Genetic and Morphological Characterization of White- and Naturally Colored-Fiber Cotton ( <i>Gossypium hirsutum</i> L.) Genotypes and Their Hybrids
Annotatsiya
The genetic and morphological characterization of white- and naturally colored-fiber of G.hirsutum L. genotypes and their hybrids is essential for cotton breeding programs aimed at improving fiber quality, yield, and sustainability. This study assessed the genetic diversity and key morphological traits of a white-fibered cultivar (Genofond-2), two naturally colored lines (C-4043 – brown; Fiber Verte – green), and their reciprocal F1 hybrids. Morphological traits, including plant height, boll weight, fiber length, fiber yield, and fiber color, were measured, and molecular diversity was evaluated using SSR markers. Forty polymorphic markers (PIC = 0.24–0.59) were identified, with BNL2634 and BNL3255 linked to fiber quality traits and successfully introgressed into F2 populations. Significant genetic variation was observed, and hybrids frequently outperformed colored parental lines in fiber quality and yield. Heritability estimates indicated strong additive genetic effects for fiber yield (h2 = 0.70–0.76). These findings suggest that colored-fiber lines are most effectively used as male parents to improve fiber quality while maintaining natural pigmentation. The results provide valuable insights for developing high-yielding, high-quality, eco-friendly cotton cultivars for sustainable textile production.