Selection of BGRR® herbaceous cotton lines for the Brazilian semi-arid region
José Jaime Vasconcelos Cavalcanti, Severino Moreira da Silva and Jailma Souza Thomaz
Abstract: Cotton farming plays an important socioeconomic role in the Brazilian semi-arid region. The high cost of seeds and risk of crop failure from irregular rainfall limit the use of transgenic cultivars in the region, especially in family farming. Low-cost transgenic cultivars adapted to the semi-arid region would assist in overcoming these limitations. The aim of this study was to select cotton lines grown under rainfed conditions in northeastern Brazil. Nineteen (19) BGRR® cotton lines were evaluated in Alagoinha, PB, over two years under rainfed conditions. Agronomic and fiber quality traits were evaluated. Individual and joint analyses were carried out, followed by use of a selection index. The selected long-fiber lines are CNPA-SA-2018-4226 and CNPA-SA-2018-4231, and selected medium-fiber lines are CNPA-SA-2018-4254, CNPA-SA-2018-4239, and CNPA-SA-2018-4251, as they combine high yield and fiber quality traits that meet market demands. They have potential in development of cultivars for the region.