India: Central Institute for Cotton Research develops cotton genotypes that mature in l20 days

A scientist at Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR) has developed cotton genotypes which matures in less than 120 days. The crop is cultivated presently at Coimbatore and Nagpur which was successful. It will take two more years within which period the crop will be tried at various places in the country to check whether it would maintain the same duration in different weather conditions. It will also make it clear how many varieties of cotton will this genotype yield.

According to CICR Director Dr Keshav Kranthi, who left for US for a new responsibility, crop duration would range from just 100-120 days compared to conventional cotton varieties which range from 180 to 240 days. The two short duration cotton genotypes are likely to be the earliest maturing ones in the world as the period of maturity in some European countries is 150 days, added Dr Kranthi.

Attributing the credit to Dr Santosh H B, Scientist (Plant Breeding), Division of Crop Improvement, CICR, ICAR, Dr Kranthi said, “It was difficult for me to believe at first when Dr Santosh told me about the discovery but then results came and the picture was clear. The varieties which would come after two years will be promising and can get very good price internationally. When this variety becomes available to farmers after two years — after we complete field trials India will have moved from the longest-duration cotton variety to the shortest-duration one,”

Dr Santosh H B told The Hitavada, “These cotton genotypes are very early in duration (less than 120 days), tolerant to sucking pests (Jassids), having compact plant architecture ideally suited for High Density Planting System (HDPS) and Mechanised harvesting. These genotypes can provide higher cotton yields under HDPS and they require very less of inputs, management and time thus, providing better economic returns to cotton farmers. They can be made available for cultivation in the form of cotton varieties both in Bt and non-Bt versions after two years stabilisation process.”

These genotypes may give birth to one or more than one varieties after two years. It is likely that they have advantages like higher yield, quality fibre, minimum cultivation cost with more profit, minimum management, water use efficiency, insecticide efficacy, minimum pesticide usage. Dr Santosh said, “The new varieties are resistant to sucking pests, a problem still associated with even Bt cotton.

The CICR has decided to give the name to the variety as ‘Yugank’. Yugank was the son of Dharwad’s cotton scientist S S Patil, who provided the original material. Patil’s son died in a mishap last year.