Biotechnology of Accelerated Breeding and Improvement of Cotton Varieties

The success of any breeding program depends upon the availability of genetic variability of traits of interest and availability of efficient markers for selection of traits. Within the last 20 years, molecular biology has revolutionized conventional breeding techniques in all areas. Biochemical and molecular techniques have shortened the duration of breeding programmes. In this article are discussed the opportunities of use of biochemical markers (enzymes and proteins) for acceleration of breeding of new and improving of existing cotton varieties on tolerance to different unfavourable environmental factors and with complex of desired traits and varietal purity. We analyzed nineteen (19) local cotton varieties and lines (Gossypium hirsutum L.) for this purpose. The indices of oxidoreductases class enzymes and two phosphoprotein markers were developed as objective biochemical markers of earliness, homogeneity, tolerance to Verticillium wilt, drought and salinity.