Breeding for high yield and fibre quality in coloured cotton

Abstract

In the present study, three types of coloured fibre cottons, i.e. white, brown and green, were compared for their fibre quality and yield. The comparison of fibre quality suggested that coloured fibre cotton was inferior as compared with white fibre cotton. To understand the effect of cellulose, mineral elements [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K)] and pH of fibre cells on the quality of fibre, these components were studied at different fibre cell developed stages in all three fibre cotton types. The cellulose content is closely associated with the quality of fibre. The higher fibre quality of white fibre cotton might be the result of the high cellulose content in it compared with coloured fibre cotton. A rapid and slow decrease in pH in white and coloured cottons, respectively, might have some effects on fibre elongation. Among the mineral contents, potassium is positively correlated with the fibre quality traits. The pigment development patterns in brown and green fibre cottons are not similar. In green fibre cotton it takes more time to deepen in colour as compared with brown fibre cotton. Possible strategies for the improvement in quality of coloured fibre cotton are discussed. The results of heterosis studies in coloured fibre cotton suggest that heterosis could improve yield and quality of coloured fibre cotton. In the present study, the hybrids between ZJU12A x ZJU05R and ZJU18A x ZJU01R, having an acceptable lint colour types plus better fibre quality and high yield performance, may be exploited further for their heterotic advantages.

In vitro inhibition of pigmentation and fiber development in colored cotton

“…Compared with rotenone, thiourea had a weak toxicity effect on ovule and fiber cell growth in all cotton genotypes, but it can stop the coloration of green cotton fiber. Previous results show that the main type of pigment in green cotton fiber is flavonoids (Dutt et al, 2004;Hua et al, 2007). Flavonoid synthesis derives from a phenylpropanoid pathway with many intermediates belonging to phenyl-ramification.…”

“…However, the different pathways that lead to the development of pigments in colored cotton fiber are not (Kohel, 1985;Murthy, 2001). This might be partially due to complex nature of fiber pigment (Schmutz et al, 1993;Dutt et al, 2004;Hua et al, 2007).…”

Cellulose synthesis in coloured cotton

“…Flavonoid synthesis is regulated by many factors, and the concentration of carbohydrates is one of the dominant factors 20,23 . Previous research has shown that flavonoid compounds are synthesized as the major pigments in colour cotton fibres 2 .…”

“…The cotton blossoms on the upper branch of plants developing normally and with no pests were tagged. Tagged bolls were harvested at 5,10,15,20,25,30,35, and 40 days post-anthesis (DPA). Harvested bolls were stored at −70°C prior to determinations.…”

“…After 6 min, 2 ml of 1 N NaOH was added, and then 30% (v/v) ethanol was added to a final volume of 10 ml. The absorbance was measured at 510 nm after the sample was placed on a bench for 10 min 20 .…”