VIR cotton collection accessions of different origin for breeding in the North Caspian conditions

Abstract

Background. Climate change on the planet requires the creation of cultivars adapted to new conditions, which suggests a constant search for sources of the required traits, and the VIR cotton collection provides unlimited opportunities for breeding. Also, the harsh conditions of the northwestern Astrakhan region make it possible to identify the potential capabilities of the accessions. Materials and methods. 25 accessions of the VIR cotton collection were studied at the Caspian Agrarian Federal Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences (PAFSC RAS) in 2021 against the backdrop of adverse weather conditions. Comparative assessment of morphological and economically important features was carried out according to the VIR methodology. Factor analysis based on the principal component method has been performed. Excel 2016 and STATISTICA 7.0 were used. Results and discussion. The study resulted in the identification of accessions exceeding the ʻAC 5ʼ standard in terms of the yield. The Chinese accessions had a very good fiber yield and can serve as sources of this trait, although they are not too precocious and are characterized by a medium-size capsule. Unfavorable weather conditions during the period of fiber formation did not facilitate obtaining a very good quality fiber, but some accessions yielded fiber with a length of 32-33 mm. Conclusions. Factor analysis showed that American accessions are the least suitable for the conditions of the northern Astrakhan Region due to their late maturity and tall stature. The search for appropriate sources is promising among accessions originating from other regions.

Keywords

• variability
• productivity
• fiber quality
• early maturity
• adaptation