Genetic Enhancement in Cotton

Abstract

To meet the market requirement, plant breeders have to develop improved cultivars, which is possible through use of elite breeding material which is developed through pre-- breeding. In the past, more attention has been given to adaptation and performance through selection than to generation of new variability to fulfill immediate needs. In the past, crop improvement has led to narrowing down of genetic base resulting in slower progress (genetic gain) in plant breeding and increased risk of genetic vulnerability. This has resulted in the accumulation of unused potential germplasm. In order to break these bottlenecks and to create superior gene pools, genetic enhancement or pre-breeding is required to enhance the value of germplasm.