Cotton Varieties and Hybrids

CICR TECHNICAL BULLETIN NO: 13

Cotton Varieties and Hybrids

Dr. Phundan Singh

Dr. MS Kairon

Central Institute for Cotton Research

Nagpur
Downloaded from www.cicr.org.in

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 Cotton Varieties and Hybrids

COTTON VARIETIES AND HYBRIDS

INTRODUCTION

Cotton is a fibre, oil and protein yielding crop of global significance. It is cultivated in tropical and sub-
tropical regions of more than 80 countries of the world. The major cotton producing countries are USA,
China, India, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Brazil, Greece, Argentina and Egypt. These countries
contribute about 85% to the global cotton production. India stands first in area, third in production and last
in productivity among these countries.
In India, there are nine major cotton growing states which are divided into three zones, viz. north zone,
central zone and south zone. North zone consists of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Western Uttar
Pradesh. Central zone includes Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat. South zone comprises
Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. These states cover about 95% of cotton area and also
contribute about 95% to the total cotton production in India. Three cotton growing zones differ from each
other in several aspects such as soil type and topography, irrigation facilities, species cultivated,
productivity level etc. (Table-1). Besides these states, cotton is also grown on small areas in Bihar,
Orissia, Assam, Tripura and Meghalaya. These states cover about 5% area and also contribute 5% to the
national cotton production.

Table-1: Comparison of three cotton growing zones.

S.No. Particulars North zone Central Zone South Zone
1. Soil type Alluvial Black soils Black and red soils
2. Soil topography Plain Undulating Undulating
3. Irrigation 98% 15% 32%
4. Species cultivated Hirsutum, arboreum All except barbadense All the four species
5. Hybrid cultivation Less than 1% 55% 50%
6. Area covered 20% 55% 25%
7. Production 40% 35% 25%
8. Yield level High Low Medium

CULTIVATED SPECIES

There are four cultivated species of cotton viz. Gossypium arboreum, G.herbaceum, G.hirsutum and
G.barbadense. The first two species are diploid (2n=26) and are native to old world. They are also known
as Asiatic cottons because they are grown in Asia. The last two species are tetraploid (2n=52) and are
also referred to as New World Cottons. G.hirsutum is also known as American cotton or upland cotton
and G.barbadense as Egyptian cotton or Sea Island cotton or Peruvian Cotton or Tanguish Cotton or
quality cotton.G.hirsutum is the predominant species which alone contributes about 90% to the global
production. In USA and Uzbekistan, more than 90% area is covered by G.hirsutum. Perhaps, India is the
only country in the world where all the four cultivated species are grown on commercial scale. In India,
45%, 30% and 24.7% area is covered by hybrids, upland cotton and diploid species respectively.
G.barbadense is grown on a very little area (0.3%) in the state of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
G.herbaceum is limited to the states of Gujarat and Karnataka. G.hirsutum and G.arboreum are grown in
all the major cotton growing states in India. Distinguishing morphological features of all the four cultivated
species of cotton are given in Table-2.

Gossypium arboretum
Bracts are more or less triangular and closely invest bud and flower. Bracts have 4-5 teeth at the
apex. Bolls are tapering and profusely pitted with prominent oil glands. Bolls open widely on maturity. This
species is also known as Indian cotton.

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 Cotton Varieties and Hybrids

Gossypium herbaceum
Bracts flare widely from the bud, flower and boll. They have 6-8 teeth. Bolls are round and rarely
with prominent shoulders. Bolls are smooth or with few shallow pits and few oil glands. Bolls open slightly
when ripe.

Table-2: Distinguishing morphological features of cultivated species of Gossypium Linn.

S.No Particulars Cultivated Species of Cotton
G.hirsutum G.barbadense G.arboreum G.herbaceum
1. Leaves 1/2cut or less into 2/3 cut into 3-5 2/3-4/5 cut into 5-7 ½ cut or less 3-7
3-5 lobes, not lobes, sinuses lobes long and lobes only slightly
constricted, also thrown into folds, narrow constricted at the
over lapping lobes lobes long and base.
tapering
2. Bracteoles Triangular, 4-12 As long as broad, Closely investing Bracteoles not
long teeth 10-12 acuminate the bud and investing bud,
teeth flower, entire or usually broader
with fewer teeth than long upper
longer than broad. margin serrated.
3. Petal Light yellow to Sulphur yellow, White to yellow, Medium yellow
yellow deep Yellow red
4. Bolls Round to Tapering, longer Moderate Round Rounded, smaller,
moderately than broad 3-4 to tapering, 3 to 4 3 loculi smooth to
tapering 3-5 usually 3 loculi, loculi, 3 common moderately pitted.
locular, 4 common deeply pitted and smooth to deeply
smooth to glanded often, pitted, rough
moderately pitted. rough
5. Seeds Moderately large, 5-8 seeds/locule, Fuzzy, smaller Medium size to
fuzzy to rarely tuft of fuzz on rarely naked, 6-17 small fuzzy, 11
naked, moderate seeds, seeds seeds/locule seeds/locule, short
to long fibres, 5-11 often without a to medium fibres.
seed/locule coat of a fuzz, lint
fibres very long,
seeds free

Gossypium hirsutum

Flowers do not have red spot at the base of petal. The staminal column is short. The anthers are
loosely arranged on the staminal column. Anther filaments are larger in the upper region than in the lower
region. The capsule surface is usually smooth.

Gossypium barbadense

Bracts are very large which cover the flower bud completely. The staminal column is long on
which anthers are compactly arranged. The anther filament is of same length. Bolls are large and deeply
pitted with black oil glands. Red spot is present at the base of petal.

Bracts are united at the base in diploid cottons and free in tetraploid cottons. Diploid cottons have
high degree of resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, whereas tetraploid cottons have high yielding
capacity and good fibre quality.

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 Cotton Varieties and Hybrids

COTTON VARIETIES

The varietal improvement work in cotton started as early as in 1904 when Agricultural
Departments were established in various states. It was further strengthened in 1923 when Indian Central
Cotton Committee (ICCC) was constituted. The varietal improvement work got momentum with the
inception of All India Coordinated Cotton Improvement Project (AICCIP) in April, 1967. After inception of
AICCIP, 90 varieties of upland cotton, 3 of Egyptian cotton, 39 of diploid cottons and 43 hybrids have
been released for commercial cultivation in different states of India. A brief account of cotton varieties
released from different states is presented below:

North zone consists of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Western U.P. In Punjab, varietal
improvement work is carried out at Ludhiana and Faridkot. Ludhiana is the main centre and Faridkot is
the sub-centre. In Punjab, 18 varieties of upland cotton and six of arboreum cotton have been released so
far. The currently cultivated varieties include LH 900, LH 1556, F846 and F 1378 in G.hirsutum and G.27,
LD 327 and LD 491 in G.arboreum (Table 3 and 4).
In Haryana, cotton improvement work is carried out at Hisar. From Hisar, 8 varieties of
G.hirsutum and 5 of G.arboreum have been released so far. However, four varieties of former species
(HS 6, H 974, H 1098 and HS 182) and three of latter (DS 5, HD 107 and HD 123) are presently under
cultivation.

In Rajasthan, cotton breeding work is done at Sriganganagar and Banswara. The former is the
main research centre and the latter is sub-centre. In Rajasthan, six varieties of G.hirsutum and two of
G.arboreum have been released for commercial cultivation so far. The presently cultivated varieties
include RST 9, Ganganagar Ageti and RS 875 in G.hirsutum and RG 8 in G.arboreum.

In Uttar Pradesh, cotton is cultivated in western part on few thousand hectares. Presently, the
breeding work is carried out at Kanpur. The currently cultivated varieties include Vikas (upland) and Lohit
(arboreum).

Central Zone includes Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat. In M.P., 8 varieties of
G.hirsutum and 4 of G.arboreum have been released so far. Three varieties of former (Khandwa 2,
Khandwa 3 and Vikram) and two of latter (Maljari and Jawahar Tapti) are currently under cultivation. In
M.P., cotton breeding work is carried out at Khandwa and Indore. Khandwa is the main research centre
and Indore is sub-centre.

In Maharashtra, varietal improvement of cotton is carried out at Akola, Nanded, Rahuri and
Jalgaon. The first three are main centres and the last one is the sub-centre. In Maharashtra, 14 varieties
of G.hirsutum and 20 of G.arboreum have been released for commercial cultivation so far. The currently
cultivated varieties include DHY 286, Purnima, AKH 081 and Rajat in G.hirsutum and AKH 4, AKH 5, AKA
8401, Y1 and PA 183 in G.arboreum.

In Gujarat, cotton breeding work is carried out at Surat, Talod, Bharuch, Charodi and Junagarh.
Surat is the main research centre and rest are sub-centres. In Gujarat, G.herbaceum is also cultivated
besides G.hirsutum and G.arboreum. In this state, 7 varieties of G.hirsutum, 4 of G.arboreum and 11 of
G.herbaceum have been released so far. However, two varieties of G.hirsutum (G.Cot 12 and G.Cot 16),
three of G.arboreum (Sanjay, G.Cot 15 and G.Cot 19) and three of G.herbaceum (G.Cot 13, G.Cot 17
and G.Cot 19) are currently under cultivation.

South Zone consists of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. In A.P., cotton breeding
work is carried out at Guntur and Nandyal. The former is the main centre. In A.P., 12 varieties of
G.hirsutum and 8 of G.arboreum have been released for commercial cultivation so far. The currently

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 Cotton Varieties and Hybrids

cultivated varieties include Kanchana, LK 861, L 389, L 603 and L 604 in G.hirsutum and Srisailam,
Mahanandi and NA 1325 in G.arboreum.

In Karnataka, cotton improvement work is carried out at Dharwad, Arbhavi and Siruguppa.
Dharwad is the main research centre and rest are sub-centres. In Karnataka, 10 varieties of G.hirsutum
and 7 of G.herbaceum have been released so far. Varieties which are presently under cultivation sharda,
Abadhita and Sahana in G. hirsutum and DB 3-12 and Raichur 15 in G.herbaceum.

In Tamil Nadu, cotton breeding work is carried out a Coimbatore, Kovilpatti and Srivilliputhur.
Coimbatore is the main centre and others are sub-centres. In Tamil Nadu, 25 varieties of G.hirsutum, 3 of
G.barbadense and 7 of G.arboreum have been released so far. However, 5 varieties of G.hirsutum (MCU
7, LRA 5166, MCU 5 VT, SVPR 2 and Surabhi), 2 of G.arboreum (K10 and K 11) and one of G.
barbadense (Suvin) are currently under cultivation.

COTTON HYBRIDS

In India, hybrid cotton era started since 1970 with the release of world’s first cotton hybrid “H 4”
from Cotton Research Station Surat of Gujarat Agricultural University. This hybrid was developed by Late
Dr.C.T.Patel who is rightly called as father of hybrid cotton. This hybrid, by virtue of its high yield potential
and wide adaptability, became very much popular among the farmers wide adaptability, became very
much popular among the farmers initially in the Gujarat state and lateron in other adjacent states such as
Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Two years after the release of H 4, the
world’s first interspecific hybrid between G.hirsutum and G.barbadense was released from the cotton
Research Sciences, Bangalore under the name “Varalaxmi”. Initially, Varalaxmi was released for
cultivation in Karnataka state, but later on spread to other states such as Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh
and Maharashtra under irrigated areas. With the success of these two hybrids, heterosis breeding got
momentum in the country and several hybrids in tetraploid cottons and few in diploid cottons were
released for commercial cultivation. Now hybrids have been released for commercial cultivation in all the
major cotton growing states.

Though the work for developing commercial hybrids especially in tetraploid cotton was initiated
around 1930 at cotton Research Station, Surat, but the dream could be fulfilled after a gap of 40 years in
1970. The hybrids cotton era is divided into two parts, viz. (1) conventional hybrid era, and (2) male
sterility based hybrid era. In the beginning, all the cotton hybrids were developed by conventional method
i.e., by hand emasculation and pollination. However, the seed of conventional hybrids is very expensive
as several labourers are engaged for emasculation.

With a view to reduce the cost of hybrid seed, efforts were made to develop hybrids using genetic
male sterile or cytoplasmic male sterile lines. The first genetic male sterility (GMS) based hybrid was
released in 1978 from Central Institute for Cotton Research, Regional Station, Coimbatore in the name of
the “Suguna” in upland cotton for Tamil Nadu state. However, this hybrid could not become popular in the
state of Tamil Nadu, mainly due to poor yield than conventional hybrids. Efforts were also made to
develop cytoplasmic genic male sterility (CGMS) based hybrid cotton. The first CGMS based cotton
hybrid was released for commercial cultivation in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra under the name of
PKV Hy3 while was developed at Cotton Research Station of Punjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth
(PDKV), Akola in 1993. However, yield of this hybrid is also 10-15 lower than conventional hybrid
developed using the same parents.

Now, concerted efforts are being made by various cotton research centres to release CGMS
based cotton hybrids. Some CGMS based hybrids are already in the pipelines which are expected to be
released in years ahead. There are several problems associated with CGMS hybrids such as low
productivity, susceptibility to insect pests etc. efforts are on to overcome these problems are in the

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 Cotton Varieties and Hybrids

pipeline. In diploid cotton, the main constraint in the spread of hybrid cultivation is non-availability of
hybrid seed due to low seed setting.

Cotton hybrids are cultivated in South and Central zones. In north zone less than 1% cotton area
is covered by hybrids. The currently cultivated hybrids include H6, H8, H10 in Gujarat; DCH 32, DHB 105
and DHH 11 in Karnataka; Savita, TCHB 213, Surya and Sruthi in Tamil Nadu, LAHH 4 and JKHy-1 and
JKHy-2 in Madhya Pradesh. Diploid hybrids cover very little area (1%).

Table-3: Important Features of Tetraploid Cotton Varieties Released From Different States of India

Variety/ Year of Yield Duration Ginning M.H.L. Spinning Area

Hybrid Release (q/ha) (Days) Percent (mm) Counts of cultivation
PUNJAB
LSS 1932 10 215 31 21 30 Punjab, Haryana
P 216 F 1948 11 200 31 22 30 Andhra Pradesh
320 F 1951 11 180 30 23 28 Punjab,Haryana,
Rajasthan
J 34 1961 11 190 34 25 36 Hisar Tract
J 205 1973 12 195 34 25 36 Punjab,Haryana,
Rajasthan
B.N. 1976 13 170 33 22 32 Whole Punjab
F 414 1977 13 180 33 23 25 Punjab
LH 372 1980 15 175 33 25 30 Punjab
F 286 1983 21 165 33 22 30 Punjab
LH 900 1985 27 170 34 22 30 Punjab
BC 761 (IARI) 1985 20 160 35 23 30 Punjab, Haryana,
Rajasthan
F 505 1986 24 170 34 22 30 Punjab
LH 886 1988 26 165 35 22 30 Punjab
Jurhad 1990 25 170 35 25 30 Punjab
LH 1134 1990 22 170 35 27 40 Punjab
F 1054 1993 26 170 36 23 30 Punjab
F 846 1993 26 170 35 23 30 Whole Punjab
LH 1556 1996 21 170 34 27 40 Punjab
F 1378 1997 30 175 35 23 30 Punjab
HARYANA
H 14 1954 10 165 35 24 30 Haryana
H 655 C 1978 18 190 34 27 40 Sirsa Zone
H 777 1978 18 180 34 23 40 Whole Haryana
HS 45 1987 21 175 34 21 30 Haryana
HS 6 1991 22 175 36 22 30 Haryana
H 974 1991 21 170 35 23 30 Haryana
H 1098 1995 19 175 35 25 30 Whole Haryana
HS 182 1997 22 165 36 21 30 Whole Haryana
RAJASTHAN
PST 9 1965 13 210 33 23 30 North Rajasthan
RS 89 1972 14 210 33 26 40 Rajasthan
G.Ageti 1978 14 190 33 23 28 Sriganganagar
RS 513 1985 16 190 34 22 30 North Rajasthan
RST 9 1991 26 175 36 23 30 North Rajasthan
RS 875 1997 30 175 35 23 30 North Rajasthan
U.P
Pramukh 1965 10 180 33 24 30 Western U.P.

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 Cotton Varieties and Hybrids

SH 131 1977 11 170 36 23 30 Western U.P.

Vikas 1987 20 160 33 23 30 Western U.P.
M.P
Indore 1 1945 8 190 30 22 27 Rajasthan
Indore 2 1950 6R 200 35 24 30 Nimar& Malwa Area
Narmada 1959 5R 200 35 24 30 Nimar Region
(A 51-9)
Badnawar 1 1961 6R 190 34 25 36 Malwa region
Khandwa 1 1967 6R 200 36 24 40 Nimar Region
Khandwa 2 1971 8R 160 36 24 30 Nimar &
Hoshangabad region
Vikram 1981 9R 160 33 24 35 Malwa Region
Khandwa 3 1984 9R 180 34 23 36 Nimar Region
MAHARASHTRA
Buri 107 1948 4R 220 33 24 30 Vidarbha & Nimar
M.P.
Buri 0394 1950 4R 220 34 25 30 Vidarbha & Nimar
M.P.
Buri 147 1960 5R 200 36 26 40 Vidarbha area
B 1007 1971 5R 220 34 25 40 Vidarbha region
DHY 286 1975 10 R 200 36 25 40 Vidarbha &
Marathwada
Purnima 1985 10 R 190 40 23 30 Marathwada
KOP 498 1986 24 155 37 25 40 Deccan Canal Area
AKH 081 1987 10 R 160 38 24 40 Vidarbha Region
Nagnath 1990 12 R 190 41 25 40 Marathwada
CNH 36 1993 10 R 175 35 25 40 Marathwada, Gujarat
JLH 168 1993 10 R 180 36 24 40 Khandesh
NH 452 1994 12 R 180 37 25 34 Marathwada
Rajat 1994 12 R 175 39 25 40 Vidarbha Region
Arogya 1995 12 R 180 35 21 12 Vidarbha, Gujarat
GUJARAT
Deviraj (170CO2) 1951 12 R 235 36 27 43 Whole Gujarat
Devitej 1952 8R 240 35 27 36 Middle Gujarat
(134CO2M)
G 67 1963 10 R 250 33 30 50 South & Middle
Gujarat
SRT 1 (G.Cot 10) 1974 13 R 160 37 25 40 Whole Gujarat
Vishnu (G.Cot 1974 20 240 32 29 50 South Gujarat
100)
G.Cot 12 1981 6R 220 36 24 23 Waged area
G.Cot 16 1995 16 R 140 37 25 40 Middle Gujarat
A.P.
Krishna (AC 122) 1968 10 R 145 33 25 36 Rice Fallows, A.P.
Mahal Laxmi 1972 5R 180 35 23 24 Rainfed, A.P.
Amrawati (AV 1978 23 170 35 27 40 NSP and Coastal
1661) 6R Rainfed Areas
Sangam (V 14) 1978 11 140 33 25 40 Rice Fallows, A.P.
Fedraj 1978 25 150 36 24 30 Rabi Areas, A.P.
NA 247 1982 8R 150 35 25 40 Rayal Seema, A.P.
NA 920 1988 25 170 38 24 34 Rayal Seema, A.P.
L 389 1993 25 170 35 27 50 NSP Tract,A.P.
L 603 1997 23 155 35 28 40 Nagarjuna Sagar
Tract

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 Cotton Varieties and Hybrids

L 604 1997 26 160 36 26 40 Rice Fallows, A.P.

KARNATAKA
Laxmi 1948 12 180 35 23 30 Karnataka
Hampi 1968 8 190 34 23 34 Karnataka
Mysore Vijay 1968 14 210 36 26 40 Karnataka
Bhagya 1972 5R 170 38 24 36 Karnataka
DS 51 1980 16 170 38 28 50 Karnataka
Sharda 1981 12 R 180 38 28 40 Karnataka Rainfed
Sowbhagya(DS 1981 19 165 36 25 40 Tungbhadra area
59)
Abadhita 1988 25 180 37 27 50 Karnataka
JK 119 1988 25 180 40 27 40 Tungbhadra Tract
Sahana 1996 20 170 40 26 40 South Zone
TAMIL NADU
CO2 1929 7 190 31 24 24 T.N.Winter Crop
CO4 1939 9 190 34 24 24 T.N.Summer Crop
MCU 1 1950 9 180 32 27 36 Tamil Nadu
MCU 2 1955 10 180 35 27 36 Tamil Nadu
PRS 72 1966 8 125 36 25 40 Tamil Nadu
MCU 4 1967 10 165 37 28 50 Summer Tract
MCU 5 1968 19 165 35 30 50 Tamil Nadu, A.P.
Sujata * 1969 14 180 30 32 90 Tamil Nadu
MCU 6 1970 5R 160 37 25 40 Tamil Nadu
MCU 7 1972 12 145 35 23 30 TN Rice Fallows
MCU 8 1974 15 160 35 28 50 Summer Tract
Suvin* 1974 15 190 30 36 120 Tamil Nadu
Suman 1976 14 150 38 26 40 T.N.,A.P.,K.S.
MCU 9 1978 18 165 36 30 50 Winter Tract
Supriya 1979 18 145 38 29 50 T.N. and A.P
KC 1 1980 9 180 34 23 40 Tamil Nadu
TNB 1* 1981 13 170 32 33 80 Tamil Nadu-
MCU 1982 20 165 34 29 50 WinterTract, T.N.
5 VT
MCU 10 1982 8R 165 36 25 40 Rainfed areas
LRA 5166 1982 10 R 180 35 24 34 TN,AP,MS,KS
MCU 11 1988 22 155 35 26 50 Winter Tract
SVPR 1 1991 16 R 135 35 25 40 Summer Tract
Paiyur 1 1991 11.5 150 37 23 40 WinterRainfed Tract
ADT 1 1992 12 125 34 22 40 Rice Fallows
LRK 516 1992 12 R 160 36 25 36 Maharashtra, Gujarat
SVPR 2 1996 16 160 36 25 30 Summer Tract
Surabhi 1997 35 170 35 29 55 South Zone
KC 2 1997 7.5 150 37 25 40 Tamil Nadu

R=Rainfed yield
*G.barbadense varieties.

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 Cotton Varieties and Hybrids

Table-4: Important Features of Diploid Cotton Varieties Released from Different States of India

Variety/ Year of Yield Duration Ginning M.H.L. Spinning Area

Hybrid Release (q/ha) (Days) Percent (mm) Counts of cultivation
PUNJAB
231 R 1959 10 180 35 16 8 North Punjab
G 27 1969 10 165 37 16 9 Punjab, Haryana
LD 133 1978 12 170 35 17 9 Punjab
LD 230 1981 20 170 38 18 9 Punjab
LD 327 1987 20 170 41 16 8 Punjab
LD 491 1996 14 175 39 20 10 Punjab
HARYANA
HD 11 1978 10 155 40 15 9 Haryana
DS 1 1984 20 180 38 18 9 Haryana
DS 5 1987 23 170 40 16 9 Haryana
HD 107 1996 36 175 38 18 10 Haryana
HD 123 1997 23 165 39 18 10 Haryana
U.P
Shyamali 1965 4R 180 39 19 14 Western U.P.
Lohit 1969 4R 170 38 18 10 Western U.P.
RAJASTHAN
Ganganagar 1 1942 9 180 40 17 9 Sri Ganganagar area
RG 8 1986 17 180 39 16 9 Sri Ganganagar area
M.P
Malvi 9 1935 4R 180 33 20 14 Malwa and Nimar
Tracts
Bhoj 1942 4R 190 32 21 21 Malwa and Nimar
Tracts
Maljari 1954 6R 180 33 21 20 Malwa and Nimar
Tracts
Jawahar Tapti 1992 15 150 35 24 30 East and West Nimar
MAHARASHTRA
Jarila 1930 4R 200 34 22 22 Khandesh
V 434 1933 3.5 R 210 29 19 20 Vidarbha
Gaorani 6 1936 4R 210 32 22 26 Marathwada, A.P.
Virnar 1949 5R 220 38 22 20 Khandesh,Vidarbha,
M.P.
H 420 1949 5R 210 33 22 20 Vidarbha, A.P., K.S.
Gaorani 12 1950 3R 180 31 22 26 Marathwada
Gaorani 46 1953 4R 180 36 22 32 Western Maharashtra
Gaorani 22 1955 4R 180 37 23 30 Western Maharashtra
Daula t 1955 3R 180 36 22 20 Parbhani, M.S.
AK 235 1959 4R 220 40 23 29 Vidarbha
AK 277 1959 5R 200 41 23 30 Buldhana
Y1 1962 5R 190 39 24 30 Khandesh
Jyoti 1973 6R 190 39 24 26 Khandesh
AKH 4 1975 7R 190 39 24 30 Vidarbha and
Marathwada
AKA 5 1981 7R 180 39 22 30 Vidarbha and
Marathwada
Eknath (PA 32) 1981 9R 180 39 21 20 Marathwada
Rohini 1984 8R 175 39 24 26 Marathwada
AKA 8401 1989 10 200 38 25 40 Vidarbha region
PA 183 1996 18 180 39 27 35 Marathwada region

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 Cotton Varieties and Hybrids

AKA 7 1998 10 150 41 22 25 Vidarbha region

GUJARAT
Waged 8* 1930 6R 230 37 19 14 Waged area
Vijay* 1943 4.5 R 220 39 21 24 Middle Gujarat
Kalyan* 1947 6R 220 39 20 20 North Gujarat

Variety/ Year of Yield Duration Ginning M.H.L. Spinning Area

Hybrid Release (q/ha) (Days) Percent (mm) Counts of cultivation
Pratap 1947 3.5 R 220 32 19 18 Mathio Tract
Vijalpa* 1952 5R 220 36 22 26 South Gujarat
Digvijay* 1956 6R 170 39 23 38 Middle Gujarat
Sanjay 1958 5R 165 34 23 36 Mathio Tract
V 797* 1966 8R 160 39 22 30 Waged Zone
Sujay* 1971 6R 250 40 24 35 Middle Gujarat
G.Cot11 1979 10 R 140 38 24 37 South& Middle
(1449)* Gujarat
G.Cot 13* 1981 8R 190 39 23 30 Waged Area
G.Cot 15* 1989 16 R 150 38 22 30 Mathio Tract
G.Cot 17* 1995 11 R 210 37 23 40 Middle Gujarat
G.Cot 19* 1997 11 R 140 34 23 30 Mathio Tract
G.Cot 21* 1998 11 R 215 42 22 30 Part of Waged
Area
A.P
N 14 1918 3.5 R 200 25 24 32 Kurnool District
Gaorani 6 1936 4R 180 32 23 27 Rayal Seema
Cocanada 1 1947 5R 220 28 20 18 A.P.
Cocanada 2 1951 5R 220 30 20 18 A.P.

Rayal Seema 1952 3R 220 33 20 24 RayalSeema,

1 A.P
Srisailam 1976 5R 150 35 22 26 Kurnool, A.P.
Mahanandi 1978 5R 180 32 22 26 A.P.
Saraswati 1978 5R 180 36 25 36 A.P.
NA 1325 1993 8 180 36 24 30 Andhra Pradesh
KARNATAKA
Jayawant* 1928 6R 230 28 21 26 Raichur and
Gulbarga
Western 1* 1930 3R 190 29 21 24 Karnataka
Selection 69* 1942 2.5 R 230 30 20 20 South and
Central
Karnataka
Jayadhar* 1950 4R 180 30 23 30 Karnataka
Suyodhar* 1963 3R 180 28 22 35 Karnataka
Raichur 51* 1968 3R 200 34 21 26 Karnataka
DB 3-12 1979 4R 170 33 22 30 North East
Karnataka
TAMIL NADU
K5 1944 2R 200 27 23 26 Tamil Nadu
K2 1947 2.5 R 210 31 23 26 Tamil Nadu
K7 1964 4R 200 34 25 34 Tamil Nadu

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 Cotton Varieties and Hybrids

K8 1971 5R 160 35 26 37 Tamil Nadu

K9 1978 5R 150 37 25 35 Tamil Nadu
K 10 1984 7R 145 38 24 30 Tamil Nadu
K 11 1992 8R 135 35 24 30 Tamil Nadu

R=Rainfed yield
*G.herbaceum varieties

Table -5: Important Features of Cotton Hybrids Released from Different States of India

Variety/ Species Year of Yield Duratio Ginning M.H.L Spinnin Area of

Hybrid involved Release (q/ha) n (Days) Percent (mm) g cultivation
Counts
GUJARAT
H4 HH 1970 35 230 33 28 50 Gujarat,A.P.,Ka
rnataka,
Maharashtra
H6 HH 1980 35 210 34 27 60 Gujarat,Mahara
shtra, A.P.
DH 7 hA 1985 15 R 190 37 22 30 Gujarat State
DH 9 hA 1988 15 R 190 34 28 40 Gujarat State,
M.P.
H8 HH 1989 35 180 36 28 50 Gujarat State
H 10 HH 1995 18 R 150 35 26 40 Gujarat State
KARNATAKA
Varalaxmi HB 1972 30 210 35 31 80 South Zone
and
Maharashtra
DCH 32 HB 1981 35 190 36 33 80 South Zone
and
Maharashtra
DDH 2 hA 1992 12 R 180 34 22 20 South Zone
DHB 105 HB 1996 30 190 34 33 80 South Zone
DHH 11 HH 1996 30 190 35 27 50 South Zone

Variety/ Species Year of Yield Duration Ginning M.H.L Spinning Area of

Hybrid involved Release (q/ha) (Days) Percent (mm) Counts cultivation
TAMIL NADU
CBS 156 HB 1974 30 180 32 33 100 Tamil Nadu
Suguna HH 1978 30 150 35 25 40 Tamil Nadu
KCH 1 HB 1980 30 150 34 31 60 Tamil Nadu
Savita HH 1987 30 170 34 30 60 TN and AP
HB 224 HB 1989 30 170 33 31 80 Tamil Nadu
TCHB 213 HB 1990 30 190 32 33 80 Tamil Nadu
Surya HH 1997 25 170 38 31 60 South Zone
Sruthi HB 1997 30 150 33 37 80 South Zone
MAHARASHTRA
Godavari HH 1978 15 R 180 35 28 50 Marathwada
(NHH 1) Region
Savitri HB 1978 28 175 32 30 60 Deccan
(RHR 253) Canal Area
PKV hy2 HH 1981 12 R 180 36 27 40 Vidarbha

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 Cotton Varieties and Hybrids

NHH 44 HH 1983 23 180 35 24 50 Marathwada

RHH 195 HH 1986 21 160 36 24 40 Deccan
(Sampada) Canal Area
NHB 12 HB 1989 30 180 33 33 80 Marathwada
CICR HH1 HH 1991 25 185 35 25 36 Marathwada

Variety/ Species Year of Yield Duration Ginning M.H.L Spinning Area of

Hybrid involved Release (q/ha) (Days) Percent (mm) Counts cultivation
NHH 302 HH 1991 20 170 35 25 40 Marathwada
PKV Hy-3 HH 1994 15 R 180 37 25 40 Marathwada
and Gujarat
PKV Hy-4 HH 1996 20 165 35 28 50 Vidarbha
Region
Pha 46 Ha 1996 17 180 32 28 40 Marathwada
M.P.
JKHY-1 Hh 196 25 210 35 27 50 M.P.,A.P.
JKHY-11 Hb 1782 18 240 31 31 60 Irrigated areas
M.P.
JKHY-2 Hh 1997 30,15 180 34 27 50 M.P.
R
A.P.
NHB 80 Hb 1982 20 170 34 27 50 NSP area
LAHH 1 Hh 1987 28 150 35 29 60 Whole A.P.
LAHH 4 Hh 1997 30 170 35 31 40 All three
zones
PUNJAB
Fateh HH 1994 30 180 34 25 30 Punjab
LDH 11 AA 1994 20 175 36 22 20 Punjab
LHH 144 HH 1998 28 180 35 28 50 Punjab
HARYANA
Dhanalaxmi HH 1994 25 180 35 26 40 Haryana
Om Shankar HH 1996 28 165 34 25 40 North zone
AAH 1 AA 1999 24 180 38 16 Below 10 Haryana
RAJASTHAN
Maru Vikas HH 1994 30 180 34 24 30 Rajasthan

R=Rainfed yield
HH=Intra-hirsutum, HB=hirsutum x barbadense, AA=Intra-arboreum,
hA=herbaceum x arboreum

SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS

In India, remarkable progress has been made in cotton breeding after independence. The major
achievements of cotton breeding include: (1) improvement in yield, (2) improvement in quality, (3)
resistance to insects and diseases, (4) earliness, and (5) adaptability. These aspects are briefly
discussed below.

 Improvement in yield

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 Cotton Varieties and Hybrids

In cotton, yield is measured in two ways, viz seed cotton yield and lint yield. Seed cotton yield refers to
yield of cotton before ginning. It includes both lint and seed. On the other hand, lint yield refers to yield of
fibre after ginning. In cotton, fibre or lint is the main product. In cotton, boll number per plant and boll
weight are the major yield components. Ginning per cent is an important component of lint yield.

In India, significant improvement has been achieved in cotton yield after independence. The present
average (1999-2000) lint yield of cotton is 320 kg/ha which was only 81 kg/ha during 1947-48. Moreover,
the present average seed cotton yield of best variety/hybrid is 40 q/ha which was only 15 q/ha during
1947-48 (Table-6). This increase in cotton yield could be achieved through development of high yielding
varieties and hybrids. India is the pioneer country in the world for successful exploitation of heterosis
(hybrid vigour) in cotton on commercial scale. The first hybrid was released in 1970 from Cotton Research
Station, Surat of Gujarat Agricultural University by late Dr.C.T.Patel. Since then several cotton hybrids
have been released for cultivation in south and central cotton growing zones. Recently, some hybrids
have been released in Punjab (Fateh, LHH 144, LDH 11), Haryana (Dhanalaxmi and AAH1) and
Rajasthan (RAJ HH 16). Hybrid Omshankar has been released for cultivation in the entire northern zone.
Besides hybrids, superior varieties have been released in all cotton growing states of India. The first
cotton hybrid i.e. H4 which was developed at Surat, recorded seed cotton yield up to 100 q/ha under
telephone system of cotton cultivation under Gujarat conditions. Hybrids with high yield potential have
also been released in diploid cottons (DH 7, DH 9, Pha 46, LDH 11 and DDH 2) from Surat, Parbhani,
Ludhiana and Dharwad. All India Coordinated Cotton Improvement Project (AICCIP) has played
significant role in the development of high yielding varieties and hybrids.

 Improvement in Fibre Quality

In cotton, fibre or lint is the main product. Fibre quality includes fibre length, strength, fineness, maturity
and uniformity. The spinning capacity is also an indication of fibre quality. Significant achievements have
been made in fibre quality especially fibre length and spinning capacity. The MCU 5 was the first extra
long staple variety of G.hirsutum released in India. Lateron, still better variety known as MCU 9 was
released. In G.barbadense, release of variety Sujata resulted in significant breakthrough in quality
improvement. It was capable of spinning 100 counts and was comparable to several Egyptian and Sudan
types. In G.barbadense release of another variety named as Suvin which is capable of spinning 120
counts, is a distinct landmark in the quality improvement in India. This variety is cultivated in Tamil Nadu
and is comparable to Egyptian Giza 45 in quality. At present, the staple length of best variety is 37 mm
and spinning ability is 120 counts which were 24 mm and 28 counts in 1947-48. Thus, significant
improvement has been made in fibre length and spinning cspacity. Moreover, long staple varieties have
also been released in G.arboreum. The long staple varieties of G.arboreum include K 8, K 9, K 10, K 11,
Saraswati and AKA 8401. In cotton, there is an increasing demand for easy care fabrics that are washed
easily and need little pressing. Some varieties have been developed which have easy care properties.

 Insect and Disease Resistance

Cotton crop is attacked by several diseases and insect pests resulting in considerable losses in yield. The
genetic resistance is the cheapest and the best way of reducing such losses in yield. In India, work on
insect and disease resistance breeding has been extensively reviewed by various workers. In upland
cotton, variety MCU 5 VT resistant to Verticillum wilt was released from Coimbatore. In G.arboreum and
G.herbaceum, all the varieties released after 1967 are resistant to Fusarium wilt. In G.hirsutum, some
jassid resistant varieties (B 1007, SRT 1, Khandwa 2, DHY 286, PKV 081) and hybrids (PKV hy2 and
NHH 44) have been released. Varieties LK 861 and Kanchana are resistant to white fly. In USA,
Monsanto Seed Company has developed transgenic cotton which is resistant to Helicoverpa armigera.

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 Cotton Varieties and Hybrids

Table-6 : Progress of cotton breeding from 1947 to 1999-2000

Particulars 1947-48 1999-2000 Remarks
Area lakh hectares 43 87 Roughly double
Production lakh bales 23 164 About seven times
Lint yield (kg/ha) 81 320 Nearly four times
Yield potential (seed cotton) of 40 100 Two and half times
the best variety/ hybrid (q/ha)
Average seed cotton yield of 15 40 More than double
the best variety/ hybrid (q/ha)
Highest spinning capacity 37 120 Significant milestone
(count)
Spinning spectrum (count) 6-40 6-120 Significant achievement
Egyptian cotton varieties No Yes Acclimatization
Hybrid cotton No Yes Significant milestone
Long staple varieties in No Yes K 9, K 10, K 11, AKA 8401
G.arboreum significant achievement

 Earliness

Earliness is a desirable character which has several advantages.Early varieties permit multiple crossing
system, escape from late season pests, reduce costs on pesticidal sprays and crop management
resulting in reduction in the cost of cultivation. In cotton, maturity duration has been significantly reduced.
Most of the earlier cotton varieties used to mature in 240-270 days. Similarly, hybrids had maturity
duration of 230-240 days. This maturity duration has been reduced from 270 days to 170 days in case of
varieties and from 240 days to 180 days in case of hybrids. Variety LRK 516 matures in 170 days and
hybrid H 8 matures in 180 days. Early varieties/ hybrids have less incidence of pink bollworm compared to
long duration varieties.
 Adaptability

Adaptability refers to capacity of a variety for adaptation over a wide range of environmental conditions. In
other words, it refers to suitability of a variety for general cultivation over a wide range of environmental
conditions. Adaptability of a variety is measured in terms of phenotypic stability over multilocations.
Varietal adaptability is important for stabilization of production over regions and seasons. In cotton, some
varieties and hybrids with wide adaptability have been released from 1970 onwards. Examples of
adaptable varieties are Bikaneri Narma, MCU 5, SRT 1 and LRA 5166. Variety Bikaneri Narma was
developed in Punjab, which spreads to Haryana, Rajasthan and Northern Madhya Pradesh due to its
wide adaptability. Variety SRT 1 was released in Gujarat but also became popular in Maharashtra and
Madhya Pradesh. Similarly, varieties MCU 5 and LRA 5166 released for Tamil Nadu state spread to
Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh by virtue of their wide adaptability. Hybrid H 4 was
released for Gujarat state in 1970 but by virtue of its wide adaptation it spread to other states like
Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Similarly, hybrid DCH 32 (Jayalaxmi)
was released for Karnataka state, but to its wide adaptability it spread to Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh
and Western Maharashtra.

FUTURE THRUSTS

The present mills’ requirement of cotton in India is about 140 lakh bales per annum. This will be
about 190 lakh bales by 2001 A.D. To keep pace with the increasing cotton demands, the future breeding
efforts have to be made on the following thrust areas.

1. Development of cytoplasmic genic male sterility (CGMS) based hybrids for irrigated
and rainfed conditions.

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 Cotton Varieties and Hybrids

2. Development of short duration (165 days) tetraploid or diploid hybrids with 4 tonnes
of seed cotton yield / hectare for northern zone.

3. Development of hybrids and varieties suitable for machine picking.

4. Development of short duration, short statured and compact cultivars in tetraploid cotton to achieve
quantum jump in the productivity by adopting closer spacing
(population explosion).

5. Development of hybrids and cultivars resistant to moisture stress conditions.

6. Development of transgenic cotton varieties / hybrids resistant to bollworms using

B.t gene.

7. In North zone, there is an increasing incidence of leaf curl virus in upland cotton
(G.hirsutum). Hence, there is need to develop varieties of upland cotton resistant to leaf
curl virus for northern zone.

8. Development of cotton cultivars suitable for late sowing.

9. Development of cotton hybrids and cultivars with wide adaptability.

10. Development of varieties / hybrids with high fibre strength suitable for high speed (jet
and rotobar) spinning. Development of such cultivars is also necessary to compete in
the global market.

11. Development of G.barbadense varieties better than suvin.

12. Development of neps and motes free intra-barbadense hybrids for irrigated areas of
Tamil Nadu.

13. There is an increasing demand of naturally coloured cotton. Hence, efforts have to be
made to develop high yielding and good quality varieties and hybrids of naturally
coloured cotton.

14. There is demand from some countries like Germany and U.K. for organic cotton.
Hence, there is need to develop varieties and hybrids of cotton suitable for organic
cultivation.

--- The End ---

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