Evaluation of possibilities to improve herbicide tolerant genotype in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) through mutation breeding

This study was conducted to evaluate the possibilities of imidazolinone (IMI) tolerant cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) genotypes thought mutation breeding. Seeds of Gloria cultivar were treated separately with different gamma rays and ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS). In 2016, herbicide, imazamox, was sprayed to M1 plants at the stage of 5-6 true leaf in the Nazilli Cotton Research Institute Nazilli/Aydın. M2 progenies that can form boll set were transferred to 2017 and compared for agronomic and quality characters. Herbicide tolerant plants were found to be concentrated in especially doses of 200 and 300 gamma rays. It was determined that boll number, boll weight, ginning out-turn, fiber length, fiber fineness and fiber strength of M2 plants had higher than M1 plants. In conclusion, it has been demonstrated that IMI tolerant cotton genotypes can be improved with mutation breeding.