Artificial enforcement of self pollination in cotton

Abstract

This research was conducted to evaluate practical methods of artificial enforcement of self-pollination in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) flowers, considering the needs of germplasm maintenance and breeding programs. Treatments tested were: fastening corolla tips with copper wire, vegetal fiber and cotton string; covering of flower buds with cloth and paper bag; application of glue on corolla tips, and the check with no pollination control. Glandless cotton was used as marker. Experiments were conducted in Uberaba, MG, Brazil, in 1984/1985, 1985/1986 and 1986/1987. Average of natural cross pollination after application of selfing methods was 5%, which represented a reduction of 80% in natural open pollination in the area. There were no significant differences among residual cross pollination measured after selfing methods were applied. With the exception of the copper-wiring of buds, selfing reduced number of seed per locule. Most of the agronomic and fiber traits were influenced by the selfing practices. Results also indicate fastening buds with copper wire as the most suitable method in reducing cross pollination with no significant reduction of number of seeds per locule.