Cotton Genetics and Breeding

Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is a soft, fluffy staple fibre that develops in a boll, or protective casing, around the seeds of cotton plants of the genus Gossypium in the mallow family Malvaceae. Arboreums are thought to be indigenous to India. G. herbaceum may have been introduced into western India from Arabia, Persia and Baluchistan, as well as race acerifolium. Cotton is the most widely used fibre in the production of clothing and other textiles. Around 25 million tonnes of cotton are currently produced worldwide. China and India produce the most cotton, followed by Brazil and the United States of America. Cotton is Ethiopia's most important cash crop, and it is vital to the country's agricultural, industrial and economic development. It provides basic raw materials (cotton fibre) to the textile industry for use in the domestic or export markets. Currently, 96% of cotton varieties grown in the country are upland, with DP 90 covering 80% of the acreage, Stam 59A (15%), Acala SJ2 (0.5%), and land races and local varieties accounting for the remaining 4%. Cotton cultivation has long been practiced in Ethiopia. Cotton is grown primarily in the Awash Valley, Gambela, Humera and Metema. Cotton has grown in many parts of the country. There are large potential areas in each region: Tigray has 269,130 ha; Amhara has 678,710 ha; South nations, nationalities and people region (SNNPR) has 600,900 ha; Oromia has 407,420 ha; Gambella has 316,450 ha; Benshangul has 303,170 ha; Afar has 200,000 ha and Somali has 225,000 ha. Germplasm enhancement, a lack of cotton seed production, and abiotic and biotic stresses are major production and cotton breeding constraints. Breeders are currently experimenting with these factors. Cotton breeding in Ethiopia has achieved varietal development. Among those released varieties, the major ones include disease resistance, high yield, pest resistance, high fibre quality, comfort to mechanical harvesting by increasing cotton height, early maturity and adaptability to harsh environments. In light of the challenges, we recommended the following feature directions for cotton breeders in Ethiopia. Work on extra-long cotton varieties, varieties suitable for mechanical harvesting, varieties for high fibre quality, varieties for biotic and abiotic resistance and upgrading breeding activities to modern biotechnological tools.