The variability of cotton accessions (Gossypium Hirsutum L.) with different leaf forms under non-irrigated conditions

Abstract

30 specimens of cotton with different leaf forms from Australia were evaluated under non-irrigated conditions at the VIR Budionnovsk experiment station in Stavropol region Australian samples during the first three years of trials were significantly later-ripening than the local standard POSS-2, but in the last 2 years only the Super Okra leaf genotypes were a little later-ripening. On agronomical traits most studied Australian accessions exceed the POSS-2 standard (by length of fibres — 30–32 vs. 25–27 mm, by turnout — 38–40 vs. 34–36%, by boll weight 5.6–5.8 vs 5.1–4.6 g), and may be used as sources of these features in breeding. Analysis of variability of traits in groups with different leaves form shows that the samples with Okra leaf are close to group varieties with typical leaf form in terms of variability character, but Super Okra leaf varieties vary greatly in terms of productivity and duration of the germination-maturity period. Research has shown that in dry years Super Okra leaf genotypes exceeded the normal leaf accessions, including standard ones, on productivity which is associated with a lower need for moisture plants with smaller leaves area. It is important to use such varieties, adapted to drought, in breeding of cotton in the Stavropol region, as there is currently a progressive climate aridization in this zone. Refs 24. Figs 7. Tables 4.