DefinePK

Research Objective

To test promising cotton breeding material/strains for adaptability under various soil and agro-climatic conditions in Pakistan prior to their approval for general cultivation.

Methodology

The study involved conducting National Coordinated Varietal Trials (NCVT) across 15 different locations in Pakistan during the 2020-21 season. Four sets of trials (Set-A, Set-B, Set-C, Set-D) were conducted, testing a total of 85 candidate varieties (45 from public sector and 40 from private sector breeders). Varieties were categorized by their trial year: 38 in their first year, 46 in their second year, and 1 in its third year. The experimental design used was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Biochemical tests were also performed on seed samples at approved reference laboratories.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A[Initiate NCVT Trials] --> B[Distribute Candidate Varieties];
    B --> C[Conduct Trials across 15 Locations];
    C --> D[Collect Yield Data];
    C --> E[Perform Biochemical Analysis];
    D --> F[Analyze Yield Data];
    E --> G[Analyze Biochemical Data];
    F --> H[Identify High-Yielding Varieties];
    G --> H;
    H --> I[Conclude and Recommend Varieties];                    

Discussion

The NCVT program is crucial for evaluating new cotton varieties under diverse agro-climatic conditions across Pakistan. The trials provide essential data for breeders and regulatory bodies to make informed decisions about variety approval. The inclusion of both public and private sector breeders ensures a broad range of genetic material is tested. The yield data from multiple locations and replications allows for robust statistical analysis and identification of consistently high-performing varieties. The biochemical analysis adds another layer of assessment, particularly for Bt varieties.

Key Findings

- In NCVT Set-A, PC-2008 yielded the highest seed cotton at Cotton Research Institute Rahim Yar Khan, followed by PC-2004 at Cotton Research Station Sibbi.
- In NCVT Set-B, PC-2011 showed the highest yield at Cotton Research Station Faisalabad, followed by PC-2032 at the same location.
- In NCVT Set-C, PC-2039 yielded the highest at NIAB Faisalabad, followed by PC-2038 at Cotton Research Institute Rahim Yar Khan.
- In NCVT Set-D, PC-2065 had the highest yield at Cotton Research Station Sibbi, followed by PC-2077 at the same location.
- Most tested strains showed Cry1Ac gene quantification above the standard level of 2.5µg/g.

Conclusion

The National Coordinated Varietal Trials (NCVT) for cotton in Pakistan during 2020-21 successfully evaluated a significant number of candidate varieties across various ecological zones. The trials identified several high-yielding varieties in each set, contributing to the ongoing development and improvement of cotton cultivation in the country. The results provide valuable insights for breeders and policymakers in selecting and approving superior cotton varieties for commercial cultivation.

Fact Check

- Number of candidate varieties tested: 85 candidate varieties were tested across four sets of trials.
- Number of trial locations: Trials were conducted at 15 different locations.
- Cry1Ac gene quantification: Most strains showed Cry1Ac gene quantification above 2.5µg/g.

Mind Map