Evaluation and Screening of Local Germplasm under Joint Project On, the Development of Leaf Curl Virus Tolerant Varieties of Cotton

Abstract

Fifty-three different indigenous genotypes of cotton screened for CLCuV disease and other traits were found not to be possessing good combination of desirable traits alongwith resistance to cotton leaf curl virus disease. It was noted that the genotypes carrying some identified novel genes of economic value can be manipulated and utilized for the synthesis of the requisite desirable genotypes which would better suit to the varying climatic conditions of the country. Out of the selected genotypes, Pak-3, Pak-7, Pak-13, Pak-28 and Pak-50 are being improved for specific lacking characters i.e. yield, earliness etc. to develop desirable genotypes to achieve the desired objectives. While other promising genotypes viz., Pak-23, Pak-25, Pak-27, Pak-48 and Pak-38 possessing some desirable traits but are susceptible to CLCuV disease are being utilized as valuable genepool in the project as well in our cross breeding programme. Moreover the existing germplasm resources will be further enhanced when the germplasm from Kazakhstan will be added to the existing one after the exchange with the local germplasm. Progress made, future strategies/problems, efforts relating to the project are being described and discussed.