Introduction Cultivated species of Cotton- 2 types Tetraploids Gossypium hirsutum (2n = 52) Gossypium barbadense (2n = 52) Diploids Gossypium arboreum (2n = 26) Gossypium herbaceum (2n = 26) Hybrids & Species Hybrids between the cultivated species of same ploidy level are fertile. Four intra specific hybrids (one in each species) and two inter specific hybrids of same deployed no. between Gossypium hirusutum x Gossypium barbadense and Gossypium arboreum x Gossypium herbaceum. Totally 6 different types of hybrids are theoretically possible. Species from which hybrid developed Four types of hybrids are only developed for commercial cultivation, Intraspecific hybrids in Gossypium hirsutum and Gossypium arboreum. Interspecific hybrids between tetraploids viz., Gossypium barbadense and Gossypium hirsutum and diploids G. arboreum x G.herbaceum. Interspecific hybrids between G.barbadense and G. herbaceum could not be released. Development of hybrids India is the pioneer country for cultivation of hybrid cotton on commercial scale. Other countries where hybrid cotton is grown on commercial scale include China and Vietnam (ICAC, 1997). In china, hybrid cotton is cultivated on 3.3 Lakh hectares and in Vietnam about 70% of total cotton area is covered by hybrids. In India, hybrid cotton is cultivated on 40% of total cotton area. Efforts are being made to develop cotton hybrids in countries like USA, Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Israel. There is an International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), Washington USA, that advises on various matters of cotton research and marketing. In India, research on hybrid cotton is carried by two types of organizations, viz., Public research centres, and Private Seed Companies. Organisations responsible for Hybrid cotton development Public Research Centres Public research centres include Cotton research Institutes of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and Cotton Research Stations of State Agricultural Universities. There are two ICAR Institutes where research on hybrid cotton is carried out. The first is Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR), Nagpur and second is Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (CIRCOT), Mumbai. CIRCOT helps in evaluation of cotton hybrids in terms of fibre properties and spinning capacity. There are 13 research centres where research on hybrid cotton is carried out. These are located at Ludhiana, Hisar, Sirsa, Srinagar, New Delhi, Khandwa, Akola, Surat, Nagpur, Dharwad, Guntur and Coimbatore. Private seed companies Research on hybrid cotton is also carried out by various private seed companies. There are several private seed companies which are actively engaged in the development of high yielding and superior quality hybrids in cotton and several other field crops. The list of some private seed companies is given below Maharashtra Hybrid Corporation (MHYCO), Jalna (Maharashtra). Nath Seed Company Private Limited, Aurangabad (Maharashtra) Mahendra Seed Company, Jalna (Maharashtra) Vijay Seed Company, Jalna (Maharashtra) Ankur Seed Company, Nagpur (Maharashtra) Hindustan Lever Limited, Mumbai (Maharashtra) Pioneer Seed Compnay, Hyderabad (A.P) Nagarjuna Agriculture Research and Development Institute, Secunderabad, Hyderabad (A.P.) Proagro Seed Company, New Delhi. The main function of these private seed companies is to develop superior hybrids in cotton and several other field crops. These companies also take up the hybrid seed production work of various commercially cultivated cotton hybrids.

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Classification of Hybrids In cotton, different types of hybrids are developed for commercial cultivation which can be classified into various groups on the basis of species involved ploidy level or chromosome number, and method of hybrid seed production. A brief classification of cotton hybrids on the basis of these criteria is presented below: On the basis of species involved, cotton hybrids are of two types, viz., Intraspecific hybrids, and Interspecific hybrids. Intraspecific Hybrids A hybrid between genetically different genotypes of the same species is referred to as intraspecific hybrid. It is also known as intervarietal hybrid. Intraspecific hybrids are always fertile. In cotton, intraspecific hybrids have been released for commercial cultivation in G.hirsutum at tetraploid level and in G.arboreum at diploid level. The main features of intraspecific cotton hybrids are presented below: Intraspecific hybrids have been released in two species so far i.e., in G.hirsutum at tetraploid level and in G.arboreum in diploid level. Most of the Intraspecific hybrids have been developed by conventional method i.e., by hand emasculation and pollination method and very few have been evolved through the use of male sterility. Intraspecific hybrids of above two species can be cultivated both under irrigated and rainfed conditions. Intra arboreum hybrids are highly tolerant to sucking pests and drought conditions. Several intraspecific hybrids have been developed in G.hirsutum and very few in G.arboreum. The fiber quality and yield potential of intra-hirsutum hybrids is better than intra-arboreum hybrids. Intra-hirsutum hybrids have superior medium, long and extra long staple. The spinning potential of intra-hirsutum hybrids varies from 40s to 60s, whereas in intra-arboreum hybrids spinning capacity of 15-20 counts is observed. In G.hirsutum, one hybrid has been developed through the use of genitic male sterility (Suguna) and three hybrids through the use of cytoplasmic genitic male sterility system (PKVHy 3, PKVHy 4 and MECH 4) so far. Both intra-hirsutum and arboreum hybrids have wider adaptability. All the Intraspecific hybrids developed in G.hirsutum and G.arboreum are single cross hybrids. In G.hirsutum, first intraspecific hybrid was released in 1970 under the name H 4 from Main Cotton Research Station, Surat of the Gujarat Agricultural University. H 4 is the world's first cotton hybrid released for commercial cultivation. First intra-arboreum hybrid was released in 1994 under the name LDH 11 from Cotton Research Station of the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Intraspecific hybrids do not have problems of neps and motes. Interspecific Hybrids The F1 progeny between two different species of the same genus is referred to as interspecific hybrid. This is also known as intrageneric hybrid. Development of fully fertile interspecific hybrids is possible only between those species that have complete chromosomal homology. In cotton, interspecific hybrids are fully fertile between G.hirsutum and G.barbadense and between G.herbaceum and G. arboreum. Main features of interspecific cotton hybrids are Interspecific hybrids have been released between G.hirsutum and G.barbadense at tetraploid level and between G.herbaceum and G. arboreum at diploid level. All the interspecific hybrids released for commercial cultivation so far both in tetraploid and diploid cottons have been developed by conventional method i.e., by hand emasculation and pollination. Intraspecific tetraploid hybrids are cultivated under irrigated conditions. They can not be grown under rainfed conditions because the G.barbadense parent in such hybrids is susceptible to drought conditions. However, interspecific diploid hybrids can be cultivated both under irrigated as well as rainfed conditions. Interspecific tetraploid hybrids are susceptible to sucking pests, whereas interspecific diploid hybrids are highly tolerant to sucking pests. Several interspecific hybrids have been released at tetraploid level and very few at diploid level. The interspecific tetraploid hybrids have better fiber quality and higher yield than interspecific diploid hybrids. Interspecific tetraploid hybrids usually have superior long staple, whereas the interspecific diploid hybrids have either medium or long staple. Interspecific tetraploid hybrids have better spinning capacity (70-80 counts) than interspecific diploid hybrids (20-40 counts) All the interspecific hybrids developed in tetraploid and diploid cotton so far are single cross hybrids. In tetraploid cotton, first interspecific hybrid was developed in 1972 under the name Varalaxmi from Cotton Research Station, Dharwad, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore. In diploid cotton, first interspecific hybrid was released in 1985 from Main Cotton Research Station, Surat of the Gujarat Agricultural University for cultivation in Gujarat State. Interspecific tetraploid and diploid hybrids cover about 5% of the total cotton area and contribute about 8% to the national cotton production. Interspecific tetraploid and diploid hybrids are grown in central and south zones so far. Based on ploidy level: Cotton hybrids are of two types, viz., Tetraploid hybrids, and Diploid hybrids. Those hybrids which are developed in tetraploid species are referred to as tetraploid hybrids and those produced in diploid species are known as diploid hybrids have been released for commercial cultivation. Brief description of tetraploid and diploid hybrids is presented below. Tetraploid Hybrids Tetraploid hybrids are developed in G.hirusutum and G.barbadense. Tetraploid hybrids are of two types, viz., Intraspecific and interspecific. Intraspecific hybrids have been developed in G.hirsutum only. Intra-hirsutum hybrids have been released for commercial cultivation in all three zones. Intra-hirsutum hybrids can be cultivated both under irrigated and rainfed conditions. Interspecific hybrids have been released between G.hirsutum and G.barbadense for commercial cultivation in central and south zones. These hybrids are grown under irrigated conditions only. Diploid Hybrids Diploid hybrids are developed between G.arboreum and G.herbaceum. Diploid hybrids are of two types, viz., Intraspecific and interspecific. Intraspecific hybrids have been developed in G.arboreum only. Intra-arboreum hybrids can be cultivated both under irrigated as well as rainfed conditions. Interspecific hybrids between G.herbaceum and G.arboreum have been released for commercial cultivation in central and south zones. Diploid hybrids have high degree of resistance to insect pests, diseases and drought conditions. The main drawback of diploid hybrids is that the hybrid seed production is a problem due to poor seed setting in crossed bolls. Based on method of hybrid seed production, hybrids are of two types, viz., Conventional hybrids Hybrids which are developed by hand emasculation and pollination are referred to as conventional hybrids. Male sterility based hybrids Hybrids which are produced using either genetic male sterility or cytoplasmic genetic male sterility are referred to as non-conventional or male sterility based hybrids. Conventional Hybrids Such hybrids are produced by hand emasculation and pollination method. Majority of cotton hybrids are developed by conventional method. Conventional hybrids have been developed in tetraploid and diploid cottons both at intraspecific and interspecific level. There are two main drawbacks of conventional hybrids. Firstly, the seed of such hybrids is very expensive because several laborers are engaged daily for emasculation process during crossing period. Secondly, hand emasculation causes some injury to the female part, resulting in poor hybrid seed setting. Male sterility hybrid problems Such hybrids are developed through the use of either genic male sterility or cytoplasmic genitic male sterility. In cotton, very few hybrids have been developed through the use of male sterility. All the male sterility based hybrids have been released in G.hirsutum so far. The first hybrid was developed in 1978 under the name Suguna through the use of genic male sterility. Now three hybrids, viz., PKVHy 3, PKVHy 4 and MECH 4 have been developed through the use of cytoplasmic genic male sterility. There are two main advantages of male sterility based hybrids. Firstly, the seed of such hybrids is cheaper due to elimination of emasculation process. Secondly, the seed setting in such hybrids is higher because there is no mutilation of ovary due to elimination of emasculation process. However, the yield of presently released male sterility based hybrids is 10-15% lower than the conventional hybrid involving same parents. Classification of cotton hybrids released in India Basis of classification Types of Hybrids Examples 1. Species Involved 1. Intraspecific hybrids     a.Intra – hirsutum hybrids H4, H6,H8,H 10, JKHy 1,JKHy 2,PKVHy 2, NHH 44, Savita, Surya, Fateh, dhanlaxmi, Maruvikas, Omshankar, DHH 11, CICR HH 1.   b.Intra arboreum hybrids LDH 11 2.Ploidy Level 2. Interspecific hybrids     a. Tetraploid hybrids Varalaxmi, DCH 32, NHB 12, HB 224, DHB 105, TCHB 213, NHB 302   b. Diploid hybrids DH 7, DH 9, DDH 2, Pha 46 3. Method of Hybrid seed production 1. Conventional hybrids All intra hirsutum and interspecific hybrids between G.hirsutum and G.barbadense All Intra-arboreum and interspecific hybrids between G.arboreum and G.herbaceum All the above mentioned hybrids.   2. Male sterility based hybrids Suguna, PKVHy 3,PKVHy 4, MECH 4

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Advantages and Disadvantages Advantages Superior yield performance coupled with superior fiber properties. Wider adaptability Good price for the produce Employment generation through labor intensive hybrid seed production. Short duration hybrids can fit into multiple cropping system under irrigated areas. By inclusion of cotton in double and multiple cropping, cotton will find place in crop rotation in new areas, thus contributing to increased area under irrigated cotton without impairing the area of other crops. Disadvantages high cost of seed, high cost of cultivation, difficulty in seed production and neps and motes especially in interspecific hybrids. High Cost of Seed In cotton, the hybrid seed is usually produced by hand emasculation and pollination which is very costly. This high cost of seed can not be offered by small and marginal farmers. Even if the male sterile line is used, the pollination has to be done by hand. (extent of natural out-crossing in India is about 6%) High Cost of Cultivation The cultivation of hybrids is input intensive. Hybrids require more inputs in terms of fertilizers and pesticides than varieties. The high cost of cultivation can not be offered by small and marginal farmers. The high cost of seed and cultivation act as barriers in the expansion of area under hybrid cotton. Hence, there is need to develop cotton hybrids of low input technology. Difficulty in Seed Production The diploid hybrids could not become popular among the farmers due to difficulty in seed production. The seed setting in diploid crosses is very low (about 25%) which posses problems in hybrid seed production. Neps and Motes The problem of neps and motes is more in interspecific hybrids than in intraspecific ones. Presence of neps and motes affects the yarn quality. Their presence leads to ugly appearance of yarn.

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Hybrids Released In India Important characters of hirsutum x barbadense and diploid hybrids released in India Hybrid Year of release Yield q/ha GOT(%) MFL (mm) Spinning Counts Area of Adaptation Hirsutum x Barbadense Hybrids Varalaxmi 1972 30 35 31 80s   CBS 156 1974 30 32 33 100 s Tamil Nadu Savitri 1978 28 32 30 60 s Western Maharashtra KCH 1 1980 25 31 31 60 s Tamil Nadu JKHy 11 1981 30 31 31 60 s M.P. Irrigated DCH 32 1981 35 36 33 80 s South zone and MS HB 224 1989 30 33 31 80 s South Zone NHB 12 1989 30 33 33 80 s Marathwada TCHB 213 1990 30 32 33 80 s Tamil Nadu DHB 105 1996 30 34 33 80 s South Zone Sruthi 1997 30 33 37 80 s Tamil Nadu Intra – arboreum Hybrids LDH 11 1994 20 36 22 20 s Punjab Herbaceum x Arboreum Hybrids DH 7 1985 15 37 22 20 s Gujarat DH 9 1988 15 34 28 40 s Gujarat DDH 2 1992 12 34 22 20 s South Zone Pha 46 1996 17 32 28 40 s   Important characters of Intra-hirsutum hybrids released in India Hybrid Year of release Yield q/ha GOT(%) MFL (mm) Spinning counts Areas of Adaptation Central Zone Hybrid 4 1970 35 34 28 50 s Gujarat, MSMP, AP JKHy 1 1976 30 31 26 44 s MP and AP Godavari 1978 15 35 28 50 s Maharashtra Hybrid 6 1980 35 34 27 60 s Gujarat PKHy 2 1981 12 36 24 40 s Vidarbha NHH 44 1983 23 35 24 50 s Marathwada NHH 302 1993 20 35 25 40 s Marathwada Hybrid 8 1989 35 35 28 50 s Gujarat PKVHy 3 1993 15 36 25 40 s Vidarbha Hybrid 10 1995 18 35 26 40 s Gujarat CICRHH 1 1991 25 35 25 36 s Marathwada JKHy 2 1994 15 34 27 50 s Madhya Pradesh PKVHy 4 1996 20 35 30 50 s Vidarbha South Zone Suguna 1978 30 35 25 40 s Tamil Nadu Savita 1987 30 34 30 60 s TN and AP Surya (TM 1312) 1996 25 38 31 60 s TN and AP DHH 11 1996 25 35 27 50 s South zone North Zone Fateh 1994 30 34 25 30 s Punjab Dhanalaxmi 1994 30 34 25 40 s Haryana Maruvikas 1994 30 34 24 30 s Rajasthan Omshankar 1996 35 34 24 40 s North Zone Cotton Hybrids released from different Research Centres in India Name of research center Intra-hirsutum hybrids Hirsutum x barbadense hybrids Diploid hybrids Central Zone GAU Surat Hybrid 4, Hybrid 6,Hybrid 8, Hybrid 10   G. Cot. DH 7 G. Cot. DH 9 PDKV, Akola PKVHy 2, PKVHy 3 and PKVHy 4     MAU, Nanded NHH 44 NHB 12, MHB 302 Pha 46 JNKVV, Indore JKHy 1 and JKHy 2 JKHy 11   CICR, Nagpur   CICR HH 1   South Zone CICR (RS) Coimbatore Suguna, Savita and Surya (TM 1312) Sruthi, and HB 224   TNAU, Coimbatore   CBS 156, TCHB 213   UAS, Dharwad DHH 11 Varalaxmi, DCH 32 and DHB 105 DDH 2 North Zone PAU, Ludhiana Fateh and LHH 144   LDH 11 HAU, Hisar Dhanalaxmi     RAU, Sriganganagar Maruvikas     CICR (RS), Sisra Omshankar     Parentage and maturity duration of Intra – hirsutum hybrids Hybrid Parentage Days to maturity Resistant to Central Zone Hybrid 4 G 67 x American Nectariless 220 Bacterial Blight Hybrid 6 Vishnu x SRT 1 200 Jassids, Blackarm, ALS Hybrid 8 G.Cot. 10 x Surat Dwarf 170 Blackarm, ALS Hybrid 10 BC 68- 2 x LRA 5166 SB 210 Jassids, Aphids, BB, ALS PKVHy 2 AK 32 (s) x DHY 286-1 180 Jassids, BB PKVHY 3 CAK 32 x DHY 286-1R 180 Jassids PKVHy 4 CAK 23A x AKH 07R 165 Jassids NHH 44 Bikaneri Narma x AC 738 180 Jassids, Aphids Godavari Buri nectariless x MCU 5 180 Jassids JKHy 1 Khandwa 2 (MB) x Reba B 50 (s) 210 Jassids JKHy 2 Vikaram x Reba B 50 (s) 180 Jassids CICRHH 1 CP 15/2 Bikaneri Narma 185 Jassids, BB NHH 302 NS 15 x NH 258 170 - South Zone Suguna Gregg MS 399 x K3400 – 7 145 Jassids Savita T7 x M12 170 Jassids Surya (TM 1312) HLS 329 x M12 170 Jassids, BB DHH 11 CPD 429 x CPD 420 180 Jassids, BB North Zone Feteh LH 660 x Suman 180 Jassids, BB Dhanalaxmi H777 x 1695 – 175J 180 Jassids, BB Maruvikas SCRF 1 x SCRH 1 180 Jassids, BB Omshankar SH 2379 (s) x K 340 – 7(S) 165 Jassids, BB ALS = Alternaria Leaf Spot, BB = Bacterial Blight Parentage and maturity duration of hirsutum x barbadense and diploid hybrids Hybrid Parentage Days to maturity Resistant to Hirsutum x Barbadense Hybrids Varalaxmi Laxmi x SB 289 E 190 - DCH 32 DS 28 x SB 425 YF 180 Bacterial blight DHB 105 CPD 428 x B 82 178 Bacterial blight, ALS CBS 156 Acala gladless x SB 1085 – 6 180 Jassids KCH 1 MCU 7 x SB 289 E 165 - TCHB 213 TCH 1218 x TCB 209 190 Jassids HB 224 LRA 5166 x P4 170 Jassids, Thrips, Aphids Sruthi 70 E x RS P4 150 - JKHy 11 Khandwa 2 (MB) x ERB 4442 (2) 240 Sucking pests, Whitefly NHB 12 NS 15 x SB 289 E 180 Sucking pests, Whitefly Savitri KOP 203 x SB 1085 – 6 175 Jassids Intra-arboreum hybrid: LDH 11 LD 327 x IC 30839 175 Jassids Herbaceum x Arboreum Hybrids: DH 7 Sujay x G 27 180 Jassids, Drought DH 9 4011 x 824 180 Jassids, Drought DDH 2 SM 88 x A82-1-1 180 Jassids, Drought Pha 46 Ph 1 x Pa 140 180 Jassids, Drought

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Hybrid seed production In cotton, there are two methods of hybrid seed production, viz., Conventional method, and Male sterility based method. These are briefly discussed below Conventional Method Breeder or certified seed of male and female parents is used for the production of hybrid seed. Hybrid seed production is carried out by hand emasculation and pollination. This method ensures purity in seed production. The female and male parents are planted in the same field in separate plots in 4 : 1 or 3 : 1 ratio. Sowing of parental material is done in such a way that there should be nicking in the flowering time of both the parents. The off type plants are rogued out before initiation of crossing programme. The female and male parents are planted at wider spacing for easy movement during crossing. Higher doses of fertilizer and recommended plant protection measures are used to raise healthy crop to get continuous flush of flowers. Crossing work is started after one week of flower initiation. Flower buds which are likely to open the next day are chosen for emasculation. Anthers of selected buds are removed gently with the help of nail (emasculation) as suggested by Doak method. Emasculated buds are covered with tissue paper bag of red colour to prevent natural out crossing. The best time for emasculation is 3-6 PM. Emasculated buds are pollinated the next day with the pollen of male parent. The best time for pollination is 8-11 AM, because stigma receptivity is maximum during this period. 4-5 buds are pollinated by one flower of male parent. After pollination, the red tissue paper bags are replaced by white tissue paper bags for identification. A label or thread is also tied on the pedicel for identification. Fertilization occurs after 12-30 hours of pollination. Cross buds should remain covered for 3-4 days after pollination. The straw tube used for cool drink is also used for covering the stigma of emasculated buds before and after pollination. Male sterility method This method is used for hybrid seed production of only those hybrids which have been developed through the use of male sterility. Use of male sterility reduces only the cost of emasculation. Pollination has to be done manually. Two types of male sterility systems are used in cotton, viz., Genetic male sterility, and Cytoplasmic genetic male sterility. Use of Genetic Male Sterility In cotton, Gregg male sterility source is used. The male sterility is transferred to the female parent through backcross technique. The male sterility is governed by two recessive genes (ms5 ms6). A heterozygous male fertile genotype which segregates only is identified. Cross of this male fertile genotype with sterile line will always produce male sterile and male fertile plants in 1 : 1 ratio. Fertile plants are identified after flowering are removed. The male sterile plants are pollinated with the pollen of male parent to get hybrid seed. In case of male sterile parent, 3-4 seeds should be sown per hill because 50% of the population (male fertile) is removed when flowering starts. Use of Cytoplasmic Genetic Male Sterility In cotton, G.harknessii cytoplasm is used as a source of cytoplasmic genetic male sterility. The male sterility is transferred to the female parent and restorer gene to the male parent by backcross technique. The male sterile and restorer lines are planted in the same field but in separate plots in 4 : 1 or 3 : 1 ratio. The crop is grown at wider spacings under irrigated conditions to get continuous flush of flowers for seed production. Crossing is started after one week of flower initiation. The male sterile parent (female) is pollinated with the pollen of restorer (male) parent. After pollination, flowers are covered with tissue paper bags to avoid natural out crossing with other plants. Materials required Tissue paper bags (10 x 15 cm) red and white colored or straw tubes. Magnifying glass, Tray, Thread, Note book and pencil etc., Crossing techniques In cotton, hybrid seed production is carried out by artificial crossing. The crossing refers to hand pollination. The crossing technique consists of three main steps, viz., selection of bud, emasculation, and pollination. Selection of Bud The selection of flower bud for emasculation is an important step in hybrid seed production. The crossing work is initiated after one week of flower initiation. The flower buds of proper stage (buds which are likely to open the next day) are selected for emasculation. Such buds have generally cream colour and are well developed. Emasculation The process of removal of anthers from the selected flower bud is referred to as emasculation. Anthers of selected buds are gently removed with the help of nail of the thumb as suggested by Doak (1934). The emasculated buds are covered with tissue paper bag of red colour to prevent natural out-crossing. The best time for emasculation is 3-6 PM. Some people use straw tube to cover theovary of emasculated bud. Emasculation is not required when hybrid seed is produced using male sterility. Pollination Emasculated buds are pollinated the next morning with the pollen of male parent. The best time for pollination is 8-11 AM, because the stigma receptivity is maximum during this period. Generally, 4-5 buds are pollinated by one flower of male parent After pollination, the red tissue paper bags are replaced by white tissue paper bags. For identification, a label or thread is also tied on the pedicel of crossed bud for identification of crossed bolls. Precautions After pollination, keep suitable identity by tying a cotton thread for easy picking and avoiding mixing. Remove all unemasculated and unused flowers (other than crossed ones) daily so as to retain only genuine crossed flowers (bolls) on the female parent. Destroy leftover collected male flowers after use. Rouging Remove off-type plants, if any, in female and male parents before crossing is commenced. Topping Top and side shoots may be nipped suitably to control optimum growth and better boll development. Inadequate or excessive irrigation should be avoided. Stop irrigation a week before last picking. Picking Pick completely opened crossed boll (kapas) as and when ready in baskets and sort out. Any bolls without thread be kept aside and only genuine crossed bolls are kept separately for use. Remove hard locks, stained kapas etc. keep good crossed boll kapas for processing. Dry well-cleaned kapas in shade after each picking and store in a good place picking-wise lots. Slow ginning is to be practised to recover good quality seed and without cutting the seed. After ginning, the seeds may be kept well spread, air dried, without heaping. Acid delinting 100ml of commercial sulphuric acid/kg seed treated for 2-3 minutes and washed thoroughly with lime water/fresh water till free of acid. Seed treatments Gunny bags first in bulk (7% moisture content). Pack in polythene bags (700 guage) as per pack size/qty. heat seal to polythene bag for sale. Gada cloth bags may be used with appropriate description on bags and with suitable labels. Seed yield Good yield is about 1000kg in a good crop. Standards for Certified Hybrid Seed There are four basic requirements for production of certified hybrid seed. These are: Notified hybrid, Genetic purity, Physical purity, Proper germination. A hybrid released either by State Variety Release Committee or Central Variety Release Committee is selected for production of certified hybrid seed. It is also essential that the hybrid should be notified one. Genetic purity refers to absence of seeds of other variety. Genetic purity is determined by grow out test. Standards for Certified Hybrid Seed of Cotton Particulars Percentage in conventional hybrids CMS hybrids Pure seeds (Minimum) 98 98 Insert Matter (Maximum) 2.0 2.0 Other crop seeds (Maximum) 10/kg 10/kg Weed seeds (Maximum) 10/kg 10/kg Genetic Purity (Minimum) 90 95 Germination (Minimum) 60 60 Moisture:     Ordinary container 10 10 Vapour proof container 6 6 Self plants 8.5 4 Off types 1.5 1 Physical purity means freedom from inert matter and defective seeds. Inter matter includes non-living materials such as sand, pebbles, soil particles, straw etc. Defective seeds are those that are broken, disease infested, insect damaged, undeveloped and unfit for germination. Cost of Hybrid seed production The cost of hybrid seed production is worked out by adding expenditure on various items such as preparatory tillage, cost of parental seed, registration and inspection charges, cost of fertilizers, sowing, hoeing and weeding (inter-culture operation), plant protection, emasculation and pollination, irrigation, picking of seed cotton, transportation to gin and ginning and cost of land lease. Cost of hybrid cotton seed production per hectare Particulars Expenditure Rupees A. Expenditure   Preparatory tillage 950 Cost of parental seed, registration and inspection charges 1750 Sowing 250 Fertilizers 5000 Hoeing and weeding 900 Plant protection 6200 Emasculation and pollination 24,000 Irrigation 1500 Picking of Seed Cotton 600 Transportation to gin and ginning 400 Land lease 5000 Total Expenditure 46,600 B. Income   Seed Yield (7.5 q/ha x Rs.9000/q 67,500 Lint (3q/ha x Rs.1200/q) 3600 Total income 71,100 Net income 24,500 From above calculations, the production cost of one kg. Hybrid seed comes to Rs.62 which is eight year old estimate. Now this cost would be almost double. Seed Testing Seed testing is essential for seed certification. Seed testing is carried out in the seed testing laboratory. Seed testing includes physical purity test: (98%) Genetic purity test: conventional hybrids:90% Cytoplasmic genetic male sterility based hybrids 95%. self plant should not be more than 8.5% (conventional hybrids 1.5% (CGMS based hybrids). off types permitted (i) conventional 1.5%. (ii) CGMS 1%. The genetic purity is determined by grow out test. Germination test: Minimum germination percentage prescribed by ISTA is 60%.

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