Increasing Genetic Diversity of Cotton Breeding Programs in Venezuela

Abstract

There is a steady increase of demands for textile crops, where cotton is the most popular natural fiber, therefore, it is necessary to exploit cotton genetic resources. In order to develop and improve crop populations, a cotton breeding program requires access to new sources of germplasm. With the objectives to evaluate the productivity of local and introduced genotypes from Syria and Brazil, and to expand the genetic base in the Venezuelan Cotton Breeding Program, 16 genotypes were evaluated at three locations in Venezuela during 2013 and 2014 using a randomized complete block design, with three replications. The traits evaluated were plant height, stem diameter, lint yield, boll weight, number of seed per boll, 100-seed weight, and fiber content. Highly significant differences (P≤0.01) were observed among genotypes, environments and their interaction for all traits, except for lint yield and number of seed per boll across environments. ʻC-2955-25ʼ showed high yield (3514.3 kg.ha-1) but was unstable across environments used in the evaluation. ʻL-2955-13ʼ was stable across the environments, suggesting that it would be a good parent. All the genotypes obtained values of lint percent above of 38%. The Syrians genotypes ʻAleppo-11ʼ and ʻAleppo-90ʼ showed high lint yield and good agronomic performance. Genotypes identified in this study could be used as potential sources of germplasm to be introduced in future breeding programs.

Sowing Density Effects in Cotton Yields and Its Components

“…For both genotypes, LP values decreased significantly at 142,857 pl ha −1 , however LP values were not more inferior than 38%, which is the textile industry requirement in Venezuela. In this study, LP values were high, as compared with other studies carried out in similar environments [6,7]. In these cases plants were planted at 62,500 pl ha −1 and followed the same pattern as reported by McCarty et al [31], where LP become higher as plant population increased.…”

“…In Venezuela, different studies have focused on the identification of foreign varieties or those developed in the national cotton breeding program of INIA (Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agropecuarias) that are adapted to specific edaphic and climatic conditions, maximizing expression of Agronomy 2019, 9, 349 2 of 9 fiber yield and quality [5][6][7]. These studies have been developed based on spatial arrangement less than or equal to 62,500 pl ha −1 .…”

Genetic gain in lint yield and its components of upland cotton released during 1963 to 2010 in Venezuela

“…In this study, the second greatest contribution to total variation was observed from L (19%), indicating that the locations tested were representative to obtain good estimates of genetic prog ress. Similar effects in G, E, and G x E interactions were reported for LY, its components, and agronomic traits under similar tropical conditions (Farias et al., 2016; Gonzalez et al., 2007; Guzman et al., 2018).…”