11. General11.1 List of PublicationsPapers Published in Research JournalsAhuja, s. L. (2006). Evaluation for the retention ofreproductive structures by Bt and Non-Bt intra-hirsutumcotton hybrids in different sowing dates and spacing.African Journal of Biotechnology, 5 (10):862-865.Ahuja, S. L. (2006). Preliminary information on threenovel morphological mutants detected in cottonGossypium hirsutum. Czech 1. Genet. Plant Breed.,42(1):20.Ahuja, S. L. (2006). Variability studies in cotton growingstates for implementation of quality seed distribution andproduction of breeder seed components under ICDP-cotton scheme. J. Cotton Res. and Dev, 20(2): 197-201.Ahuja, S. L. and Dhayal, L. S. (2006). Combining abilityestimates for yield and fibre quality traits in 4 x 13 line xtester crosses of Gossypium hirsutum. Euphytica, 153(1-2):87-98.Ahuja, S. L. and Dhayal, L. S. (2006). Identification ofdouble/twin boiled and bi-color unit 'cluster' inGossypium hirsutum L. cotton. Genetic Resources andCrop Evolution, 54 (1): 13-20.Ahuja, S. L. and Dhayal, L. S. (2006). Identification ofG. hirsutum cotton genotypes for acceptable fibre qualityunder biotic stress and recommended practices. IndianJournal of Agricultural Sciences, 76 (8):472-476.Ahuja, S. L. Dhayal, L. S. and Rajendran, T. P. (2006).Effect ofBt gene on estimation of components of geneticvariability and character association in Gossypiumhirsutum cotton. Pakistan Journal of Botany, 38(3).Ahuja, S. L., Dhayal, L. S. and Ram Prakash (2006). Acorrelation and path coefficient analysis of componentsof G. hirsutum in hybrids by usual and fibre qualitygrouping. Turkish Journal of Agriculture andForestry,30:317-324.Ahuja, S. L., Monga, D. and Dhayal, L. S. (2006).Genetics of resistance to cotton leaf curl disease inGossypium hirsutum L. under field conditions. Journal ofHeredity,doi: 10.1093.Blaise, D., Ravindran, C. D. and Singh, J.V (2007).Effect of nutrient management practices on growth,fruiting pattern and yield of asiatic cotton (G. arboreumL.) 1. of Plant Nutr. Soil Sci. 2007,170 pp 1-8.Dhamayanthi, K.P.M. and Rathinavel, K., (2006). Seedgermination and vegetative propagation studies in wildcotton (Gossypium spp.). 1. Cotton Res. & Devt, 20:160-165.Dharajothi, B. and Usha K. Mehta (2006). Pathogenicityof three species of EPN against cotton bollwonnHelicoverpa armigera Hub. Entomon, 31 (4): 259-260.

Dongre A. B., Bhandarkar M., Sawant R, KharbikarL.and Gajbhiye, A. (2007). Assessment of geneticdiversity of cotton cultivars (Gossypium Spp.) by ISSRand microsate1lite markers. Asian Journal ofMicrobiology, Biotechnology and EnvironmentalSciences, Vol 9, No. (1) 29-34.Hebbar K.B., Perumal, N.K. and Khadi, B.M., (2007).Photosynthesis and plant growth response of transgenicBt cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) hybrids under fieldcondition. Photosynthetica, 45(2) 254-258.Hebbar K.B., Venugopalan M.Y., Rao M.R.K., PatilB.C., Prakash A.B., Kumar V, Dhawale, M., Rao, K.V,Seshasai, M.VR., Tiwari, P., Agarwal, P.K. and Khadi,B.M. (2006). INFOCROP COTTON : A model tosimulate growth and yield of cotton in diverse agro-ecological regions of India. ICAR News, Jan-March,2006: 13-14.Kranthi, S., Kranthi, K. R., Bharose, A. A. ,Syed, S. N.,Dhawad, C. S.,Wadaskar, R. M., Behere G. T and Patil E.K (2006). Cytochrome oxidase I sequence ofHelicoverpa sps in India- its utility as a molecular tool.Indian Journal of Biotechnology, Vol 5 (April 2006).Majumdar, G., and Gole, S. V (2006). Allocativeefficiency of cotton based farms in Vidarbha region ofMaharashtra for augmentation of income. J. Cotton Res.& Dev, 20(2) 310-313.Majumdar, G., Gole, S. Vand Singh, Phundan (2006).Resource allocation for improving profitability of cottonbased farms ofVidarbha in Maharashtra. J. Indian Soc.Cottonlmprov., 31(3): 149-155.Meena R A" Monga, D. and Kumar, Rajiv (2007).Undescriptive cotton cultivars of North Zone: anevaluation. J. Cotton Res. & Dev, 21(1): 21-23.Nalayini, P., Raja, R and Anderson A. Kumar. (2006). ETbased scheduling of irrigation through drip for cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.). Ind. J. Agron, 51 (3) : 232-235.Praharaj, C.S. and. Rajendran, T.P (2007). Long termquantitative and qualitative changes in cotton and soilparameters under cultivars, cropping systems andnutrient management options. Ind. 1. Agric. Sci., 77 (5):280-85.Praharaj,C.S., Rajendran, T.P. and Sankaranarayanan, K.(2006). Comparative performance of irrigated hirsutumcotton in conventional and organic packages in blackclay loam soils of Tamil Nadu. 1. Ind. Soc. CottonImprov., 31 (2): 99-104.Punit Mohan and Waghmare, VN. (2006). Pollenmorphology and viability in Gossypium. Ad. PlantSciences, 685-688.Raj Mohan, Amudha, J., Balasubramani, G., Loknathan,T.R. and Singh, P. (2006). Introgression studies through

RAPD markers in cotton. Indus Cottons, 3(1): 298-304.Rathinavel, K. (2007). Enhancement of hybrid cotton(Gossypium hirsutum) seed yield and quality throughparental crop management. Ind. 1. Agric. Sci., 77 (1): 21-27.Rokde, S.N. (2006). Grazing behaviour ofmarwari evesin marwar tract of semiarid Rajasthan. Indian journal ofSmall Ruminants, 12(1) : 99-10 I.Rokde, S.N. (2007). Effectofprobiotics supplementationon physiological parameters and health status of crossbred calves. The Royal Veterinary Journal ofIndia, 3(1):27-32.Russell, D. A and Kranthi, K. R. (2006). Global status ofinsecticide resistance mechanisms in the cottonbollworm Heficoverpa armigera. J. Indian Soc. CottonImprov,119-128.Russell, D. A and Kranthi, K. R. (2006). Improved cottonbollworm control in small scale production systems.ICAC special issue, September 2006. pp 20-26.Sinha, D.P., Amudha, J., Balasubramani, G and Perumal,N.K. (2006). Evaluation of genetic diversity amongdrought tolerant tetraploid and diploid cotton by RAPDand ISSR markers. The Indus Cottons, 3 : 310-317.Tanwar, R. K. Bambawale, O. M. Jeyakumar, P., MongaD., Dhandapani, A., Kanwar, v., Sharm'a, O. P., Jat M. c.,Sangle, U. S. and Meena, B. L. (2006). Validation offarmer participatory IPM approach in irrigated cotton ofnorth India. The Indus Cottons, 3 :256-261.Tuteja, O. P. (2006).Comparative studies on stabilityparameters and sustainability index for selecting stablegenotypes in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L).Indian J. Genetic, 66: 221-224. 'Tuteja, O. P., Khadi, B. M. Monga, D. Ahuja, S. L. Verma,S. K. Meena, R. A. Jeyakumar, P. and Kumar Suresh(2006). CSHH-238- A high yielding hybrid cotton forNorth zone. 1. Indian Soc. Cotton Improv, 31 (2): 105-111.

Tuteja, O. P., Kumar Sunil and Singh Mahendar(2006).Selection parameters and yield enhancement ofupland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) under irrigatedecosystem of North India. Indian Journal of AgriculturalSciences: 76(2):77-80.Tuteja, O. P., Kumar Sunil, Singh Mahendar and Khadi,B.M (2006). Identification and characterization of newfertility restorers in cytoplasmic genetic male sterility(CGMS) of cotton [Gossypium hirsutum (L.)] derivedfrom Gossypium harknessii. Indian 1. Genet., 66(1):53-54.Tuteja, O. P., Kumar Sunil, Singh Mahendar and LuthraPuneet (2006). Heterosis for seed cotton yield and fibrequality characters in G. hirsutum L. J. Cotton Res. &

Dev., 20: 48 -50.Tuteja, O. P., Kumar Sunil, Verma, S. K. and SinghMahendar (2006). Studies on selection criteria in uplandcotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). J. Indian Soc. CottonImprov, 31: 19-25.Tuteja, O. P., Singh Mahendar and Verma S. K. (2006).Stability analysis for seed cotton yield and its componenttraits in intra-specific hybrids of Gossypium hirsutum L.1. Cotton Research Development, 20: 171-173.Tuteja, O. P., Singh Mahendar, Khadi, B. M. and HasanHamid (2006). Introgressed lines as sources for fibrequality traits and resistance to biotic stresses fordiversification of landraces in upland cotton (Gossypiumhirsutum L.). Indian J. Genetic, 66: 253-254.Tuteja, O. P., Singh Mahendar, Verma, S K, and Khadi, B.M. (2006) Introgressed lines as sources for improvementof upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) genotypes foryield and fibre quality traits. Indian J. Genetic, 66: 251-252.Tuteja, O. P., Verma, S. K., Kumar, S. and Monga, D.(2006). Heterosis for seed cotton yield and its qualitativecharacters in (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cotton. J. CottonRes. & Dev, 20: 14-17.Vennila, S., (2006). Bt cotton for pest management orpest management for Bt cotton? Current Science, 91(12):6Vennila, S., Panchbhavi P. R. and Biradar V. K. (2006).Growth and survival of Heficoverpa armigera (Hubner)and Spodoptera fitura (Biosd.) on transgenic Bt cotton.Journal of Cotton Research and Development, 20 (1):131-133Verma, S. K., Tuteja, 0, P., Koli, N. R., Singh, 1. andMonga, D. (2006). Assessment of genetic variability,nature and magnitude of character association incytotype genotypes of upland cotton (Gosypiumhirsutum L.) J. Indian Soc. Cotton Improv, 31: 129-133.Verma, S. K., Tuteja, O. P., Kumar Sunil, Ram Parkash,Ram Niwas and Monga D (2006). Heterosis for seedcotton yield and its qualitative characters in (Gossypiumhirsutum L.) cotton. J. Cotton Res. & Dev, 20( 1): 14-17.Verma, S. K., Tuteja, O. P., Koli, N. R., Singh Jal, RamNiwas and Monga, D. (2007). Assessment of Genotype XEnvironment interactions for a diverse set of cottoncultivars (G. arboreum L.) of various Eco-geographicregions evaluated under north Indian conditions. Indian1.Agric. Sci, 77 (4): 258-60.Wang Young-Sheng, Pi, Li., Chen, X., Chakrabarty, P. K.,Jiang, J., Leon, A., Lui, G. Z., Li, L., Benny, D., Oard, 1.,Ronald, P. C. and Song, W. Y. (2006). Rice XA21 bindingprotein 3 is an Ubiquitin Ligase required for full Xa21-mediated disease resistance. Plant Cell, 18: 3635-46.

Name of the roject Name of the Project Leader

• and Associate(s)

NAGPURCrop Improvement

1. Collection, conservation, evaluation, documentation and PL: Punit Mohanutilization of cultivated species of Gossypium

2. Conservation of wild species of Gossypium and PL: Vinita Gotmareintrogressive hybridization for the improvement of Asso.: S.Venillacultivate d cotton M. K. Meshram

V. N. Waghmare

3. Development of long linted and high fibre strength PL: T. R Loknathangenotypes of G. arboreum Asso.: P. Singh

4. Breeding and evaluation of upland cotton for improved PL: S. M. Palve,fibre yield, quality and biotic stress (bollworm and jassids) Asso.: Vinita Gotmare,

S. VenillaM. K. Meshram

5. Genetical and anatomical studies on drought tolerance in cotton PL : Suman Bala Singh(Ghirsutum ) Asso.: N. K.Perumal

6. Development of heterotic pools for superior medium staple in PL: S. M. Palvetetraploid cotton (G. hirsutum)

7. Studies on genetic enhancement of upland cotton PL : T. R. LoknathanAsso.: P. Singh

Vinita GotmareS. VenillaM. K. Meshram

8. Improvement of tetraploid and diploid cotton for GOT PL: V. N. Waghmareand fibre properties through population improvement Asso.: P. Singh

approaches Vinita Gotmare

9. Studies on development of practically usable cytoplasmic PL : Suman Bala Singhgenic male sterility and restorer lines and genetic malesterility system in cotton

10. Assessment of seed vigor traits in cotton PL: V. SanthyAsso.: P. R Vijayakumari

RK. Deshmukh

11. Studies on cotton seed with particular reference to PL : P.R Vijayakumari,germination and dormancy Asso.: P. Singh, D.K. Agarwal,

RK. Deshmukh, V. Santhy,R.A. Meena, K. Rathinavel

12 Identification of suitable areas in India for quality PL : P. R. Vijayakumari,Cotton seed production with better seed health Asso.: M. K. Meshram

R. K. Deshmukh

13 Seed yield and seed quality in G. arboreum and PL : R. K. Deshmukh,

G. hirsutum varieties with low input management in Asso.: P. R. Vijayakumari,

different soil depths V SanthyN. K. Perumal

14 Molecular mapping of leaf curl virus resistant gene in cotton PL: J. Amudbagenome Asso.: B. M. Khadi

D.MongaG. Balasubramani

15 Molecular basis of pathogenicity and race -specificity of Xam PL: P. K. Chakrabartyand characterization of antagonists of foliar pathogens of Asso.: M. K. Meshramcotton for biocontrol

16 Development ofBt transgenic diploid cotton against PL: S. B. Nandeshwarbollworms Asso.: B. M. Khadi,

L. A. DeshpandeG. BalasubramaniJ. Amudha

Crop Production

17 Integrated approach for yield maximization of hybrid cotton PL: K. S. Bhaskarunder drip irrigation

18 Long term effect of fertilizer and INM on productivity, soil PL: Jagvir Singhfertility and quality of rainfed hybrid cotton Assoc: D. Blaise

19 Effect of nutrients on yield and fibre quality of rainfed Bt PL: Jagvir Singhhybrid

20 Effects offoliar-N application on yield and fibre quality and PL: D. Blaisecrystal toxin expression in Bt transgenic Assoc: K. R. Kranthi

21 Tillage and green manure effects on growth and yield of cotton PL: D. Blaiseand soil properties

22 Improving the efficiency of cotton+arhar strip cropping in PL: A. R. RajuVertisols

23 Studies on the efficacy of micro nutrients application and PL: A. R. Rajumoisture management on yield and fibre properties of rainfedcotton

24 Development of package of practices for organic corton PL: A. R. Rajuproduction

25 Adoption and refinement of cotton picker and cleaning system PL: G. Majumdar

26 Physiological evaluation of cotton germplasm under PL: M. R. K. Rao

rainfed conditions. Assoc.: N. K. PerumalK. B. Hebbar

27 Physiological and biochemical studies on abiotic stress PL: N. K. Perumal

with particular reference to heat and drought in cotton. Assoc.: M. Chakrabarty

28 Assessment of gossypol content in cotton germplasm PL: Mukta Chakrabarty

29 Physiological and biochemical basis of salinity tolerance Assoc: K. B. Hebbar

30 Physiological and biochemical basis of waterlogging tolerance PL: K. B. Hebbar

31 Source sink alternation with reference to flower induction PL: K. B. Hebbaras a tool to improve physiological efficiency andproductivity in cotton.

32 Evaluation of cotton production technologies for yield, PL: H. Gajbhiyefibre quality and economic viability

33 A study on technology adoption behaviour of cotton PL: H. 1. Gajbhiyegrowers: Structural perspective.

34 Study on accessibility to mass media and information PL: S. M. Wasniktechnology of potential users in cotton based production Assoc.: P. R. Deoghare

system.

Crop Protection

35 Identification and characterisation of elite germplasm lines PL: S. Kranthiagainst key pests of cotton. Assoc: V.V. Singh

36 Biochemical basis of induction of defense related proteins PL: S. Kranthiin cotton against the Gram pod borer Helicoverpa armigera. Assoc: S. B. Nandeshwar

37 Population and community ecology of cotton PL: S. Vennilaentomofauna.

38 Study of crop pest interactions for improving cotton pest PL: S. Vennilamanagement Assoc: K. B. Hebbar

M. Sabesh

39 Evaluation and exploitation of compensation as a PL: S. Vennilamechanism for comprehensive insect pest tolerance. Assoc: Vinita Gotrnare

40 Biochemical, molecular and genetic basis of host plant PL: N. G. Narkhedkarresistance to cotton nematodes.

41 Potential of rhizobacteria in management of cotton PL: N. G. Narkhedkarnematodes

42 Identification of sources of resistance against Rhizoctonia PL: R. C. Ukeyroot rot in tetraploid and Fusarium wilt in diploid cottonand their utilization in breeding program.

43 Studies on seed transmitted pathogenic infections and PL: P. M. Mukewcrother seed micro flora of cotton.

44 Studies on evolution of races of Xanthomonas axonopodis PL: M. K. Meshrampv. malvacearum (Xam) and utilization of HVS inidentification of resistant sources .

45 Evaluation of cotton germplasm against Alternaria and PL: N. K. TanejaMyrothecium leaf spot diseases.

46 Molecular basis of pathogenicity and race specificity of PL: P. K. ChakrabartyXanthomonas axonopodis pv malvacearu (Xam) and J\ssoc: M. }C.Meshramcharacterization of its antagonists.

REGIONAL STATION, COIMBATORE

47 Development of high yielding intra -hirsutum hybrid PL : K. N.GururajanJ\ssoc: S. Manickam

48 Breeding new G. hirsutum cotton varieties with new plant types PL: K. N. Gururajan- Development of medium staple varieties J\ssoc: S. Manickam

49 Development of Extra long staple high spinning hybrids of PL: K. P. M. Dhamayanthiinterspecific origin with wide adaptability J\ssoc: S. Manickam

50 Development of extra long staple G. barbadense varieties with PL: }C.P. M. Dhamayanthiimproved fibre properties J\ssoc: K. Rtthnavel

51 Development of high yielding and high spinning extra long PL: S. Manickamstaple cotton J\ssoc: K. N. Gururajan

52 Development, maintenance and utilization of cytoplasmic and PL : S. Manickamgenetic male sterility for hybrid cotton seed production andfertility restoration in cotton

53 Maintenance and evaluation of cotton germplasm PL: S. Manickam

54 Studies on viability, vigour and longevity of cotton seeds PL: K. RathinavelJ\ssoc: K. Natarajan

P. Chidambaram

55 Studies on the long term effect of continuous application of PL: C. S. Praharajnutrients in fixed cotton based crop rotation on the productivity, J\ssoc: K. Sankaranarayanannutrient balance and sustainability of the cropping system S. E. S. A lChader

56 J\ssessment of organic residues along with in-situ incorporation PL: C. S. Praharajof green manures on soil fertility dynamics and cotton J\ssoc: K. Sankaranarayananproductivity S. E. S. J\. lChader

57 Water management in G. hirsutum and PL : K. SankaranarayananG. barbadense cotton. Assoc: P. Nalayini

C. S. Praharaj

58 Evaluation of cotton based cropping system for higher PL: K. Sankaranarayananproduction and economic return Assoc: P. Nalayini

59 Polymulching for water, weed and nutrient management in PL: P. Nalayinicotton based cropp ing system Assoc: K. Sankaranarayanan

60 Identification and utilization of adaptive responses to abiotic PL: S. E. S. A. Khaderstress in cultivated species of corton Assoc: N. Gopalakrishnan

K. N. Gururajan

61 Physiological and molecular elucidation of fibre development PL: A. H. Prakashprocess in corton for enhancing fibre yield. Assoc: N. Gopalakrishnan

62 Source -sink alteration with reference to flower induction as a PL: A. H. Prakashtool to improve physiological efficiency and productivity in Assoc: N. Gopalakrishnancorton.

63 Studies on biochemical mechanisms of resistance to bollworm PL: N. Gopalakrishnanofcorton Assoc: T. Surulivelu

64 Studies on developmental biochemistry of corton pest/ disease PL: N. Gopalakris hnaninteraction Assoc: T. Surulivelu

K. NatarajanP. Chidambaram

65 Studies on the role and effect of insecticides in cotton PL : T. Suruliveluecosystem Assoc: K.Natarajan,

66 Studies on the host plant relationship and development of PL: K. Natarajanresistant/tolerant varieties to insect pests of corton Assoc: T. Surulivelu

S. Manickam

67 Studies on population dynamics of corton pests and their PI : K. Natarajannatural enemies Assoc: B. Dhara Jothi

68 Bio-ecological studies in Pink Bollworm PL: B. Dhara JothiAssoc: K. Natarajan

69 Studies on the epidemiology and management of fungal PL: P. Chidambaramfoliar diseases of corton

(

Assoc: K. N.GururajanN. Gopalakrishnan

70 Identification of hotspots for plant parasitic nematodes in PL: Gulsar Banucorton growing zones of India.

71 Exploration of novel insecticidal proteins from bacterial PL: Gulsar Banusymbionts of native entomopathogenic nematodes.

PL: Isabella Agarwal

PL: Isabella AgarwalAdoption, impact and returns to research investment onimproved cotton cultivars in Tamilnadu

Economic analysis of contract farming in cotton inTamilnadu.

PI: M. SabeshAssoc.: S. Vennila

B. Dhara Jothi

Evaluation of parents in Gossypium hirsutum for heteroticpotential and useful heterosis for replacement of existingcultivars under north Indian conditions.

Development of varieties and hybrids (MS based) of mediumstaple length in Gossypium arboreum L.

Development of male sterility based hybrids ofG. hirsutum for north India.

PL: O. P. TutejaAssoc: D. Monga

P. Jeyakumar

Development of G. hirsutum cultivars with high fibrestrength suitable for high speed spinning.

PL: S. L. AhujaAssoc: O. P. Tuteja

S. K. VermR.A. MeenaD. MongaP. JeyakumarV. V. SinghK. N. Gururajan

PL: S. L. AhujaAssoc: S. K. Verma

PunitMohanVinita GotmareT.R. LoknathanP. JeyakumarD. Monga

PL: O. P. TutejaAsso.: D. Monga, P. Jeyakurnar

Development of male sterility based hybrids ofG. hirsutum for north India.

Collection, conservation, evaluation and maintenance ofgenetic resources.

83 Studies on seed technological aspects of hybrids and PL: R. A. Meena

varietal seed production in north zone. Assoc: O. P. TutejaD. Monga

84 Effect of light on stability and efficacy of neem in IPM PL: P. JeyakumarAssoc: D. Monga

85 Studies on cotton leaf curl virus disease and development PL: D. Mongaof resistant varieties and hybrids for its management. Assoc: O. P. Tuteja

R.A. MeenaS. K. VermaP. Jeyakumar

Externally Funded Projects

86 Assessing potassium requirements of cotton + pigeonpea PL: Blaisecropping system

DBT Projects

87 Genetic improvement of strains of entomopathogenic PL: N. G. -Narkhedkarnematodes for tolerance to environment and enhanced efficacyagainst Helicoverpa armigera, cotton bollworm.

88 Identification of molecular markers linked to QTLs for PL: V. V. Singhfibre strength and oil content in cotton (G. hirsutum L.)

89 Molecular mapping of fibre quality and lint yield traits: PL : V. N. Waghmare,construction of a framework linkage map in desi cotton Asso.: A. B. Dongre,(Gossypium spp. ) Vinita Gotrnare

90 DNA based diagnostic approaches to identify biotype PL : P. K. Chakrabartydiversity in race 18 of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv.malvacearum and commercialization of a PCR detectionkit

91 Development of disease resistant transgenic cotton against PL: P. K. ChakrabartyCLCuV. S. B. Nandeshwar

92 Engineering virus resistant cotton through dsRNAi PL : P. K. Chakrabartymediated targeting of cotton leaf curl virus. Asso.: B. M. Khadi, D. Monga

S. B. Nandeshwar

93 Development of cotton transgenics with improved fibre PL : B. M. Khadistrength using cellulose synthase gene from ArabidojJSis Asso.: G. Balasubramani

P. K.Chakrabarty

Mega Seed Project

Seed Production in Agricultural Crops and Fisheries. PL : 1. A. Deshpande,Asso.:

P. R. Vijayakumari,R.A. MeenaK. Rathinavel

DUS Project

Characterisation of genotypes for DDS testing under PVPandFRAct

PL :V. Santhy,Asso.:P. R.Vijayakumari,

R. K. Deshmukh

NPTC Project

Development ofBt cotton and cotton leaf curl virusresistant transgenics

PL: B. M. KhadiAsso.: A. B. Dongre,

G. Balasumbramani,A. B. Nandeshwar,J.Amudha

Resistance to Bt cotton and cotton bollworm, Helicoverpaarmigera detection, monitoring and development of newdiagnostic and management strategies.

Mahyco Funded

Monitoring for shifts in baseline susceptibility(development of to lerance/resistance) in the cottonbollworms toxin in various cotton growing regions of thecountry.

PL: S. KranthiAssoc: K. R. Kranthi

Studies on Helicoverpa armigera response to newproprietary molecules of Dupont.

PL: K. R. KranthiAssoc: S. Kranthi

100 Development of technology for detecting of GMO in anunknown sample and its utilization in dealing with bulksamples.

Name of the Project Name of the Project Leaderand Associate(s)

MM 1.1 Development of diploid cotton cultivars CCPIs : Punit Mohan,with high fibre quality S. K. Verma

MM 1.2 Development of tetraploid cotton cultivars PI : K. N. Gururajanwith high fibre quality and resistance to CCPIs : V. N. Waghmaredrought and biotic stresses S. L. Ahuja

MM 1.3 Genetic diversity through introgression of PI : V. Gotmareuseful genes in cultivated species of cotton CCPIs: S. B. Nandeshwar

G. BalasubramaniS. Manickam, O. P. Tuteja

MM 1.4 Improvement of cotton seed oil PI: D. K. AgrawalCo -PI :M. ChakrabartyCCPIs : K.P.M. Damayanthy

N. Gopala krishanan,O. P Tuteja,

MM 1.5 Maintenance breeding, seed production and CCPIs : K. Rathinavelmarker based purity evaluation A. B. Dongre,

T. R. Loknathan,V. Shan thy, R. A. Meena

MM2.1 Integrated nutrient management for high PI : D. Blaisequality fibre and yield Co -PI : 1. V. Singh

MM 2.2 Integrated water management system for CCPIs : K. S. Bhaskarquality fibre production K. Shankarnarayan

MM2.3 Bioinoculants for sustainable and cost CCPIs : P. N alayinieffective production of high quality fibre

MM2.4 Refining regional-level prediction of yield PI : M. R. K. RaoCo-PI: K. B. HebberCCPIs : A. H. Prakash

MM2.5 Ergonomically efficient implements for PI: G. Majumdarcotton production

MM 3.1 Integrated pest management (IPM) at CCPIs: S. Vennilavillage level for cost effective, quality T. Surulivelu, A. Kannanproduction P. Jeyakumar, D. Monga

MM3.2 Development of diagnostic tools for PI : P. K. Chakrabartydifferentiation and detection of biotypes/ Co -PIs: M. K. Meshramraces of insect pests and pathogens of cotton S. Kranthi

P. ChidambaramB. DharajyothiD. Monga

MM3.3 Commercialisation ofbioagent mass - production CCPI: N. Gokte Narkhedkartechnologies in intensive cotton districts

MM5.1 Evaluation of cotton production PI: H. L. Gajbhiyetechnologies for yield, fibre quality and Co -PI : P. Ramasunderameconomic viability CCPIs : 1.Agrawal

S. K. VennaMM5.2 Information, cotton website and documentation PI : M. Sabesh

CCPIs : G. Majumdar

MM5.3 TMC -MMI Coordination and Monitoring cell M. Chakrabarty

Dr. G. Kalloo,DDG (Hort. & CS),fCAR addressing

the Scientists.

Dr. S. N. Puri,Chairman, RAC,

CICR,addrelSing

the scientiSts.

Dr. Mangala Rai, Secretary, DARE &Director General, ICARchairing the technical session offCAR Standing CommitteeforTMCMMI.

Dr. S. N. Puri,Chairman, QRT,CIeR chairingthe meeting.

11.3: Consultancy, Patents,Commercialization of Technology

Breeder Seed ProductionBreeder seed production of the following varieties was

undertaken as per the Government ofIndia (Departmentof Agriculture and Cooperation) and there is no mismatchin seed production.

Name of variety 2006 -07Indent (Q) Production (Q)

LRA 5166 0.68 3.71LRK516 0.75 1.84

Surabhi 1.05 3.50Supril/a 0.10 1.00

MCU5VT 0.02 2.50CSHH198Female 0.50Male 0.15CSHH238Female 0.07Male 0.10CISA2Female 0.30Male 0.30CISA 310 0.50

~~ A process patent entitled, " The cause ofparawiltlsudden wilt in cotton was filed in July,2006.

~~ A ready- to- use polymerase chain reaction kit hasbeen developed and validated for rapid detection ofXanthomonas axonopodis pv malvacearum (Xam), aseed borne pathogen of cotton. The bacterium causesangular leaf spot and blight of cotton, a disease ofquarantine significance. Kit is designed to providematerials sufficient for 25 detection reactions. The

kit can be used for detection of the pathogen on seeds,leaves, soils or other sources. The reaction can becompleted within 1.40 h in a standard thermal cycler.The presence of the bacterium can be preciselydetected by amplification of a DNA fragment of 400bp which can be viewed on agarose gel. Aninstruction leaflet is also provided for use with thekit.

Users:Plant protection and Quarantine stations, AgriculturalResearch Institutions and Researchers, etc.

11.4: Significant Decisions of RAC,IRC and IMC

Council. The following are the specific RACrecommendations.

Research Advisory Committee (RAC)

The 2nd meeting of the Research Advisory Committee ofthe Institute was held on May 26,2006 at CICR, Nagpur.Dr. S. N. Puri, Vice-Chancellor, CAU, Imphal (Manipur)& Chairman of the RAC presided over the meeting. Thefollowing members attended the meeting.1. Dr. S. Sreenivasan, Director, - MemberCIRCOT, Mumbai,

2. Dr.N. K. Singh, Principal Scientist, - MemberNRCPB, New Delhi,

3. Dr. S.K. Gosh, Principal Scientist, - MemberCRIJAF, Barrackpore,

4. Dr. P.P.Tarhalkar, Retd. Principal - MemberScientist, CICR, Nagpur

5. Dr. B. M. Khadi, Director,CICR, Nagpur,

6. Shri Nanabhau Embadwar - Non - officialMember- Non - officialMember- MemberSecretary

Dr. S. N. Puri in his inaugural address emphasized thechanging scenario ofBt cotton hybrid area inNorth Indiaand expressed his concern on no public sector Bt hybridavailable in that area. Dr. Khadi, Director CICRpresented the highlight ofInstitute research contributionsand status of transgenic research, watershed activity,nutrient management and resource generated by the saleof Bt detection kit. Dr. N.K. Singh desired the need tohave molecular breeding programs to identify DNAmarkers linked to new genes or traits such as drought. Dr.Sreenivasan stressed the importance of cotton qualityparameters including Bt hybrids. Dr. P. P. Tarhalkaradvised to develop low cost cultivation technology forshallow soils and organic farming in cotton. Dr. Ghoshsuggested the need for uniform screening methodologykeeping in view the incidence and intensity of insectpests and diseases.

Dr. S.N. Puri in his concluding remarks stressed the needto identify genotypes with low total water requirement.He desired that the Scientists should prioritize theresearch in micro irrigation, Apart from seed purity, Dr.Puri expressed that Bt hybrids should not be releasedwithout their agronomic evaluation. He advised thescientists to keep a vigil on the outbreak of diseases.

The proceedings of the meeting were approved by the

I. Develop public sector hybrid/Bt for cultivation

2. Develop mechanical planter/ harvester for commercialuse

3. Study the feasibility of drip irrigation in farmers fields

4. Invite an engineer ofCIAE Bhopal for RAC meeting

Institute Research Council (IRC)

TheAnnual Institute Research Council meeting ofCICR,Nagpur was conducted from 16-19 June, 2006. Themeeting was chaired by Dr. B. M. Khadi, Director, CICR,Nagpur. Dr. Khadi in his opening address presentedcurrent scenario of cotton cultivation in India. RegardingBt cotton, he mentioned that production and protectiontechnologies need to be addressed. Dr. Khadi alsoinformed scientists about major RAC recommendationsand these recommendations have to be considered whileformulation of research programme. Results of workdone in 2005-06 for each project were presented andtechnical programmes for 2006-07 were approved afterdeliberations and discussions.

The IRC meeting of Regional Station, Sirsa was held onMayll, 2006 under the Chairmanship of Director, Dr. B.M. Khadi. All the scientists of Regional Station presentedtheir results for each project and proposed the Technicalprogramme for the ensuing season. The Chairmanreviewed all the projects and the technical programmewere modified accordingly.

The IRC meeting of CICR Regional Station, Coimbatorewas held under the Chairmanship of Dr. B.M.Khadi,Director, CICR, Nagpur on July 17-18, 2006. In hisopening remarks, Dr. Khadi stressed the need for bettergenotypes / Bt hybrids for moisture stress conditions forrealizing higher yields. He specifically mentioned aboutthe requirement of extra long staple (ELS) cotton and theneed to bridge the short fall in this category in thecountry. Other key issues viz., resistance development inBt cotton cultivation, problem in use of specificpesticides and pest resurgence that need attention werealso mentioned. All the Scientists of the regional stationparticipated and presented their research findings in themeeting. Director reviewed all the on going projectsincluding TMC and gave his valuable comments andsuggestions.

Institute Management Committee (IMC)

Forty fifth Institute Management Committee meeting

was conducted on 10'hJanuary, 2007 at Central Institutefor Cotton Research, Nagpur. The meeting was chairedby Dr. B M Khadi, Director, CICR, Nagpur and thefollowing committee members were present.

Dr. Sharad Nimbalkar, V.C., - MemberDr.PDKV, AkolaShri Nanabhau Embadwar - Non Official

Member- Non OfficialMember-MemberDr. L. N agrale, Jt. Director of

AgricultureShri P.N. Singh, Sr. F&AO,NBSS & LUP, NagpurShri O. M. Bambawale, Principal - MemberScientist, NCIPM, NewDelhiDr. N. Gopalkrishnan, PC & Head, - Special InviteeCICR, Regional Station, CoimbatoreDr. Dilip Monga, Head, CICR, - Special InviteeRegional Station, SirsaShriPrashantKumar,F &AO,CICR,NagpurShri M. S. Murthy, Administrative - Member SecretaryOfficer

The following are the major recommendations ofthe committee:~~ The committee expressed satisfaction on the

progress of civil works. Further, the committeesuggested to get the details of expenditure incurredin respect of each work in every quarter and by 31st

March every year. The concerned CPWD Engineerhas to be invited to IMC meeting to furnish the fulldetails of work in progress.

~~ The committee applauded the work done ondevelopment of water harvesting ponds. Thecommittee further suggested for soil conservationand stoppage of water logging.

~~ The committee praised the effort ofthe Director andhis team of scientists in development ofBt cotton.

~~ The members suggested to arrange Melas/Exhibitions at Jalna and Marathwada where cottonand other seed industries are located.

~~ The committee approved substitution of items takingin to consideration of the needs of the Institute.

~~ The committee has recommended refurnishing themuseum and also renovation of library within theprovision ofEFC Memo of X Plan.

6th Meeting of ICAR Standing Committee forTMC-MMIThe 6th Meeting ofICAR Standing Committee for TMC-MM I was held at CICR, Nagpur on January 30, 2007under the Chairmanship of Dr. Mangala Rai, Secretary,DARE & DG, ICAR to review the Annual Progress ofTMC-MM- I programme during 2005-06 and also toconsider XI Plan priority areas.

Dr B.M. Khadi, Member Secretary, ICAR StandingCommittee for TMC-MM I extended a very warmwelcome to the Chairman and all the members. Hepresented an overview of the progress of TMC MM Iprogramme during 2005-06 and highlightedachievements made under each theme area.

Discussions were held mainly on the following issueswi th intervention of all the distinguished members:

~~ Work on Extra long staple cotton is a necessity tomeet requirements of the industry as it is beingimported at present.

~~ Regional specificity with respect to varieties grownis required. It will provide logistic support formeeting quality cotton requirement.

~~ Some expert system is required to estimate cottonproduction in a more authentic way.

~~ Bio-fertilizers and solid waste management may bebeneficial for improvement of soil health.

~~ Shelf life, delivery system and productiontechnology of bio-agents are very important toensure quality of bio-agents. Sucking pests aregaining importance in cotton production systemnecessitating application of more chemical sprays.Therefore there is need to develop biologicalproducts for sucking pest management. SinceGossypol imparts resistance to sucking pests,breeding of cultivars with high gossypol may bethought of.

~~ Technologies required for Bt cultivation need to beworked out and standardized.

~~ Importance of clean cotton to ensure betterremunerative prices to producers has been stressedupon.

~~ Mechanical cotton picker at an affordable cost has tobe developed. Suitable mechanical planters may bedeveloped specially for rainfed areas.

~~ Work on Development of Apomictic hybrids must bestrengthened and continued at any cost on a mission

mode approach with duration of 4-5 years to escapehybrid seed production so that farmers wi 11 beimmensely benefited.

~~ To grow more and more cotton at lesser cost throughenhancement of input utilization efficiency

Chairman added that in addition to the above aspects,details of other work areas proposed may be formulatedin consultation with cotton researchers across the countryfor consideration and approval.

Chairman appreciated the sincere efforts put forth by allthe cooperating centres in carrying out the scheduledactivities as approved in the X plan. However, cottonworkers, he said, would have to strive hard for achievingmission oriented output.

The following members were present:

Dr. J.S. Samra, Deputy Director General (NRM), ICARNew Delhi

Dr. R.R. Sinha, Adviser, Department of Biotechnology

Dr. P.S. Chandurkar, PPA to Govt. ofIndia, ew Delhi

Dr. K.c. Jain, Assistant Director General (CC), ICARNew Delhi

Dr. Pitam Chandra, Assistant Director General (Agr.Engg.), ICAR, New Delhi

Dr. S.Sreenivasan, Director, CIRCOT, Mumbai

Dr. S.M. Kolhatkar, Jt. Director, DOCD, Mumbai

Sh. SureshKotak, Chairman, COTTAP(EICA)

Sh. D.K. Nair, Secretary General, CITI, New Delhi

Dr. S.Y. Sarode, Director of Research, Dr. PDKV,Akola

Dr. B.M. Khadi, Director, CICR, Nagpur & MemberSecretary

Expert Group Meeting ofTMC-MM-I

An Expert group meeting was held on March 16-17,2007at CICR, Nagpur to formulate research programme to beundertaken during XI plan under Technology Mission onCotton-Mini Mission I Scheme. Dr TP Rajendran,Assistant Director General (Plant Protection), ICAR,New Delhi, Dr TS Raveendran, Director, Centre ofAdvanced Studied for Genetics & Plant Breeding,TNAU, Coimbatore, Dr B V Patil, Professor ofEntomology, College of Agriculture, Raichur, Dr SSreenivasan, Director, CIRCOT, Mumbai, Dr AnupamBarik, Director, DOCD, Mumbai, Dr BM Khadi,Director, CICR, Nagpur and a number of cotton scientistsfrom State Agricultural Universities and CICR and other

ICAR Institutes participated in the meeting and sharedtheir expertise and ideas during the inaugural session andalso during different programme sessions for GeneticImprovement, Natural Resource Management and BioticStress Management.

During the Plenary Session, the decisions arising out ofindividual theme areas were put forth for effectiveinteractions and interdisciplinary approach.

Genetic Improvement

1. Development and promotion of medium and longlinted diploid cotton (G. herbaceum andG. arboreum) .

2. Development and promotion of G. barbadense extralong staple cotton to meet the requirement ofindustry.

3. Identification of G. hirsutum genotypes suitable formachine picking and development of agronomicpackage.

4. Development and promotion of Bt cotton varietiessuitable for different regions and situations.

5. Molecular characterization of germ plasm .

Natural Resource Management

6. Water and nutrient management through precisionfarming for Bt cotton.

7. Refinement of integrated approach model for aregional level prediction of cotton production.

8. Innovative cotton based cropping system forenhanced productivity and profitability.

Biotic Stress Management

9. Emerging pest and disease problems subsequent tothe release of Bt Cotton- their mapping,characterization and development ofIPM strategies.

10. Development of detection kits for different events inGM cotton for seed quality control.

11. Development of farmers acceptable refuge crop andIRM strategies to delay boIlworm resistance to Btcotton.

12. Validation, commercialization and promotion ofbio- fertilizers, bio-inoculants and bio-agents foreco- friendly cotton production.

Meeting of Task Force II for finalization ofDUSTest Guidelines of Cotton

Meeting of Task Force II for finalization of DUS test

Shri Nanabhau Embedwar,Member, Institute Management Committee,CICR delivering presidential address

Cotton farmersfrom the Punjab state

visiting CICR,Nagpur.

Dr. B. M. Khadi,Director,CICRaddressing the delegates.

llJ TMC-MMI <)

Dr. K. C. Jain, ADG (CC),ICAR chairing thetechnical session of

Annual ReviewWorkshop ofTMCMMI.

JlnnuuL ':Review '\VtJrkshop(2005-0C

guidelines of cotton was held on September 26, 2006 atCICR, Nagpur. Dr. K. R. Kranthi, Director Ilc, in hiswelcome address, gave brief information on DDSTesting. Dr. R. K. Choudhary, Member Secretary, TaskForce II, gave the information on spade work alreadycarried out for developing DOS testing guidelines incotton. Dr. Y. S. Nerkar, Chairman, Task Force II,emphasized the need to make DDS system fruitful bydefining meaningful protocols through the intensivediscussions among the researchers and end users. Dr. S.Nagaraj an, Chainnan, PVP & FR Authority, in hispresidential address, invited everybody to join hands andcome out with apt suggestions to make this workshopsuccessful. Dr. Nagarajan suggested for requirement ofalignment between farmers, seed industry and textileindustry to meet the industry demands and need forIndian Cotton Breeders to concentrate work on desicotton improvement. He further opined that the presentproposal of having only one DDS norms for cotton(Gossypium) needs a careful examination. He stronglyurged to develop DDS norms separately for Asiaticcotton (Diploid); American cotton (Tetraploid) and thesea-Island cotton since they have different fibrecharacters, boll size, pigmentation etc.

Dr. Nerkar suggested that economic analysis on import-export of cotton should be done to assess if any benefit isaccrued to the nation. The industry also should clearlydefine the reason for increase in cotton production anddissert the contribution of hybrid and Bt gene integrationin the hybrid.Dr. S. Sreenivasan, Director, CIRCOT, Mumbai in hisremarks, stated that the textile industry's requirement by2010 has been worked to be 350 lakh bales. The qualitynorm for various groups of cotton, he said, has beenfixed and is being scrupulously followed by all sectors tohave all round improvement in cotton quality.Shri A. S. Yawalkar, Secretary, Cotton Seed CrushersAssertion opined that cotton seed constitutes two-third ofthe economic produce. He wanted cotton research effortsto increase seed yield, oil percentage, proteins and lysinecontent and reduce gossypo I.

QRT Review Meeting

The QRT team constituted by ICAR to review the workdone by the CICR and AICCIP during the five-yearperiod from 2001-2005 visited CICR, Nagpur on 21January 2007. Chairman, Dr. S.N. Puri, Vice-Chancellor,CAD, Imphal along with other members Dr.S.S.Narayanan, Principal Scientist (Retd.), CICR, Dr.V.S. Reddy, Group Leader, ICGEB, New Delhi; Dr. N.Rishi, Prof. Plant Pathology (Retd.), HAD, Hisar and Dr.N. Gopalkrishanan, PC and Head, CICR; Region Station,Coimbatore. They reviewed the progress ofthe work andvisited the experimental fields and interacted with theconcerned Project Leaders about the on going projects.The team also visited the various laboratories. TheDirector, CICR and Heads of Divisions and RegionalStations discussed about the progress of work during the5 year period.

Work done at CICR Region Station, Coimbatore and theother south zone centres in AICCIP was reviewed on lO-Il March, 2007 by the QRT under the Chairmanship ofDr. S. S. Acharya, Director, Institute of DevelopmentalStudies, Jaipur. Dr. S. S. Narayanan, Dr. Rishi, Dr. V. S.Reddy attended the meeting. Dr. Khadi, Director, CICR,Nagpur was also present. Dr. Gopalkrishanan presented acomplete picture of the various activities andachievements during the 5 year period. Scientists ofCICR Regional Station, Coimbatore appraised theirresearch findings to the QRT members and an exhibitiondisplaying the research achievements was alsoorganized. Scientists from AICCIP South Zone centersviz. Coimbatore, Srivilliputhur, Kovilpatti, Guntur,Nandyal and Dharwad attended the meeting andpresented their research findings to the QRT.

The QRT meeting for the North Zone was held on 28-29April 2007 at CICR, RS, Sirsa. All scientists of NorthZone AICCIP centers and CICR, RS, Sirsa attended themeeting. There was presentation of progress report andconstraints by individual centres of AICCIP North Zoneviz. Sriganganagar, Banswara, Faridkot, Ludhiana,Abohar, Hisar and Sirsa.

11.5:Workshops / Seminars / Summer Institutes /Farmer's Day Organized

Rashtriya Kapas Mela

A Rashtriya Kapas Mela was organized at the premisesof CICR Nagpur on 9th January, 2007. The Kapas Melawas inaugurated by Shri Nanabhau Embadwar, Member,Institute Management Committee, CICR, Nagpur. In hispresidential address at the inaugural function of Melaobserved that in-spite of achieving a record production ofcotton, the cotton growers in the country, particularlyVidarbha, are having a difficult time. He further appealedto the scientists to come up with technologies to reducethe cost of production, so that our cotton growers cancompete in the international market. In his inauguraladdress, Dr. Sharad Nimbalkar, Vice Chancellor of Dr.PDKV, Akola congratulated the cotton growers,extension agencies and cotton scientists for taking thecountry to the second position in the world.

In his introductory remarks Dr. B. M. Khadi, Director,CICR, Nagpur gave the details of achievements made bythe country in cotton production and future challengeslikely to be faced by the country. Dr. S. Sreenivasan,Director, CIRCOT, Mumbai, emphasized the need ofindustry-farmer interaction on quality parameters. Dr.A.K. Maji, Director, NBSS&LUP, Nagpur, Dr. ShyamSingh, Director, NRCC, Nagpur, Shri. N. B. Nagrale, Jt.Director Agriculture, Nagpur Division and Shri. K. 1.Nandeshwar, Jt. Director Agriculture, Amravati Divisionalso spoke on this occasion.

About 3000 farmers from all major cotton growing statesof the country participated in the Mela.

A scientist-farmer interaction session was alsoorganized. A Quiz for the farmers was conducted andwinners were given cash prize.A national level exhibition on cotton was organizedwhere more than 30 companies and 10public institutionsput up their stalls. Several publications on cotton for thecotton growers were released on this occasion. Asouvenir was also brought out to commemorate the event.

TMC-MM-l Annual Review Workshop

The Annual Review Workshop 2005-06 ofTMC-MM-1Projects was held during August 24 & 25, 2006 at CICR,Nagpur. The Workshop was graced by the presence of DrKC Jain, Assistant Director General (CC), ICAR, Dr SSreenivsan, Director, CIRCOT, Mumbai, Dr BM Khadi,Director, CICR, Nagpur & Member Secretary, ICARStanding Committee for TMC-MM-I and Dr TSRaveendran, Director, School of Genetics, TNAU,Coimbatore. The entire project PIs, Heads of CICR

Regional Stations and Heads of Divisions, CICR, Nagpurand the CCPls and RAs based at CICR, Nagpurparticipated in the Workshop. The Workshop wasorganized mainly to discuss the findings of2005-06 andalso the deliverable technologies for large scaledemonstration.

Dr. Khadi, in his introductory remarks, emphasized onthe point that cotton production is in the increase duringthe last few years and the productivity also has increasedfrom 320 to 440 kg lint/ha. He has also presented anoverview of the achievements of TMC MM-I undervarious projects since its inception in 2001. Theproduction of extra-long quality cotton is very low inIndia. It was brought to the notice of the House that eventhe Bt cotton falls under medium staple category anddoes not meet the requirement of industries for qualitycotton. The need of the hour is to improve barbadensecotton comparable to Giza or Pima cotton of USA.

Dr. S. Sreenivasan lauded the progress made under TMCMM-I and expressed that the increased production andproductivity of cotton during the last few years has comeas asilentrevolution through TMC MM-I which has to bemade visible through concise reports and publications.Impact assessment of the technology developed alsoneeds to be conducted.

Dr. K.c. Jain also stressed on the aspect that properdocumentation of the salient results is necessary for abetter understanding ofthe impact ofTMC-MM-I. DCH32 and Varalaxmi, known for quality, were developedlong ago. However, not much progress has been madethereafter in connection with development of. Hesuggested for development of ELS quality hybrids andvarieties and also good quality cotton varieties andhybrids forNorth Zone.

The salient results of 2005-06 were presented andeffective interactions were held.

The major recommendations emerged out of two daydeliberations are:

~~ Promotion of identified long staple and fine qualityG. arboreum and G. hirsutum genotypes on largescale.

~~ Successful wild x cultivated crosses should beexploited on large scale to generate additionalgenetic variability.

~~ DNA fingerprinting of released varieties and hybridsshould be completed on priority.

~~ Site specific nutrient management was found to bebetter than the traditional blanket fertilizerrecommendation and can be taken up forpopularization after its validation in farmer's fields.

~~ The effect of the new bio-inoculants consortium (asingle mixture of Azospirillum, PhosphateSolubilizing bacterium and PPFM) on fibre and seedmay be studied. It is suggested to work out ginningper cent and also to compute the economics.

~~ A project proposal on validation of regional levelyield prediction may be formulated and submitted toNAIP Component IV as a strategic research for

financial support to expand the prediction for rest ofthe districts/ states.

~~ Implements developed at various centres need to beevaluated at one place.

~~ Development of unified recommendations for cottonpest management in general, and for Bt cotton inparticular needs to be done.

~~ Diagnostic tools developed for pathogens under MM3.2 and the mass production of promising bio-agentsunder MM 3.3 need to be commercialized.

~~ Implementable and useful technologies need to bebrought out in a booklet form.

Sr. Seminars/Conferences /Symposia/ Place and Date ParticipantsNo. Workshops/Trainings

1. Annual Group Meeting of All India VAS, Dharwad B.M. KhadiCoordinated Cotton Improvement April 7 -9, 2006 N. GopalakrishnanProject K. N. Gururajan

P. ChidambaramT. SuruliveluB. DharajothyS. ManickamC.S. PraharajS.M. Palve

2. Brain Storming Session on Role of NBAIM, Mau Nath M. K. MeshramAgriculturally Important Bhanjan,Microorganisms in Sustainable April 17, 2006Food and Agriculture Production

3. Annual Review Workshop of the CICR, Coimbatore. M. K. MeshramProject-TMC MM 3.2 May 3,2006

4. First meeting of Sub Committee on New Delhi B. M. KhadiBt cotton. May 10,2006

5. XXI Annual group meeting of JNKVV, Jabalpur K. RathinavelAICRP - National Seed Project May 20 -22, 2006(Crops)

6. National symposium on, Biological PDBC, Bangalore. S. VennilaControl of Sucking Pests May 26 & 27, 2006 N. Narkhedkar

7. Meeting of GEAC Minitry of Env. & B. M. KhadiForest, New DelhiMay 22,2006

8. RCGM Meeting New Delhi B. M. KhadiJuly 10, 2006

9. Round table on Fabric of Cotton New Delhi B. M. KhadiSeeds, Farmers and Textiles July 10, 2006

10. RCGM Meeting New Delhi B. M. KhadiJuly 31, 2006

11. Annual Review Workshop TMC - CICR, Nagpur. M. K. MeshramMM I (2005 -06), August 24 -25, 2006

12. RCGM Meeting New Delhi B. M. KhadiAugust 29,2006

13. IPR Training and Patent Information IPT!, Gal, Nagpur Punit MohanSystem August 31, 2006

14. Short Course on "Recent Advances CIRCOT, Mumbai S. M. Palvein Post Harvest Processing, Quality Sept. 13 -19, 2006Evaluation and By -Product utilizationof Cotton

15. Meeting of task force II for CICR, Nagpur N. GopalakrishnanEvaluation and Finalization of DUS September 26- 28, 2006 K. N. GururajanTest Guidelines of Cotton and other K. Rathinavelissues relating to plant varietyprotection

16. Meeting on Issue of New Delhi B. M. Khadicommercialization ofBt crylAc gene. Oct.5,2006

17. National Workshop on Increasing TNAU, Coimbatore N. Gopalakrishnan,ELS cotton production in India October 6 -7, 2006 K. N. Gururajan

S. ManickamK. Rathinave1C. S. PraharajK. SankaranarayananM.Sabesh

18. Regional Conference on WTO Chennai S. ManickamAgriculture and NAMA October 30,2006Negotiations: Identifying Productsof Concern to India

19. Annual Academy meeting, Indian Devi Ahilya University, K. R. KranthiAcademy of Sciences Indore

November 10,2006

20. 71 annual convention of the Indian OUAT, Bhubaneswar K. K. BandyopadhyaySociety of Soil Science November 10 -13, 200(

21. International workshop on 'Pre- ICGEB, New Delhi K. R. Kranthimarket bio-safety and risk assessment November 13 -17,2006of GM crops and GM derived -products'

22. International Conference on P AU, Ludhiana, C.S. Praharaj"Balanced Fertilization for November 22 -25,2006Sustained Crop Productivity"

23. National Symposium on Recent CICR, Nagpur. P. M. MukewarTrends in Diagnosis and November 23 -24,2006 R. C. UkeyManagement of Chronic and M. K. MeshramEmerging Plant Diseases

24. National Orientation Course on NBPGR, New Delhi G .BalasubramaniBiosafety consideration for Dec. 5 -13, 2006.evaluation of transgenic crops

25. Symposium on Sustainable VANAMATI, Nagpur K. R. KranthiAgriculture' December 20,2006.

26. National Conference on Seed TNAU, Coimbatore S. Manickam,Quality Control December 21 -22,2006 K. Rathinavel

27. National seminar on 'GM food crops NIN, Hyderabad K. R. Kranthibio-safety' December 22,2006,

28. Meeting on Evaluation ofDUS Test PVP & FR, New Delhi B. M. KhadiGuidelines of cotton and other January 13,2007issues relating to variety protection.

29. Final meeting of Task force II for NASC complex, N. Gopalakrishnanfinalization of National DUS test New Delhi K. N. Gururajanguide lines for cotton January 13,2007 K. Rathinave1

30. National symposium on "Plant Jabalpur, P. K. ChakrabartyPathogens: Exploitation and January 16 -18,2007.Management"

31. International Ground Water TNAU, Co imbatore P. Nalayini,Conference on Water, environment February 7 - 10,2007 K. K. Bandyopadhyayand Agriculture - present problems K. Sankaranarayananand future Challenges

32. Training on "Alien introgression in PAU, Ludhiana S. M. PalveCrop Plants", Feb. 7 -27,2007.

33. Agricultural Science Congress NAAS&TNAU, P. Nalayini,Coimbatore K. SankaranarayananFebruary 15 -17,2007

34. Workshop on Agricultural TERl, New Delhi. Vinita GotmareBiotechnology: Advanced Tissue Feb. 21 -27,2007Culture Techniques for CropImprovement

35. International Round -table Workshop ICRlSAT Hyderabad K. R. Kranthion Bio-pesticides for Managing February 26 -27,2007bollworm Resistance to Bt -crops

36. Annual Group meeting ofTMC- CICR, RS, Coimbatore S. L. Ahuja,MM I projects March I -3, 07 R. A. Meena

O. P. Tuteja

37. Group Meeting ofTMC MM 2.4 CICR, Nagpur O. P. TutejaMarch 5 -6, 2007

38. Group Meeting ofTMC MM 3.2 CICR, Nagpur D. MongaMarch 9 -10, 2007

39. 75thGEAC meeting New Delhi B. M. KhadiMarch 15,2007

40. Expert Group Meeting of the TMC- CICR, Nagpur P. M. MukewarMMI March 16 -17, 2007

41. Annual Review Workshop (2005 - CICR, Nagpur. M. K. Meshram06) of the Project MM 3.1 March 17, 2007

Name & Designation Organisation DateNagpur

Dr. S. N. Puri, Vice Chancellor Central Agricultural University, Imphal 26/05/2006Dr. S. Sreenivasan, Director CIRCOT, Mumbai 26/0512006Dr. K. C. Jain, ADG (CC) Indian Council of Agricultural 24/08/2006

Research, New Delhi.Dr. S. Nagarajan, Chairman PVP & FR Authority, Ministry of 26/09/2006

Agriculture, G.O.I., New Delhi.Dr Y. S. Nerkar, Chairman Task Force II, Ministry of Agriculture, 26/0912006

. G.O.I., New Delhi .Dr. G. Kalloo, DDG (H & CS) Indian Council of Agricultural 30/09/2006

Research, New Delhi.Dr. Mangala Rai, Secretary DARE Department of Agricultural Research & 30/0112007& Director General, ICAR. Education, G.O.I., New Delhi.Dr. 1. S. Samra, DDG (NRM) Indian Council of Agricultural 30/0112007

Research, New Delhi.Dr. R. R. Sinha, Advisor DBT, New Delhi 30/0112007Shri D. K. Nair, Secretary CITI, New Delhi 3010112007Dr. S. N. Puri, Vice Chancellor & Central Agricultural University, Imphal. 20/0112007Chairman, RAeDr. T. P. Rajendran, ADG (PP) Indial Conuncil of Agricultural 16103/2007

Research, New Delhi.CoimbatoreMrs. Anabela Chambule, Agriculture Department, Mozamique 29-09-2006Mr. Osvaldo Catine Agriculture Department, Mozamique 29-09-2006Smt. Radha Singh, Secretary, Department of Agriculture and 05-10-2006Agriculture Cooperation, GOI, New DelhiDr. N. B. Singh, Agricultural Department of Agriculture and 05-10-2006Commissioner Cooperation, GOI, New DelhiDr. Anupam Barik, Director Directorate of Cotton Development, 05-10-2006

GOI, MumbaiDr. S. Sreenivasan, Director Central Institute for Research on Cotton 05-10-2006

Technology, MumbaiSirsaDr.B.S.Chiller CCS HAU, Hisar 26-7-2006Director of ResearchSh.V. Umashankar, lAS, Government of Haryana, Sirsa 26-7-2006Deputy CommissionerDr. Katyal , Vice Chancellor CCS HAD, Hisar 3-10-2006

Name of Officers/Scientists Designation

DIRECTORB MKhadi DirectorPROJECT COORDINATOR (Cotton)CoimbatoreN Gopalakrishnan (w.e.f. 17.07.2006) Project Coordinator (Cotton) & HeadPLANT BREEDINGNagpurL. A. Deshpande (w.e.f. 17.08.2006) Head, Crop Improvement DivisionPhundan Singh Principal ScientistVV Singh Principal ScientistT R Loknathan Senior ScientistSmt. S B Singh ,.., Senior ScientistVNWaghmare - Senior ScientistS M Palve Senior ScientistD KAgarwal Scientist (SS)CoimbatoreKN Gururajan Principal ScientistSirsaS L Ahuja Senior Scientisto P Tuteja Senior ScientistS K Verma Senior ScientistGENETICS & CYTOGENETICSNagpurS B Nandeshwar Senior ScientistSmt. V Gotrnare Scientist (SS)CoimbatoreSmt. K P M Damayanthi Senior ScientistS Manickam Scientist (SS)SEED TECHNOLOGYNagpurRKDeshmukh Principal ScientistSmt. P R Vijaya Kumari Senior ScientistSmt. V Santhy Scientist (SS)CoimbatoreK Rathinavel Senior ScientistSirsaRAMeena Senior Scientist

ECONOMIC BOTANYNagpurPunit Mohan Senior ScientistAGRONOMYNagpurPR Bharambe (w.e.f. 06.10.2006) Head, Crop Production DivisionK S Bhaskar (Retd. on 31. 01.2007) Principal ScientistD. Blaise Senior ScientistARRaju ScientistCoimbatoreC S Praharaj Senior ScientistK Shankaranarayanan Senior ScientistPNalayani Senior ScientistSOIL SCIENCENagpurJagvir Singh Principal ScientistCoimbatoreK. K. Bandyopadhya Senior ScientistAGRICULTURAL ENGINEERINGG Majumdar Scientist (SS)PLANT PATHOLOGYNagpurPM Mukewar Principal ScientistNK Taneja Principal ScientistMKMeshram Principal ScientistRCDkey Principal ScientistCoimbatoreP Chidambaram Principal ScientistSirsaDilip Monga (w.e.f. 25.07.2006) Head, Regional Station, SirsaENTOMOLOGYNagpurK R Kranthi (w.e.f. 19.07.2006) Head, Crop ProtectionSmt. S Kranthi ~ Senior ScientistSmt. S Vennila Senior ScientistCoimbatoreT Surulivellu Principal ScientistK Natarajan Principal ScientistSmt. B Dhara Jothi Senior ScientistSirsaP Jeyakumar Scientist (SS)

NEMATOLOGYNagpurSmt. Nandini Narkhedkar Senior ScientistCoimbatoreSmt. J Gulsar Banu Senior ScientistPLANT PHYSIOLOGYNagpurMRKRao Principal ScientistNKPerumal Principal ScientistKB Hebbar Senior ScientistCoimbatoreS E S A Khader Principal ScientistAHPrakash Senior ScientistBIOCHEMISTRYNagpurAB Dongre Principal ScientistSmt. M. Chakrabarty Scientist (SG)BIOTECHNOLOGYP K Chakrabarty Principal ScientistG Balasubramani Senior ScientistSmt. J Amudha Scientist (SS)AGRICULTURE EXTENSIONNagpurH LGajbhiye Principal ScientistS MWasnik Senior ScientistCoimbatoreUsha Rani ScientistAGRICULTURAL ECONOMICSNagpurPRDeoghare Principal ScientistCoimbatoreSmt. Isabella Agarwal Senior ScientistCOMPUTER APPLICATIONCoimbatoreM Sabesh Scientist (SS)KVKS NRokade Senior ScientistAdministrative OfficerKumar Rajesh (upto 08.09.2006)MS Murthy (w.e.f. 27.09.2006)Finance and Accounts OfficerPrashant Kumar

Library

Additions: In the period 2006-07, the library purchased106new books and subscribed to 20 foreign journals.

Documentation Service

Library Networking

As a regard the CD-ROM workstation, the currentversion of Crop Science Database CD was purchased anduploaded in the LAN server and thereby, AGRIS,AGRICOLA, Biotechnology Abstracts, CAB Abstractsand Crop CD are visible in the Institute Network. Thereare in total 32 CD's ranging from the period, 1970-2007.

All the above CDs are uploaded in the Institute networkand are accessible from any terminal of the Institute.

Bibliographic database on cotton

Library has developed computerized bibliographicdatabase on Cotton to provide comprehensive andupdated information on cotton. About 3150bibliographic references along with abstracts have beenstored in it.

Based on this bibliographic database, on a regular basis,the library publishes a current awareness bulletin namely"Cotton Research Absracts " .The bulletin is circulated toall the scientists ofthe Institute and to allAICCIP Centresin India. In the reported period, three issues of CottonResearch Abstracts (January-December, 2006) werepublished and circulated.

e-Journals Consortium

The library is activiely participating in the e-journalConsortium. The NAIP (National AgriculturalInnovation Project) under NARS (National AgriculturalResearch System) has organised an e-journal Consortiumfor a limited trial period and the details ofCICR Librarysystem were called for. The site license agreementprocessing was done and e-mails were sent to the projectCoordinator and as a result the library is now activelyparticipating in the consortium. Herein scientists canaccess important journals online through the belowmentioned websites. These websites have been activatedin the Institute IP range and are available online on allcomputers of the Institute.

Nature Online (www.nature.com). Full text articles to allNature publications in a downloadable format to alescientists ofCICR.

Scopus (www.scopus.com).This is an abstract databaseused mainly for performance management and citation

tracking.

Science Direct (www.sciencedirect.com).This Elsevierdatabase is the world's lagest full-text database.

Annual Reviews (www.arjournals.annualreviews.org).Thirty eight Annual Reivews are activated for bothcurrent and back volumes.

Library Automation

Using Library Application Software Slim++, 2400 bookshave been computerized and Barcodes assigned for thesame.

Cotton Front Line Demonstration

Nagpur

Technologies on integrated nutrient management (INM),cotton based inter-cropping (cotton + soyabean), foliarapplication of nutrients and detoping, soil moistureconservation measures (ridges and furrows), integratedpest management (IPM) and hybrid Bt cotton have beendemonstrated in comparison with the conventionalfarmers' practice of crop production on 107 adoptedfarmers' fields of Rampur, Panchgaon and MandavGhorad villages from cotton growing area of WaroraTaluka of Chandra pur district.

An average higher seed cotton yield of 14.13 per cent and15.75 per cent over the farmers' practice was recordedwith the adoption of improved technologies in hybridsNHH 44 and NCS 145 (Bunny) Bt, respectively. UnderIPM and INM strategy 14.27 and 19.37 per cent higherseed cotton was recorded over the farmers' practice,respectively. Additional monetary return of 37.92 percent was obtained by adoption of soyabean as anintercrop in cotton over sole cotton crop. Higher seedcotton yield of 11.67 per cent was recorded over thefarmers' practice foliar application of nutrients anddetoping at 70-90 days old crop of hybrid NHH 44. Soilmoisture conservation measures (opening of ridges andfurrows) increased the seed cotton yield up to 9.09 percent as compared with the farmers' practice.Spraying with power sprayer and battery operatedsprayer was demonstrated. The battery operated sprayershowed better efficiency without spray drift, whichultimately reduced the cost and improved chemicalimpact on pest attack by covering more surface area withfine spray. Cotton plant puller, animal drawn ridger, aciddelinting machine and ginning machine weredemonstrated to the farmers. Out of 107 adopted farmers76 farmers participated in Rashtriya Kapas Melaorganized on 09-01-2007 at CICR, Nagpur.

Coimbatore

Front Line Demonstrations on cotton

Demonstrations on improved varieties, Bt cotton hybridsand IWM increased the seed cotton yield to the maximumof 50%. The ELS cotton hybrids DCH 32 and Sruthiyielded 42.9 and 66.7% more yield than the farmers'practice. Intercropping with vegetables offeredRs.17,435/- additional income than the farmers' practiceof cotton sole cropping. IPM was demonstrated on 50hectares offarmers' fields in a cluster of villages atAnnurblock. The technologies developed by CICR, RegionalStation, Coimbatore were adopted. Demonstrations onIPM reduced the number of sprays from eight to three.One unit of demonstrations on usage of Animal drawnJunior Hoe for intercultural operations in cotton fieldswas conducted. Demonstrations on animal drawn juniorhoe for intercultural operations in cotton fields reducedweeding costs.

Progressive Us~ofHindiOLIC Meeting & Quarterly Report

~~ Official Language Implementation Committee(OLIC) ofCICR working under the Chairmanship ofthe Director, CICR met regularly. Proceedings ofthe meetings were sent to the Council. Quarterlyprogress reports regarding use of Official LanguageHindi in the Institute were sent to the Councilregularly.

Hindi Day & Hindi Workshop~~ CICR celebrated Hindi fortnight and organized

various programmes and competitions during thisfortnight and winners were awarded prizes duringthe prize distribution function held on 28th

September 2006. Two administrative staff wereawarded prizes for doing official work in Hindi.

~~ Three Scientists were given awards for publishingmaximum articles inHindi during the year.

~~ CICR, Regional Station, Coimbatore and Sirsacelebrated Hindi week and organized variousprogrammes and competitions during this week andwinners were awarded prizes.

~~ At CICR, Nagpur Hindi workshop was organized on3'dJune, 2006 for the benefit ofAdministrative Staff.

Publication

~~ Kapas Samachar (Quarterly Newsletters), ShwetSwarnima (Annual) and Kapas Pragati (Annual)were published.

~~ Rashtriya Kapas Mela 2006 Souvenir and otherrelated work like invitation card, pamphlets etc.were published in Hindi.

Hindi Teaching

~~ At CICR, Reg;onal Station, Coimbatore nine staffmembers passed Prabodh and one staff passedPravin Exam conducted in November 2005 throughHindi Teaching Scheme, Department of OfficialLanguage, Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi.They were awarded cash prize and personal pay asper the admissible rules ofGovt. ofIndia.

~~ At CICR, Regional Station, Coimbatore, 7 staffpassed Pravin Exam conducted inMay 2006 throughHindi Teaching Scheme, Department of OfficialLanguage, Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi.They were awarded cash prize and personal pay asper the admissible rules ofGovt. ofIndia.

Title of the Technical Bulletin Bulletin Author (s)No.

Identification of sources of resistance to Grey 34 Punit Mohan, P. M. Mukewar,mildew disease (Ramularia areola Atk.) in diploid V. V. Singh, B. M. Khadi,cotton (Gossypium arboreum) J. Amudha and

V. G. Deshpande.National Test Guidelines for the conduct of DDS K.Rathinavel , S. Manickam, K.test of Cotton (Gossypium spp.) N. Gururajan, R. K. Deshmukh

and V. Shanthy

Month TeDlperature(OC) Relative HUDlidity (%) Rainfall No. ofMax. Min. Max. Min. (DlDl) Rainy

DaysJune, 2006 38.2 26.9 66.7 42.1 131 4July, 2006 30.8 24.7 83.8 61.7 377 15AU2ust, 2006 29.2 23.9 89.4 77.6 228 17SepteDlber, 2006 32.8 24.1 88.7 62.0 169 10October, 2006 32.7 21.4 80.6 49.6 9 1NoveDlber,2006 30.9 17.0 79.1 46.4 - -DeceDlber, 2006 27.3 10.8 72.8 37.1 - -January, 2007 29.3 12.3 68.0 31.1 - -February, 2007 32.0 15.8 63.9 2.3 - -

Month TeDlperature eC) Relative HUDlidity (%) Rainfall No. of RainyMax Min Max Min (DlDl) days

April 2006 35.0 23.1 88.5 45.2 29.2 3May 2006 33.6 23.7 84.9 50.9 69.6 4June -2006 31.6 23.1 82.9 57.1 62.6 6July - 2006 31.4 . 23.9 72.9 50.1 8.7 0AU2.-2006 31.9 22.6 81.8 49.8 9.0 2Sept. - 2006 30.6 22.6 86.9 59.9 69.3 7Oct. -2006 30.7 22.4 90.1 60.3 194.4 9Nov. -2006 28.4 21.9 92.7 67.3 297.2 12Dec.-2006 28.6 18.9 89.3 47.9 0.6 0January,20(f 29.8 18.8 88.7 31.9 10.0 1February, 2007 31.8 19.3 84.8 36.9 21.8 1March, 2007 34.7 21.9 81.1 32.5 0.0 0

Month Tentperature(OC) Relative Huntiditv (%) Rainfall No. ofMax. Min. Max. Min. (ntnt) Rainy

daysApril 2006 37.4 19.2 39.5 26.8 -May 2006 40.6 25.6 53.0 33.0 34.2June-2006 39.1 26.9 57.5 41.0 27.6July - 2006 36.5 28.4 72.8 59.2 312.2AU2. - 2006 34.9 27.6 75.5 63.5 5.4Sept. - 2006 33.8 24.6 74.4 60.4 82.6Oct. - 2006 33.6 20.2 66.8 40.5 22.8Nov. - 2006 27.4 14.6 75.0 44.5 5.4Dec. - 2006 22.0 7.9 75.2 39.4 -

Cotton Cultivation in India

India is the only country to grow all the four species ofcultivated cotton Gossypium arboreum and G.herbaceum (Asian cotton), G. barbadense (Egyptiancotton) and G. hirsutum (American upland cotton)besides hybrid cotton. Gossypium hirsutum represents90% of the hybrid cotton in India and all the current Btcotton hybrids are G. hirsutum.Cotton is cultivated in three distinct agro-ecologicalregions (north, central and south) of the country. Indiahas the largest acreage (91.32 lakh. ha) under cotton atglobal level and has the productivity of520 kg lint/ha andranks second in production (280 lakh bales) after Chinaduring 2006-07. It contributes to 16%of the global cottonproduce. Over the last 3 years cotton yield in Indiaincreased nearly by 50 per cent. The total availability ofcotton in the country was 332 lakh bales in 2006-07 ascompared to 272.17 lakh bales in 2004-05 while thedemand as increased from 204.17 lakh bales in 2004-05to 288 lakh bales in 2006-07. Approximately 65% ofIndia's cotton is produced on dry land and 35% onirrigated lands. The northern zone is almost totallyirrigated, while the percentage of irrigated area is muchlower in the central (23%) and southern zones (40%).The lowest being in the central zone, which has nearly60% of cotton area of our country. Under the rainfedgrowing conditions rainfall ranges from <400 to > 900mm coupled with aberrant precipitation patterns over theyears leading to large-scale fluctuations in production. Inthe irrigated tract canal and well irrigation are resorted toincluding the use ofmicro-irrigation system.

The north zone (Punjab), Haryana and Rajastan occupiesonly 15.9% of the total cultivated area but contributesmore than 18.5% ofthe production and varieties/hybrids(including Bt hybrids) limited to only G. hirsutum and G.arboreum. The central zone (Maharastra, MadhyaPradesh and Gujarat), occupying more than 67.7% ofthetotal area but contributes less than 60% to the totalproduction and is characterized by rampant proliferationof hybrids. Bt technology has been extensively adoptedin this region. The south zone (Karnataka, AndhraPradesh and Tamil Nadu) is typical of all types of cotton,hybrids (inter and intra-specific, diploid and tetraploid)and varieties (diploid and tetraploid). The south zone isoccupying 15.3% of area and contributing nearly 16.3%in national production.

Thus within a span of five years nearly 41% ofthe cottonarea in India came under Bt hybrid umbrella (Fig.a). It isenvisaged that with availability of more Bt hybrids

coupled with reduction in seed cost from 2006 onwards,the area under Bt cotton is likely to show a perceptibleincrease during 2007-08 as well. Among the major Btcotton-growing states Maharashtra leads the others with20 lakh ha. (48% of all Bt cotton in India in 2006) cottonfollowed by Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat with 6.76(22%) and 3.30 lakh ha. (12%) respectively and MadhyaPradesh with 3.10 lakh ha (8%). Among the northernstates the area was maximum in Punjab with 2.81 lakhha. followed by Haryana 0.42 lakh ha. It is estimatedthat approximately 2.3 million small farmers cultivatedon average 1.65 hectares of Bt cotton in 2006. Thus, itcan be seen that the cultivation of Bt cotton hybrids haspicked up momentum in the last two years and it is beingcultivated in all the three cotton growing zones of thecountry.

Fig. a: Spread of Bt Cotton in India40 -

35 _ .Area (lakh hay

30 _~..;: 25 _..;:~ 20_~~ 15-

~ 10-

5 -

13

5.6 I0.38 0.93 •-2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07Year

Impact ofBt Cotton In India

The consistent and perceptible increase in cottonproduction and productivity during last 3 years ispartially attributed to higher rate of adoption ofBt cottonin the country.

One clear impact of Bt-cotton on Indian agricultureappears to be the replacement of large tracts of varietalareas of north India, with Bt-hybrids, since thetechnology is available in India only in the form ofhybrids. Bt-cotton seems to have reduced the overallquantity of insecticide substantially, only in some parts ofthe country, coupled with spectacular yield increasesreported from Gujarat, while rest of the states have beenshowing mixed results despite increase in the area underBt-cotton. Secondary insect pests such as mirid bugs(Creontides biseratence), were found to increase todamaging numbers in unsprayed cotton fields. Thetobacco caterpillar, Spodoptera fitura, was also found to

stage a come back as an economic pest ofBt-cotton. Datashowed that thus far there are no symptoms of resistanceto cry 1Ac in any of the bollworm field populations tested.The production trends as depicted in Fig.b clearlyindicate that there has been a significant enhancement inproduction from 2004-05 onwards as compared to theearlier years (from 3.01 mt in 2003-04 to nearly 4.59 mtin 2006-07). Adoption of improved technologiesincluding improved varieties/hybrids as well as Bthybrids, IPM, IRM, new chemistry (including Bt cotton)coupled with favourable weather and low insect pestpressure in major cotton growing tracts has enabled thistransformation in production and productivity. During2006-07, Punjab and Gujarat states recorded muchhigher productivity than national average andcontributed to a large measure in enhancing productivityand production at the national level.

Fig. b : Trends in Cotton Area, Production andProductivity in India (2001-02 to 2006-07)

300 600

250 500

~200 400:8~ 150 300 i

-'",;~ 100 200

~50 100

0

01-02 02-03 03-04 04-05 05-06 06-07Year

_Area (mha)=Produetion(m t) - - Productivity(kglha)

The average national productivity showed a remarkablespurt from nearly 303 kg lint/ha (2001-02) to 520 kglint/ha in 2006-07. Amongst the three zones northern andsouthern-recorded relatively higher productivitycompared to the central zone and the enhancement wasquite conspicuous in 2006-07 as compared to 2005-06. Atrend of continuous improvement is quite clear from2002-03 onwards (Fig.c).

The cotton growers in Gujarat achieved cotton yields of728 kgs/ha., during 2005-06 which was higher than theworld average of 715 kgs/ha. To harvest record crops insuccession for three consecutive years is a record in itselfin as much as never before the country had ever harvestedsuccessive good crops.

Fig.c: All India Cotton Productivity Trends During2001-02 to 2006-07

700

600

500

'" 400

~300 ~200

100

o

Coincidental with the steep increased adoption of Btcotton, the average yield of cotton in India, (which hadone of the lowest yields in the world) increased from 303kg per in 2001-02 to 520 kg per hectare in 2006-07. At anational level, this is a major factor in higher cottonproduction increasing from 15.8million bales in 2001-02to 28.0 million bales in 2006-07, which is record forcotton production in India.

Large scale cultivation of Bt cotton has resulted in thesignificant reduction of insecticide use to the tune of 40 to60% less than the intensity on the corresponding non-transgenic varieties.

The large scale cultivation ofBt cotton is likely to usherin an era of eco-friendly cotton cultivation with reductionin the number of insecticidal applications( 40 to 60% less)which in turn will enable better sustenance of parasitesand predators in cotton crop creating ideal condition forwide spread of adoption of IPM. The relatively earlyduration of Bt cotton is likely to bring about reducedwater requirement by the crop and in a situation as itprevails in north zone will enable timely sowing ofwheat.

2005-2006 2006-2007

Zone/State Area Prod. P Area Prod. P(Lakh ha) (Lakh bales) (Kg/ha) (Lakh (Lakh (Kg/ha)ha) bales)

Punjab 5.57 20.00 610 5.88 26.00 752Haryana 5.83 12.00 350 5.33 16.00 510Rajasthan . 4.71 9.00 325 3.50 8.00 389North Zone 16.11 41.00 433 14.71 50.00 578

Gujarat 19.06 89.00 794 23.90 101.00 718Maharashtra 28.75 35.00 207 31.24 52.00 283Madhya Pradesh 6.20 19.00 521 6.30 18.00 486Central Zone 54.01 143.00 450 61.44 171.00 473

Andhra Pradesh 10.33 33.00 543 9.62 35.00 619Kamataka 4.13 6.00 247 3.70 6.00 276Tamil Nadu 1.40 5.00 607 1.33 5.00 639South Zone 15.86 44.00 472 14.65 46.00 534Others 0.79 1.00 215 0.78 1.00 218

Total 86.77 229.00 449 91.58 268.00 498Loose cotton consumed butnot counted for in State- 12.00 12.00wise prod.

- - - -

Grand Total 86.77 241.00 472 91.58 280.00 520

Prod. = Production P = Productivity 1 bale= 170 kg.

Source: Office of the Textile Commissioner, Mumbai.