Gamma irradiation of interspecific hybrids Gossypium hirsutum L. x G. barbadense L. Part 2

Changes occuring in M2F2 between irradiated and non-irradiated hybrids concerned mainly the degree of variation and arisal of new forms. The characters of greatest importance to cotton breeding have been analyzed. The results show that irradiation contributed to the increase of hybrid variability in M2F2 and to enhancement of the form-developing processes. Mutant-hybrid variability in M2 affected the characters studied to a different degree. Highest mutagenic effect of gamma rays has been found on fibre length. Valuable mutant-hybrid progenies have been produced in M3F4. They combined favourable earliness with high productivity and very long fibre (34-39 mm). 2 tabs., 3 figs., 8 refs