Seeding the Green Future - Participatory organic cotton breeding

Summary

BackgroundWorldwide, India is the most important country for organic cotton production with 67% market share. In India, organic cotton production is challenged by 95% genetically modified (GM) cotton cultivation.Public breeding and seed multiplication were neglected and local non-GM seeds supply were eroded. With the continuous growth of the organic market it is important to maintain non-GM germplasm, to enlarge the offer of organic cultivars with a better performance that meet the demand of the market, and to rebuild the seed sovereignty of organic smallholder cotton farmers. Participatory breeding of Gossypiumhirsutumand traditionalG. arboreumcotton offers a great opportunity for developing locally adapted cultivars for increasing genetic diversity.