CREATION OF HIGH-PRODUCTIVE COTTON VARIETIES IN SOUTHERN KAZAKHSTAN

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim. Cotton growing is a strategic sector of the agro-industrial complex of Kazakhstan; however, its development is limited by soil degradation and increasingly frequent droughts. The aim of the research is the accelerated creation and evaluation of new early-maturing cotton varieties (Gossypium hirsutum L.) characterized by high productivity and resistance to abiotic stress factors in the conditions of the Turkestan region.

Materials and Methods. The studies were conducted during 2023–2025 on light sierozem soils under extreme drought conditions (temperature 4.5 ºC above the norm). The objects of the study were 15 promising cotton varieties of the M-4000 series. Fiber technological properties were determined according to international standards (micronaire, breaking load). Statistical processing was performed using the method of B.A. Dospekhov.

Results. Ten varieties were identified that surpassed the M-4005 standard in terms of early maturity by 1–6 days. The yield leaders were lines M-4018 (43.2 c/ha), M-4003 (42.8 c/ha), and M-4012 (42.5 c/ha), which is 39.6–42.6% higher than the control. Technological analysis showed high fiber quality: in sample M-4015, the breaking load reached 5.0 g.f. with an optimal micronaire of 4.4 µg/inch. It was established that high productivity in the dry year was ensured by intensive boll accumulation and the weight of raw cotton per boll (up to 6.2 g).

Conclusion. The developed breeding material (lines M-4018, M-4012, M-4030) possesses high ecological plasticity and competitive fiber properties. These varieties are recommended for transfer to the State Var