The main objective is to breed, develop and release superior multi-adversity resistance (MAR) cotton strains and cultivars. Our approach is genetic resistance to insects and diseases, and extreme climatic conditions. The MAR program recently has released five Tamcot cultivars from four MAR gene pools. These cultivars include the MAR-4 Tamcot CAB-CS, MAR-5 Tamcot HQ95, MAR-6 Tamcot Sphinx, and MAR-7A Tamcot Luxor. The MAR-7B Tamcot Pyramid is a new cultivar that will be made available to growers in 2001. Levels of resistance to insects and diseases are extensively evaluated in field nurseries. Substantial progress in developing new MAR cultivars with improved levels of resistance to insects and pathogens, and drought tolerance continues to be made in these cultivars. Genetic gains in resistance to seven insects and eight pathogens paralleled the improvements in high yield potential, earliness, and fiber quality.
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