Seleção de genótipos de algodoeiro de fibra colorida para as condições da região semiárida do Nordeste

Abstract

In Brazil, cotton cultivation is consolidated as a significant part of the agricultural sector. It has a relevant socioeconomic importance for the Northeast region. However, with the irregularities of the region's climate, there is a need for new adapted cultivars that are more tolerant to water stress, as well as superior fiber quality and productivity. The use of cotton cultivars with colored fiber has been an important alternative for the producer, with economic value and greater profitability, for adding value to Northeastern agriculture and changing the perspective, mainly of the family agriculture that needs a new dynamic, to become competitive in the current market. The main objective of this work was to select superior cotton genotypes of the color fiber for the agronomic and technological characteristics, with adaptability to the conditions of the Brazilian semiarid region. The experiment was conducted under field conditions, with a water supplementation regime, in an area representative of semi - arid Northeastern conditions, located at the EMPARN Experimental Station, in the municipality of Apodi - RN, beginning in March / 2016. Fourteen genotypes were selected from the Embrapa Cotton Germplasm Active Bank, previously selected for their fiber quality characteristics and water stress tolerance. The selected genotypes were BRS Topazio, CNPA- 2002-10327 and CNPA-2002-10398. They present higher productivity and fiber technological quality, being therefore important for the breeding program of this crop for the water conditions of the northeastern semi-arid region.