Analysis on Competitive Heterosis of Hybrid F1 and F2 between Transgenic Bt Varieties of Upland Cotton

Objective] The purpose of this study is to supply basis for selecting strong heterosis hybrid and the feasibility of F₂ utilization, by evaluating yield heterosis and fiber quality traits of hybrid F₁ and F₂ generated by transgenic Bt varieties in upland cotton. Method] Ten upland cotton varieties (lines) with good comprehensive characteristics were selected to produce 10 crosses, and four of them with better competitive heterosis (CH) in yield were screened out to analyze the lint yield and fiber traits of F₁ and F₂. Result] The results indicated there was a strong CH in yield of F₁, but the yearly variation was large. Hybrids performed better in the poor production year. The CH in yield decreased obviously in most of the F₂ combinations. Further analysis showed that the decrease of boll weight was the main cause of drop of yield CH in F₂. The fiber quality index in F₂ showed a downward trend compared with F₁, and the coefficient of range and variation(CV) increased. The coefficient of variation of quality traits was much lower than that of yield components, with a trend of F₁ < SCRC 28 (CK) and F₂ > F₁. The CH of lint yield and fiber traits changed between F₁ and F₂ in different combinations. We screened out a combination with higher CH of yield in both F₁ and F₂, and with less decreased yield CH, fine fiber quality and light separation in F₂. Conclusion] The hybrids generated by transgenic Bt varieties in upland cotton characterized by strong adversity resistance and yield stability. Fine fiber quality and light separation in F₂ came from crosses with the parents of fine fiber quality and small differences. So, it is possible for breedersto select valuable F₂ combinations in production.