types (e.g., 170-Co-2, 134-Co 2-M, Gujarat-67, etc.). These varieties are genetically divergent from rest of the *hirsutum* varieties developed in India and are good examples of commercial varieties developed from tetraploid x diploid species for the first time. Pure line selections of Cambodian types at Coimbatore and Tamil Nadu gave rise to variety CO2. This variety was further crossed with two Uganda types, viz. 4-4/4 and A-12, and the selections from these crosses were established as Madras Cambodian Uganda (MCU) types. This resulted in developing long-linted superior quality cottons like MCU-5, MCU-8

*G.barbadense* was introduced in India during the 1930s. However, its cultivation was restricted to limited area in southern states of the country. In 1967, a variety Sujata, a selection from Egyptian variety Karnak, was evolved. The first Indian variety of hybrid origin Suvin was evolved in 1971 from a cross of Sujata and St. Vincent. Therefore, the present day *G. barba‐*

The success in hybrid cotton in India was achieved at Surat where an *intra-hirsutum* cross of Gujarat-67 x American Nectariless (an exotic from USA) was released for commercial cultiva‐ tion in 1968 as Hybrid 4. The first commercial interspecific hybrid Varalaxmi acceptable to farmers and industry was developed at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad (Karnataka) in 1972 from a cross between Laxmi (an adapted *G. hirsutum*) and SB 289 E (a Russian *barbadense* variety). Later, a large number of inter-specific hybrids have been devel‐ oped in India, such as CBS 156, JKHy-1, JKHy-11, Savitri, Godavari, Suguna, H-6, Jayalaxmi, and diploid DDH-2, etc. which are widely grown in different parts of the country [29, 31, 32]. Possession of germplasm in numerical strength in R&D Centres and in a nation is really a great asset. Unless and until the resources are utilized effectively in crop improvement and signifi‐ cant achievements of farming and commercial value is demonstrated, the conservation and maintenance is not really justified. Considering the huge cost involving staff, infrastructure like fields, glass houses and equipment, besides recurring contingencies, a proper strategy should be in place to screen all germplasm and constitute the most elite breeders' working collections for breeders' use. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) basis to enable breeders to obtain germplasm would pay high dividends for the nation in intensifying crop improvement. A suitable global and national policy to share germplasm for breeding requirements may be evolved and adopted for supporting the cotton

turn and seed characters [12].

104 World Cotton Germplasm Resources

and MCU-9.

*dense* cotton in India has these three stocks.

In India, several varieties and hybrid cotton cultivars have been developed through interspe‐ cific hybridization and many of them were released for cultivation from time to time in the last sixty years. Some of them also became promising parents for developing superior hybrids. Details of the salient achievements [34] are presented in Table 8.


**Table 8.** Some cotton varieties and F1 hybrids developed through interspecific hybridization and released for cultivation

A large number of *G*. *hirsutum* x *G*. *hirsutum* F1 commercial hybrids and a few *hirsutum* x *barbadense* F1 commercial hybrids have been released by several private seed companies and marketed as proprietary hybrids during 1980 to 2001. After the introduction of transgenic Btcotton in 2002-03, several seed companies developed and marketed as many as 1500 commer‐ cial hybrids of *hirsutum x hirsutum* with Bt-background as Cry1Ac (Bollgard-I) and as BG-II (Cry1Ac+Cry 2Ab) and the yield level in the country showed significant increases. Several private H x H hybrids used varieties as superior parents such as-Narasimha, Brahma etc., [31, 24, 15, 10] and the farmers have gotten higher yields and higher income.

The extent of variability in germplasm compared to standard cultivars from agricultural, trade, textile and industrial attributes, approximate number of types with elite performance for various characters of breeding importance in the National Gene Bank have been made accessible to cotton breeders in various centres for guidance and utilization in crop improve‐ ment for various agro-climatic zones of India. National Gene Bank of Cotton comprising a significant representation of global pool of genetic variability in India has provided a unique opportunity for cotton breeders and other researcher scientists for accelerating the progress of crop improvement. Studies have been carried out on a significant number of accessions of *G. hirsutum* cotton using the hybrid index scores, metro glyph analysis and Mahalanobis D2 analysis techniques and the divergent accessions were identified and used in crossing programmes at the CICR, Nagpur, [15]

market share is being challenged by man-made and synthetic fibres, in various ways. Cotton has an image of being renewable, environmentally friendly, traceable and comfortable and has still to compete with man-made fibres and synthetic due to the latter's improving technology and functionality. The global cotton industry has been witnessing very dynamic changes since the turn of the 21st century [17, 36, 41). Cotton is an important global commodity and there are incredible efforts in agriculture and cotton to attend to the social, environmental and economic factors and ensure continual improvement, investment,

In the context of changing scenario in various aspects concerning cotton, it has become necessary to evaluate the germplasm for several new parameters and enable their utilization in crop improvement for realizing various targeted goals. Some of the aspects requiring examination of old and new germplasm from these perspectives are suggested in Table 9.

Quantum jumps in yield of lint Plant conformation for higher planting densities, high boll weight, compactness

Sustainability of high production levels Ability to give stable yields under varied environments, adaptation to low cost

consistent with higher planting densities

yield of byproducts derived

low seed hair density

of plant type, shorter sympodial branches with synchronous boll bursting, high ginning outturn, high lint index etc.; high harvest index and cost benefit ratios

Cotton Germplasm in India — New Trends http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/58622 107

High level of resistance to biotic stresses, resistance to reemerging sucking pest complex, mealy bugs and other insect pests like whitefly that acts as a carrier of cotton leaf curl virus disease, ability to withstand weed competition and amenability for herbicide tolerance in cultivar development, improved and consistent yield potential under rain fed conditions under low cost technologies in cultivation, improved competitive ability for yield in relation to competing

technologies of crop management, additional advantages from quality and

Ideal plant conformations for irrigated and rain fed cotton cultivars, rapid development of bolls to maturity, appropriate plant height stability with amenability for efficient harvesting, boll weight above 5-6g, and high boll load

Higher seed yield from larger planting density & cultivation of hybrids with high vigour, stable and higher levels of oil content, superior nutritional qualities of oil and protein from seed, freedom from gossypol in harvested seeds, higher biomass with higher harvest index, high seed index, non-fuzzy seeds or with

High fibre strength, higher fibre elongation of over 6-7, high level of fibre

maturity, amenability for imparting easy care properties

research and sharing of best practices [36].

**New Considerations Relevant attributes**

Fibre quality for competing /

in textile use

coexistence with man-made / synthetic fibres for improving the share of cotton

Economics of production especially reducing the cost of production and

Contribution to food security in addition

environmental pollution

to lint fibre production

harvesting cotton

Suitability for mechanization of

**8.1. Various new considerations for re-evaluation of germplasm**

crops

#### **6.7. Databases of cotton germplasm**

The cotton databases are maintained by the CICR, Nagpur. The germplasm holdings main‐ tained undergoes constant change periodically based on additions and deletions. Accordingly, the Cotton Gene Bank of the CICR, Nagpur holds a rich repository and global collection of cotton germplasm numbering 10,597 as reported for 2012-13 including newer accessions consisting geographically and genetically diverse *Gossypium hirsutum* (7542), *G. barbadense* (305), *G. arboreum* (1945) and *G. herbaceum* (566), while another 239 representing about 25 wild species and other wild species, perennials and landraces, races of *G. arboreum*, *G. hirsutum*, *G. barbadense* and *G. herbaceum*, inter-specific hybrids and their derivatives are maintained in the wild species garden *in situ* at CICR, Nagpur [42].

#### **7. Cotton genetic resources conservation**

After initial evaluation, till now some purified bulk seeds of a significant number of accessions have been deposited at long term storage modules at the NBPGR New Delhi. The working collections and other accessions are periodically rejuvenated under safe conditions and pure seeds maintained in medium term cold storage modules at the CICR. The elite working collections identified from the gene pool are further screened by various departments of the institute for all unsolved and emerging problems and also used for further up-gradation of attribute expressions by breeding and selection. The species and some perennials are main‐ tained in in-situ conditions. The new accessions have been acquired from various sources periodically including survey and collections in cooperation with NBPGR and IPGRI. Detailed account of conservation of germplasm holdings of all crops in India was reported by [35].

#### **8. Novel trends and perspectives**

Cotton is being challenged on two fronts: on the production side, cotton is competing with food, feed and biofuel crops for acreage and on the consumption aspects; cotton's textile

market share is being challenged by man-made and synthetic fibres, in various ways. Cotton has an image of being renewable, environmentally friendly, traceable and comfortable and has still to compete with man-made fibres and synthetic due to the latter's improving technology and functionality. The global cotton industry has been witnessing very dynamic changes since the turn of the 21st century [17, 36, 41). Cotton is an important global commodity and there are incredible efforts in agriculture and cotton to attend to the social, environmental and economic factors and ensure continual improvement, investment, research and sharing of best practices [36].

#### **8.1. Various new considerations for re-evaluation of germplasm**

The extent of variability in germplasm compared to standard cultivars from agricultural, trade, textile and industrial attributes, approximate number of types with elite performance for various characters of breeding importance in the National Gene Bank have been made accessible to cotton breeders in various centres for guidance and utilization in crop improve‐ ment for various agro-climatic zones of India. National Gene Bank of Cotton comprising a significant representation of global pool of genetic variability in India has provided a unique opportunity for cotton breeders and other researcher scientists for accelerating the progress of crop improvement. Studies have been carried out on a significant number of accessions of *G. hirsutum* cotton using the hybrid index scores, metro glyph analysis and Mahalanobis D2 analysis techniques and the divergent accessions were identified and used in crossing

The cotton databases are maintained by the CICR, Nagpur. The germplasm holdings main‐ tained undergoes constant change periodically based on additions and deletions. Accordingly, the Cotton Gene Bank of the CICR, Nagpur holds a rich repository and global collection of cotton germplasm numbering 10,597 as reported for 2012-13 including newer accessions consisting geographically and genetically diverse *Gossypium hirsutum* (7542), *G. barbadense* (305), *G. arboreum* (1945) and *G. herbaceum* (566), while another 239 representing about 25 wild species and other wild species, perennials and landraces, races of *G. arboreum*, *G. hirsutum*, *G. barbadense* and *G. herbaceum*, inter-specific hybrids and their derivatives are maintained in the

After initial evaluation, till now some purified bulk seeds of a significant number of accessions have been deposited at long term storage modules at the NBPGR New Delhi. The working collections and other accessions are periodically rejuvenated under safe conditions and pure seeds maintained in medium term cold storage modules at the CICR. The elite working collections identified from the gene pool are further screened by various departments of the institute for all unsolved and emerging problems and also used for further up-gradation of attribute expressions by breeding and selection. The species and some perennials are main‐ tained in in-situ conditions. The new accessions have been acquired from various sources periodically including survey and collections in cooperation with NBPGR and IPGRI. Detailed account of conservation of germplasm holdings of all crops in India was reported by [35].

Cotton is being challenged on two fronts: on the production side, cotton is competing with food, feed and biofuel crops for acreage and on the consumption aspects; cotton's textile

programmes at the CICR, Nagpur, [15]

wild species garden *in situ* at CICR, Nagpur [42].

**7. Cotton genetic resources conservation**

**8. Novel trends and perspectives**

**6.7. Databases of cotton germplasm**

106 World Cotton Germplasm Resources

In the context of changing scenario in various aspects concerning cotton, it has become necessary to evaluate the germplasm for several new parameters and enable their utilization in crop improvement for realizing various targeted goals. Some of the aspects requiring examination of old and new germplasm from these perspectives are suggested in Table 9.



genotypes of a proprietary nature and started the seed business right by establishing their own R&D Units approved by the Department of Science and Technology and ICAR. The parental secrecy was sacrosanct for remaining in seed business and the private seed companies started developing their own parental genotypes and developing superior hybrid combinations and undertook supply of quality seeds to farmers after testing under the "All India Coordinated Cotton Improvement Project" (AICCIP) in multi-locations. In 2002-03, when the transgenic Bollgard-I cotton was introduced and followed later by Bollgard-II cotton in 2006-07, Mon‐ santo, the global seed giant and the owner of the gene patent made suitable arrangements with Mahyco-Monsanto Company to make the gene source available to over 25 cooperating seed companies on sub-licensing basis. At this stage, the publicly bred variety and public sector seed distribution became insignificant. The private seed companies devoted attention to more than 95 per cent transgenic hybrid cotton development, predominantly *hirsutum* x *hirsutum* and a small extent of *hirsutum* x *barbadense* hybrids. The planting seed quality control and commercial seed distribution to cotton growers all over India were also intensified with proprietary hybrids by the seed companies and thereby passed on the reins of seed business to the private seed industry. There are over 650 seed companies in India with about 30-40 of them having a modern to good level R&D and hybrids were released after testing under the aegies of the Genetic and Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) implementing as per

Cotton Germplasm in India — New Trends http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/58622 109

It was in the last 15-18 years after the post GATT scenario, that the germplasm availability to private seed companies faced constraints, besides non-availability. This came as a promising era to develop their own germplasm by breaking down available hybrids and cross combina‐ tions in each Seed Company and reverse pedigree breeding approaches coupled with stringent selection and inter-mating to make new character associations. Many major seed companies thus have made huge germplasm sources maintained as proprietary germplasm. Over 1500 hybrids in transgenic constitution were developed and released by the private seed companies

The character modifications in private seed industry germplasm inter-alia included big (5.5 to 7.2g) and medium boll (4-5g) types, sucking pest resistance, higher boll development with synchrony of reduced plant vegetative duration of 160-170days, long, superior medium and extra-long staple fibre categories, resistance to CLCuV for the northern zone cotton growing areas, moderate drought resistance, high fertilizer efficiency coupled with response for superior management technologies etc., as well as bollworm resistance through BG-I and BG-II Cry gene systems. Even plant type concept has been applied in recent years for higher planting densities and suitability for machine harvesting envisaged for adoption in the next five years or sooner. The Round-up Ready herbicide resistance technology and similar ones are also at its nascent stage in approved seed companies for releasing subject to relaxation of

The private seed companies maintain their own germplasm accessions in cold storage modules and germplasm use as per requirements. Secrecy and privacy is maintained. The seed companies also have their own commercial assessment of germplasm potentials and maintain

moratoriums by Government and releasing for adoption by farmers.

EPA regulations.

in the last one decade [33, 41].

**Table 9.** Certain new considerations for re-evaluation of germplasm and development of superior lines

#### **8.2. Role of private seed companies in germplasm development-a new trend**

Prior to the formation of National Seeds Corporation and the State Seed Corporations during the 1960s to 1970s in the Public sector, the entire responsibility of cultivar development, seed multiplication and seed distribution coupled with extension rested with the government agencies and even farmer to farmer seed exchanges. After the Seed Corporations were established, the responsibility for producing breeder seeds rested with the original breeder in the research centres, but the further stages of seed multiplication, quality control and distri‐ bution were taken over by State Seed Corporations. With the opening up of breeding and seed development to private sector after 1970s, the private sector started developing hybrid cotton genotypes of a proprietary nature and started the seed business right by establishing their own R&D Units approved by the Department of Science and Technology and ICAR. The parental secrecy was sacrosanct for remaining in seed business and the private seed companies started developing their own parental genotypes and developing superior hybrid combinations and undertook supply of quality seeds to farmers after testing under the "All India Coordinated Cotton Improvement Project" (AICCIP) in multi-locations. In 2002-03, when the transgenic Bollgard-I cotton was introduced and followed later by Bollgard-II cotton in 2006-07, Mon‐ santo, the global seed giant and the owner of the gene patent made suitable arrangements with Mahyco-Monsanto Company to make the gene source available to over 25 cooperating seed companies on sub-licensing basis. At this stage, the publicly bred variety and public sector seed distribution became insignificant. The private seed companies devoted attention to more than 95 per cent transgenic hybrid cotton development, predominantly *hirsutum* x *hirsutum* and a small extent of *hirsutum* x *barbadense* hybrids. The planting seed quality control and commercial seed distribution to cotton growers all over India were also intensified with proprietary hybrids by the seed companies and thereby passed on the reins of seed business to the private seed industry. There are over 650 seed companies in India with about 30-40 of them having a modern to good level R&D and hybrids were released after testing under the aegies of the Genetic and Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) implementing as per EPA regulations.

**New Considerations Relevant attributes**

High yield potential and stability of yield under organic farming conditions in rain fed and irrigated areas, development of appropriate fibre quality with

Expanding the range and intensity / stability of colours of lint fibres, consistent improvement in the fibre properties desired for better spinning like higher strength, optimum maturity with appropriate Mv. (Micronaire value) and improvement in length of fibres for medium, long and extra-long staple

Higher agronomic adaptability of ELS varieties of *G. barbadense* and *hirsutum* x *barbadense* hybrids for commercial cultivation under certain environment constraints, higher yield potential of short staple cotton varieties, hybrids and transgenic cultivars to increase their preference by the cotton farmers with appreciable cost-benefit ratios, improving the ginning outturn in ELS cotton varieties and hybrids and removing certain deficiencies in Micronaire value

The *barbadense* cotton suffers from low adaptation to the climatic conditions of peninsular India with potential pockets for cultivation, shows fibre quality deficiencies, and need improvement for boll weight, higher ginning, high fibre maturity and optimum Micronaire value (Mv.), and reduction in crop duration

Higher boll weight, reduced duration, phenotypic stability of plant conformity, high ginning and short sympodial (fruiting) branches with synchronous boll

Increased early vigour, rapid fruiting ability, resistance to interplant competition in the early stage of mixed crops with cotton, optimum leaf area index and resistance tolerance to moisture stress, high photosynthetic efficiency etc.

Drought resistance attributes and improved physiologically efficient germplasm with high water use efficiency (WUE), reduced crop maturity duration fitting

organic inputs and management systems,

categories, higher ginning outturn

(Mv.), maturity, strength etc.

development pattern.

into rainfall patterns.

**Table 9.** Certain new considerations for re-evaluation of germplasm and development of superior lines

**8.2. Role of private seed companies in germplasm development-a new trend**

Pest and disease resistance Compatible parents for hybrids without susceptibility to New wilt / quick wilt in

Prior to the formation of National Seeds Corporation and the State Seed Corporations during the 1960s to 1970s in the Public sector, the entire responsibility of cultivar development, seed multiplication and seed distribution coupled with extension rested with the government agencies and even farmer to farmer seed exchanges. After the Seed Corporations were established, the responsibility for producing breeder seeds rested with the original breeder in the research centres, but the further stages of seed multiplication, quality control and distri‐ bution were taken over by State Seed Corporations. With the opening up of breeding and seed development to private sector after 1970s, the private sector started developing hybrid cotton

hybrids judged by physiological and agronomic parameters

Organic cotton production ( current demand is low, but may increase over

production under isolation from normal

Research & development for improving short and extra-long staple cotton production and removing the imbalance in availability in all classes as per textile

Breeding superior *barbadense* cotton

Pre-breeding *barbadense* germplasm lines with improved properties for use as parents of successful commercial hybrids

Compatibility with competing crops in mixed cropping and multiple cropping

Breeding for withstanding drought and other climatic aberrations in the context

Naturally colour-linted cotton

108 World Cotton Germplasm Resources

cotton growing areas

industry demands

varieties

situations

of climate change

time)

It was in the last 15-18 years after the post GATT scenario, that the germplasm availability to private seed companies faced constraints, besides non-availability. This came as a promising era to develop their own germplasm by breaking down available hybrids and cross combina‐ tions in each Seed Company and reverse pedigree breeding approaches coupled with stringent selection and inter-mating to make new character associations. Many major seed companies thus have made huge germplasm sources maintained as proprietary germplasm. Over 1500 hybrids in transgenic constitution were developed and released by the private seed companies in the last one decade [33, 41].

The character modifications in private seed industry germplasm inter-alia included big (5.5 to 7.2g) and medium boll (4-5g) types, sucking pest resistance, higher boll development with synchrony of reduced plant vegetative duration of 160-170days, long, superior medium and extra-long staple fibre categories, resistance to CLCuV for the northern zone cotton growing areas, moderate drought resistance, high fertilizer efficiency coupled with response for superior management technologies etc., as well as bollworm resistance through BG-I and BG-II Cry gene systems. Even plant type concept has been applied in recent years for higher planting densities and suitability for machine harvesting envisaged for adoption in the next five years or sooner. The Round-up Ready herbicide resistance technology and similar ones are also at its nascent stage in approved seed companies for releasing subject to relaxation of moratoriums by Government and releasing for adoption by farmers.

The private seed companies maintain their own germplasm accessions in cold storage modules and germplasm use as per requirements. Secrecy and privacy is maintained. The seed companies also have their own commercial assessment of germplasm potentials and maintain descriptive records as per business requirements and also as per (Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability) DUS characterization evolved by the PPVFR Authority. It is difficult to acquire information on the wealth of new germplasm developed, utilized and maintained by private seed companies, because of their proprietary nature. However, they are immense in number and variability and serve as the most directly usable material in hybrid development. Com‐ petition among private seed companies is acute and hence product development by various seed companies for farmers' use should not only be attractive, but also shine in contrast and popularity compared to those of competitors with high performance potentials. In recent years, big boll hybrids with 6-7.5gram boll weight have been developed by private seed companies as available in hybrids like MRC 7351, Mallika, Sigma, Jackpot, Indravajram, Ajeet 99, RCH 530, and Vikram 5.

**8.4. New techniques and new trends in germplasm assessment**

germplasm characterization [38, 33].

companies, [24, 29].

**8.5. Gaps in collections (quantitative & qualitative)**

evaluations can be reported as percentages of controls [33].

Multi-location evaluation of elite proprietary germplasm is also being adopted by seed companies for precise choice for parents of newer hybrids for different regions. Markerassisted selection and recurrent selections are adopted by forward looking seed companies for superior parent selection and improvement of fibre quality attributes. Biotechnological tools and scouting for alien gene sources like that of Cry genes for various other envisaged character improvements by the multinational seed companies like Monsanto, Bayer CropScience etc., is also gaining importance in new gene source identification and crop improvement. Traditional applications in germplasm evaluation have undergone significant change and new germplasm developed by private sector and under special programmes in Government R&D centres are targeting the challenging sustainability and competition requirements of the 21st century in the field performance and in industrial applications as issues as discussed in this chapter. In the context of hybrid cottons and in the context of transgenic cotton cultivar *vs*. hybrids, germplasm use requires better understanding of the inherent potentials, their genetic per‐ formance under the new circumstances and merit based selection for developing new geno‐ types. DUS characters developed for cotton by the PPVFR Authority is also being adopted for

Cotton Germplasm in India — New Trends http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/58622 111

There are gaps like (1) augmenting the wild species collections to have as many of the total species as may be available in other country centres, except those, which are not available in live collections elsewhere, (2) augmenting the collections of all important cultivars in all the cultivated species from various cotton growing countries including ELS *G. barbadense* and other material, (3) obtaining on exchange basis, the new collections made through recent surveys by various organizations, and (4) advanced breeding material developed in various SAU R&D Centres after 1990 either in possession or as and when developed also may be obtained and added to the national gene pool at the CICR Nagpur, (5) germplasm enhancement and prebreeding efforts for future needs may be intensified at the CICR, SAUs and also Private seed

Documented standard control varieties are critical for germplasm evaluations. With the current trend in many crops and cotton particularly toward proprietary germplasm, in the future certain "public" germplasm of known pedigree may be primarily important, not for its outstanding agronomic performance, but for its value as a "control". In addition to helping to distinguish environmental from genetic effects on the phenotype, controls may provide a common denominator for standardizing evaluation reports. Instead of presenting raw data,

Marker-assisted selection (MAS) using molecular markers such as single nucleotide polymor‐ phisms (SNPs), is widely used in different agricultural research centers to design genotyping arrays with thousands of markers spread over the entire genome of the crops, especially in interspecific crosses of *G*. *hirsutum* x *G*. *barbadense* for fibre quality attributes and also pest and disease resistance. H x B crosses have resulted in H x B hybrids (F1) with bigger bolls than of *G. barbadense* parent, ELS (35-38 mm), higher lint index, wider adaptability, yield potential and

Public sector developed varieties were popular and some of them became parents of H x H hybrids and also in H x B hybrids, when the hybrid cotton era dawned for the first time in the world only in India since 1970s. Private seed industry started developing since then and gradually became the dominant developer of proprietary hybrids and primary distributer of quality seeds. With the advent of the transgenic Bt-hybrid cottons from 2002, the private seed industry became the primary source of superior hybrids and total supplier of quality seeds all over the country. In transgenic group, Bunny, Mallika, RCH2, other RCH, Sigma, Dyna, Brahma, MECH-series, Thulasi 4, JKCH99, Ankur 651 and others became popular. In all, 590-600 private seed companies existed and more than 1500 Bt-cotton hybrids were released, but only some 20-25 commanded more than 85% in seed distribution. Prominent Seed Companies including Mahyco, Rasi, Nuziveedu, Vibha Seeds Group, Ankur Seeds, Thulasi Seeds, Bioseeds and certain others are leading in cotton R&D and extent of seed distribution amounting to 30-35 million seed packets (400g transgenic seeds and 50g refugee seeds per packet) per year is estimated at approximately US\$ 525 million [41]. With seed rates increasing in recent years, the requirement would increase to 50 million seed packets per year in the next few years.

#### **8.3. Pre-breeding and development of advanced breeding lines from existing germplasm**

The public sector institutions like the CICR and SAUs are involved in such basic breeding activities and development of a large number of advanced lines are reported and the effort is continuing. Work is targeted towards big boll, plant type for mechanical harvesting by accommodating denser plant populations, reduction of crop duration, higher level of resist‐ ance to sucking pests and new maladies, besides high photosynthetic efficiency for high yields and even resistance to drought stress and restricted water use under emerging climate adversities [37]. Some of the SAUs and the CICR have previously developed superior varieties / germplasm like LRA5166, Narasimha, Brahma, and MCU5 in *G*. *hirsutum* and Suvin, SB 289E and SB 1085-6 in *G*. *barbadense,* most of which have served as versatile parents for superior hybrid development. A limited number of *G. hirsutum* germplasm and varieties have proved as proven parents in very many hybrids generated by the seed industry. Development of a large number of improved germplasm lines are in progress in various research centres, but precise information on such results are yet to be made available.

#### **8.4. New techniques and new trends in germplasm assessment**

descriptive records as per business requirements and also as per (Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability) DUS characterization evolved by the PPVFR Authority. It is difficult to acquire information on the wealth of new germplasm developed, utilized and maintained by private seed companies, because of their proprietary nature. However, they are immense in number and variability and serve as the most directly usable material in hybrid development. Com‐ petition among private seed companies is acute and hence product development by various seed companies for farmers' use should not only be attractive, but also shine in contrast and popularity compared to those of competitors with high performance potentials. In recent years, big boll hybrids with 6-7.5gram boll weight have been developed by private seed companies as available in hybrids like MRC 7351, Mallika, Sigma, Jackpot, Indravajram, Ajeet 99, RCH

Public sector developed varieties were popular and some of them became parents of H x H hybrids and also in H x B hybrids, when the hybrid cotton era dawned for the first time in the world only in India since 1970s. Private seed industry started developing since then and gradually became the dominant developer of proprietary hybrids and primary distributer of quality seeds. With the advent of the transgenic Bt-hybrid cottons from 2002, the private seed industry became the primary source of superior hybrids and total supplier of quality seeds all over the country. In transgenic group, Bunny, Mallika, RCH2, other RCH, Sigma, Dyna, Brahma, MECH-series, Thulasi 4, JKCH99, Ankur 651 and others became popular. In all, 590-600 private seed companies existed and more than 1500 Bt-cotton hybrids were released, but only some 20-25 commanded more than 85% in seed distribution. Prominent Seed Companies including Mahyco, Rasi, Nuziveedu, Vibha Seeds Group, Ankur Seeds, Thulasi Seeds, Bioseeds and certain others are leading in cotton R&D and extent of seed distribution amounting to 30-35 million seed packets (400g transgenic seeds and 50g refugee seeds per packet) per year is estimated at approximately US\$ 525 million [41]. With seed rates increasing in recent years, the requirement would increase to 50 million seed packets per year in the next

**8.3. Pre-breeding and development of advanced breeding lines from existing germplasm**

The public sector institutions like the CICR and SAUs are involved in such basic breeding activities and development of a large number of advanced lines are reported and the effort is continuing. Work is targeted towards big boll, plant type for mechanical harvesting by accommodating denser plant populations, reduction of crop duration, higher level of resist‐ ance to sucking pests and new maladies, besides high photosynthetic efficiency for high yields and even resistance to drought stress and restricted water use under emerging climate adversities [37]. Some of the SAUs and the CICR have previously developed superior varieties / germplasm like LRA5166, Narasimha, Brahma, and MCU5 in *G*. *hirsutum* and Suvin, SB 289E and SB 1085-6 in *G*. *barbadense,* most of which have served as versatile parents for superior hybrid development. A limited number of *G. hirsutum* germplasm and varieties have proved as proven parents in very many hybrids generated by the seed industry. Development of a large number of improved germplasm lines are in progress in various research centres, but

precise information on such results are yet to be made available.

530, and Vikram 5.

110 World Cotton Germplasm Resources

few years.

Multi-location evaluation of elite proprietary germplasm is also being adopted by seed companies for precise choice for parents of newer hybrids for different regions. Markerassisted selection and recurrent selections are adopted by forward looking seed companies for superior parent selection and improvement of fibre quality attributes. Biotechnological tools and scouting for alien gene sources like that of Cry genes for various other envisaged character improvements by the multinational seed companies like Monsanto, Bayer CropScience etc., is also gaining importance in new gene source identification and crop improvement. Traditional applications in germplasm evaluation have undergone significant change and new germplasm developed by private sector and under special programmes in Government R&D centres are targeting the challenging sustainability and competition requirements of the 21st century in the field performance and in industrial applications as issues as discussed in this chapter. In the context of hybrid cottons and in the context of transgenic cotton cultivar *vs*. hybrids, germplasm use requires better understanding of the inherent potentials, their genetic per‐ formance under the new circumstances and merit based selection for developing new geno‐ types. DUS characters developed for cotton by the PPVFR Authority is also being adopted for germplasm characterization [38, 33].

#### **8.5. Gaps in collections (quantitative & qualitative)**

There are gaps like (1) augmenting the wild species collections to have as many of the total species as may be available in other country centres, except those, which are not available in live collections elsewhere, (2) augmenting the collections of all important cultivars in all the cultivated species from various cotton growing countries including ELS *G. barbadense* and other material, (3) obtaining on exchange basis, the new collections made through recent surveys by various organizations, and (4) advanced breeding material developed in various SAU R&D Centres after 1990 either in possession or as and when developed also may be obtained and added to the national gene pool at the CICR Nagpur, (5) germplasm enhancement and prebreeding efforts for future needs may be intensified at the CICR, SAUs and also Private seed companies, [24, 29].

Documented standard control varieties are critical for germplasm evaluations. With the current trend in many crops and cotton particularly toward proprietary germplasm, in the future certain "public" germplasm of known pedigree may be primarily important, not for its outstanding agronomic performance, but for its value as a "control". In addition to helping to distinguish environmental from genetic effects on the phenotype, controls may provide a common denominator for standardizing evaluation reports. Instead of presenting raw data, evaluations can be reported as percentages of controls [33].

Marker-assisted selection (MAS) using molecular markers such as single nucleotide polymor‐ phisms (SNPs), is widely used in different agricultural research centers to design genotyping arrays with thousands of markers spread over the entire genome of the crops, especially in interspecific crosses of *G*. *hirsutum* x *G*. *barbadense* for fibre quality attributes and also pest and disease resistance. H x B crosses have resulted in H x B hybrids (F1) with bigger bolls than of *G. barbadense* parent, ELS (35-38 mm), higher lint index, wider adaptability, yield potential and pest tolerance. Elucidating the genetic control of given traits is important to decide the merit in a specific germplasm. The gene action affecting phenotypes is elucidated by crosses and by recombination in progeny of backcrosses or segregating generations. Dominance becomes apparent in F1, BC and F2 generations, as do heritability, and deviations from Mendelian ratios resulting from epistasis, pleiotropic and maternal effects. Molecular-marker characterization can assist with "pyramiding" resistance alleles at different loci to produce more durable resistance to biotic/abiotic stresses. Extensive genome mapping projects of *Gossypium* species *via* the co-segregation of molecular markers and important traits of agronomic value can also help to determine the gene action underlying phenotypes. The need for undertaking planned adoption of MAS systems is emphasized especially for improvement of fibre quality param‐ eters and disease resistance attributes to enable choice selection of germplasm for rapid crop improvement.

**9. Conclusion**

Cotton is a major global agricultural commodity in the World in over 100 countries including India. Cotton is also a widely preferred natural textile fibre for the industry. India is currently the second largest producer, consumer and exporter of cotton with the second largest textile industry after China. Presently, cotton is produced in a little over 11.5million ha in India and all the four cultivated species (*G. hirsutum, G. barbadense, G. arboreum,* and *G. herbaceum*) are still grown, but *G. hirsutum* cotton predominates in over 90 per cent of the area. From 1970, in addition to varieties, F1 commercial hybrids of *G*. *hirsutum* x *G*. *hirsutum* and in small extent *G*. *hirsutum* x *G*. *barbadense* F1 hybrids were also grown in a sizable area. The diploid interspecies F1 hybrids of *G*. *herbaceum* x *G*. *arboreum* were also developed and made available for cultiva‐ tion, but their cultivation by farmers remained stagnant due to hybrid seed production constraints. Cytoplasmic male sterility based (*G. harknessii*) source with USA based restorer sources were used for developing few *G. hirsutum* x *G*. *hirsutum* hybrids with a view to reduce cost of hybrid seed production and this strategy did not meet with the expected level of success in seed production, area coverage and yield gains. USA line "Gregg GMS" based genetic male sterility was also used for developing a few hybrids and the adoption rate was low for various reasons. A local GMS source was identified in *G*. *arboreum* background for the production of diploid cotton hybrids by the SAU at Hisar (Haryana state), but not much headway was made.

Cotton Germplasm in India — New Trends http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/58622 113

In 2002-2003, the transgenic cotton (genetically modified cotton) was introduced into cultiva‐ tion in India first with Bollgard-I (Cry1Ac) and subsequently the Bollgard-II (Cry1Ac+Cry2Ab) and the transgenic cottons were all based on proprietary germplasm and hybrids were predominantly of *G. hirsutum* x *G. hirsutum* combinations. As a result, predominantly *G. hirsutum* x *G*. *hirsutum* based transgenic cotton hybrids are grown in more than 10.0 million ha

Since 1960, the Indian collection has grown with the establishment of the Indian Central Cotton Committee, the All India Coordinated Cotton Improvement Project, and the Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR). In 1976, the Central Institute for Cotton Research was established with a mandate to function as National Centre for Cotton Genetic Resources collection, documentation, and utilization. Hence, the Central Institute for Cotton Research functioning under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, an autonomous body under the Government of India is looking after the major responsibility for collection, conservation, evaluation, characterization, documentation and utilization of cotton genetic resources in India with the National Gene Bank at Nagpur. The CICR is collaborating with the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) New Delhi for planning germplasm surveys, exchange, collection and conservation under long term storage facility established for all crops at NBPGR. The entire cotton germplasm collection (total cotton gene pool available in India) is primarily maintained in short and medium storage conditions at the Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR), Nagpur and its Regional station at Coimbatore (additional set of *G. barbadense* collection). Funding for the CICR and the NBPGR is provided by the Indian Council for Agricultural Research that is an autonomous organization of the Indian Ministry of Agricul‐

corresponding to over 90 per cent of the total area under cotton [16].

ture-Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), New Delhi.

More effective accessibility and use of plant genetic resources for crop improvement is essential, since conservation at huge cost without use has little merit. Plant genetic resources of crops especially cotton are conserved for use by people as fibre, food, feed, fuel etc. On the contrary, use without conservation amounts to neglecting the genetic base needed by farmers and breeders alike to increase productivity in the future. To be of use, material held in gene banks must be well documented by adopting all modern techniques as well as field evaluation. Only a very small fraction of the genetic diversity residing in *Gossypium* genus is represented in working collections and improved elite cotton germplasm. Genetic diversity in elite germplasm is reported to be narrow and diversity on the farm is still narrower due to prefer‐ ential planting of successful cultivars and breeding techniques that tend to promote an overreliance on a few genotypes. Considering the narrow genetic base of cultivars and commercially elite germplasm, it would be necessary to exploit the diversity residing in wild, commensal, and landrace cottons of six allo-tetraploid and forty-three diploid species of *Gossypium* genus as it may be rewarding. Resources including recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations, back-cross introgression line (BIL) populations, near isogenic introgression line (NIIL) populations, chromosome substitution lines, day-neutral converted race stocks, etc., may also be outsourced from global R & D Centres, conserved and used in Indian gene bank and breeding programmes. The importance of building up new germplasm of breeding value through proper utilization of gene pools has also been emphasized by [39, 40].

#### **8.6. Registration of newly developed germplasm**

NBPGR New Delhi has established norms for new germplasm registration by the breeders and it could also be got protected under (Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act (PPVFRA) especially to protect from poaching and breeders may be encouraged to avail of this and increase their efforts, Guidelines for registration of plant germplasm (revised, 2014) NBPGR, New Delhi. The information could be accessed from NBPGR Website <https:// www.nbpgr.ernet.in.>. The information will also be published in the Indian Journal of Plant Genetic Resources functioning at its headquarters by the Member Secretary, Plant Germplasm Registration Committee, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resource, Pusa Campus, New Delhi-110 012,
