Development of Improved Germplasm of Cotton Through Radiation and DNA-mediated Embryo Transformation Technique

Abstract

The research studies were carried out to enhance the incorporation of G. arboreum and G. barbadense genes for disease resistance and quality traits respectively into G. hirsutum through DNA-mediated embryo transformation technique. The self fertilized flower/ovaries of the recipient were injected with the donors DNA solutions irradiated at low doses ie. 2.5 Gy of gamma rays. The result of D 1 and D 2 generation revealed the enhanced incorporation and preservation of the donor parent traits into the recipient. Higher percentage of CLCV resistant plants and plants with increased quality traits were obtained from the irradiation DNA treatments. The transformed genotypes had higher yield and other economic traits better as compared to recipient. Moreover the expression of qualitative traits of the donor i.e. petal spot, pollen colour and flower colours were observed in D 2 generation.