RESUMO: Compreender a diversidade genética e contornar os problemas causados pela interação genótipos por ambientes é uma etapa importante em programas de melhoramento. Este estudo teve como objetivo estimar a diversidade genética e aplicar a metodologia de biplot genótipo + genótipo por ambiente (GGE biplot) em doze genótipos de algodão avaliados quanto ao rendimento da fibra, comprimento da fibra, resistência da fibra e micronaire. A estimativa dos componentes de variância e dos parâmetros genéticos foi feita através do método da máxima verossimilhança restrita e a predição dos valores genotípicos por meio da melhor predição linear não enviesada. Os métodos de Tocher modificado e análise de componentes principais (PCA) foram utilizados para quantificar a diversidade genética entre os genótipos. O método GGE biplot foi conduzido para encontrar os melhores genótipos em relação à adaptabilidade e estabilidade. As técnicas de Tocher e PCA permitiram a formação de clusters de genótipos semelhantes com base em uma estrutura multivariada. O GGE biplot indicou que os genótipos IMACV 690 e IMA08 WS foram altamente adaptáveis e estáveis para as principais características do algodão. O cruzamento dentre os genótipos IMACV 690 e IMA08 WS é o mais recomendado para aumentar o desempenho das principais características na cultura do algodão.

ABSTRACT: Understanding the genetic diversity and overcoming genotype-by-environment interaction issues is an essential step in breeding programs that aims to improve the performance of desirable traits. This study estimated genetic diversity and applied genotype + genotype-by-environment (GGE) biplot analyses in cotton genotypes. Twelve genotypes were evaluated for fiber yield, fiber length, fiber strength, and micronaire. Estimation of variance components and genetic parameters was made through restricted maximum likelihood and the prediction of genotypic values was made through best linear unbiased prediction. The modified Tocher and principal component analysis (PCA) methods, were used to quantify genetic diversity among genotypes. GGE biplot was performed to find the best genotypes regarding adaptability and stability. The Tocher technique and PCA allowed for the formation of clusters of similar genotypes based on a multivariate framework. The GGE biplot indicated that the genotypes IMACV 690 and IMA08 WS were highly adaptable and stable for the main traits in cotton. The cross between the genotype IMACV 690 and IMA08 WS is the most recommended to increase the performance of the main traits in cotton crops.

ABSTRACT. In cotton crops, the cotton seed yield significantly contributes with the success of any cultivar. However, other traits are considered when an ideotype is pointed out in the selection, such as the fiber quality traits. The aim of this study was to applied genotype by yield*trait (GYT) biplot to a multi-environment trial data of cotton genotypes and selected the best genotypes. For this end, thirteen genotypes from nineteen trials were assessed. Seven traits were evaluated [cotton seed yield (SY), fiber percentage (FP), fiber length (FL), fiber uniformity (FU), short fiber index (SFI), fiber strength (FS), and elongation (EL)] and residual error variances structures [identity variance (IDV) and diagonal (Diag)] were tested by bayesian information criterion. After, the REML/BLUP approach was applied to predict the genetic values of each trait and the selective accuracy were measured from the prediction. Then, the GYT-biplot were applied to the data. For SP and SFI traits, the model with Diag residual variance was indicated, whereas for SY FL, FU, FS, and EL traits the model with IDV residual variance demonstrated the best fit to the data. Values of accuracy were higher than 0.9 for all traits analyzed. In the GYT-biplot acute angles were find for all traits relations, which means high correlation between the yield*traits combination. Besides that, the correlation still can be seen in the GYT-biplot, as shown by the magnitudes of the angles between the pairs Yield*FU-Yield*FS and Yield*FS-Yield*EL. Also, the GYT-biplot indicates the genotype G4 with the best performance for Yield*FS, Yield*SFI, Yield*FU, Yield*FL, and Yield*FP combined. The genotypes G4, G1, G13, G8, and G9 represent those genotypes with yield advantage over the other cultivars. Then, the genotype G4 combines all desirable characteristics and demonstrate have large potential in the cotton breeding. The GYT approach were valuable and were highly recommended in cotton breeding programs for selection purpose in a multivariate scenario.

Abstract Multiple-trait best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) is generally the most appropriate method to predict genetic values because it considers the genetic and residual correlations among traits and leads to higher selective accuracy. Thus, the aim of the present study was to analyze the interrelationships among traits related to cotton fiber length through path analysis under multiple-trait BLUP. To that end, 36 elite lines were evaluated in three envi ronments and phenotyped for fiber quality and agronomic traits. Variance components were estimated via residual maximum likelihood (REML). The genetic correlation coefficients among traits were obtained through the mixed model output, and a correlation network was constructed to graphically express these results. Subsequently, path analysis was performed considering fiber length as the main dependent variable. Genetic parameters indicate that the phenotypic variance for most traits is mainly composed of residual effects, which reinforces the need for more accurate statistical methods, such as multiple-trait BLUP. The results for genetic correlations and path analysis reveal the difficulty of selection based on important fiber quality traits, especially fiber length, since most traits show a low cause-and-effect relationship, while other important traits have an undesirable cause-and-effect relationship. Path analysis under multiple-trait BLUP proved to be suitable and useful for studying interrelationships among traits related to cotton fiber length.

Resumen La mejor predicción lineal insesgada de rasgos múltiples (BLUP) es, en general, el método más apropiado para predecir valores genéticos porque considera las correlaciones genéticas y residuales entre rasgos y conducta con mayor precisión selectiva. Por lo tanto, el presente estudio tuvo como objetivo estudiar las interrelaciones entre los rasgos relacio nados con la longitud de la fibra de algodón a través del análisis de ruta en BLUP de rasgos múltiples. Con este fin, se evaluaron treinta y seis líneas élite en tres ambientes y se fenotipificaron para muchos rasgos relacionados con la calidad de la fibra y los rasgos agronómicos. Los componentes de la varianza se estimaron mediante la máxima verosimilitud residual (REML). Los coeficientes de correlación genética entre rasgos se obtuvieron a través de la salida del modelo mixto, y para expresar gráficamente estos resultados se construyó una red de correlación. Posteriormente, realizamos el análisis de ruta considerando la longitud de la fibra como variable dependiente principal. Los parámetros genéticos indican que la variación fenotípica para la mayoría de los rasgos se compone principalmente de efectos residuales, lo que refuerza la necesidad de utilizar métodos estadísticos más precisos, como BLUP de rasgos múltiples. Los resultados encontrados para las correlaciones genéticas y el análisis de ruta revelan la dificultad de la selección basada en rasgos importantes de la calidad de la fibra, especialmente la longitud de la fibra, ya que la mayoría de los rasgos muestran una relación de causa y efecto muy baja, y otros rasgos importantes presentan una relación de causa y efecto no deseada. El análisis de ruta en BLUP de rasgos múltiples resultó ser adecuado y útil para el estudio de las interrelaciones entre los rasgos relacio nados con la longitud de la fibra de algodón.

RESUMO: Em ensaios multi-ambientes, grandes redes experimentais são utilizadas para a avaliação de genótipos, tentando contornar o efeito que a interação genótipo por ambiente desempenha na seleção genotípica. Neste estudo, objetivamos testar diferentes estruturas de variância residual e medir o ganho de seleção de genótipos de algodão, baseados em produtividade, adaptabilidade e estabilidade, simultaneamente. Doze genótipos de algodão foram plantados em 10 ambientes, sendo determinados o comprimento da fibra (CF), a resistência da fibra (RF), a micronaire (MIC) e produtividade de fibras (PF). A seleção do modelo para diferentes estruturas de variância residual (homogênea e heterogênea) foi testada usando o Critério de Informação de Akaike (AIC) e o Critério de Informação Bayesiano (BIC). Os componentes de variância foram estimados através de máxima verossimilhança restrita e os valores genotípicos foram preditos através da melhor predição linear não viesada. A média harmônica do desempenho relativo dos valores genéticos (HMRPGV) foram aplicadas para seleção simultânea para adaptabilidade, estabilidade e produtividade. De acordo com o BIC, a estrutura residual heterogênea apresentou o melhor ajuste para a característica PF, enquanto a estrutura residual homogênea apresentou o melhor ajuste para as características CF, RF e MIC. A acurácia seletiva foi alta, indicando confiabilidade da predição. O método HMRPGV foi capaz de selecionar para estabilidade, adaptabilidade e produtividade, simultaneamente, com notável ganho de seleção para cada característica.

ABSTRACT: In multi-environment trials (MET), large networks are assessed for results improvement. However, genotype by environment interaction plays an important role in the selection of the most adaptable and stable genotypes in MET framework. In this study, we tested different residual variances and measure the selection gain of cotton genotypes accounting for adaptability and stability, simultaneously. Twelve genotypes of cotton were bred in 10 environments, and fiber length (FL), fiber strength (FS), micronaire (MIC), and fiber yield (FY) were determined. Model selection for different residual variance structures (homogeneous and heterogeneous) was tested using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC). The variance components were estimated through restricted maximum likelihood and genotypic values were predicted through best linear unbiased prediction. The harmonic mean of relative performance of genetic values (HMRPGV) were applied for simultaneous selection for adaptability, stability, and yield. According to BIC heterogeneous residual variance was the best model fit for FY, whereas homogeneous residual variance was the best model fit for FL, FS, and MIC traits. The selective accuracy was high, indicating reliability of the prediction. The HMRPGV was capable to select for stability, adaptability and yield simultaneously, with remarkable selection gain for each trait.

RESUMO O algodoeiro de fibra natural colorida tem recebido atenção dos programas de melhoramento na região semiárida do Nordeste brasileiro devido ao aumento no interesse por este tipo de fibra. Com isso, o objetivo deste trabalho foi selecionar genótipos de algodoeiro de fibra colorida quanto às características agronômicas e tecnológicas da fibra para as condições da região semiárida brasileira. O experimento foi realizado em dois ambientes (Patos-PB e Apodi-RN), na safra de 2016. O delineamento foi blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições. Foram utilizados 11 genótipos de fibra colorida e três testemunhas (BRS Topázio, BRS Rubi e BRS Verde), constituindo 14 tratamentos. As características avaliadas foram: Produtividade de algodão em caroço (PROD, kg.ha-1), Porcentagem de fibra (PF, %), Comprimento de fibra (COMP, mm), Resistência (RES, gf.tex-1) e Finura (FIN, µg.in-1). Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância individual e conjunta e as médias foram agrupadas pelo teste de Scott e Knott (1974) a 0.05 de probabilidade. Os genótipos apresentaram variabilidade para as características estudadas com possibilidade de ganhos genéticos em ciclos posteriores de seleção. BRS Topázio, CNPA 2002 10245 e CNPA 2002 10327 apresentaram as melhores estimativas para as características avaliadas, sendo selecionados para futuros trabalhos de melhoramento do algodoeiro para o semiárido.

ABSTRACT Naturally-colored cotton fiber has received attention from breeding programs in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil due to an increased interest in its fibers. Therefore, this study aimed to select genotypes of colored cotton fiber for agronomic and technological fiber characteristics for the Brazilian semi-arid conditions. The experiment was carried out in two environments (Patos-PB and Apodi-RN) in Brazil during the 2016 growing season. The experimental design was in randomized blocks with four replications. Treatments consisted of eleven colored fiber genotypes and three controls (BRS Topázio, BRS Rubi, and BRS Verde). The following traits were assessed: seed cotton yield (SCY, kg ha-1), lint percentage (LP, %), lint length (LEN, mm), lint strength (STR, gf tex-1), and lint micronaire (MIC, µg in-1). The data were submitted to individual and joint variance analyses, and means were grouped by the Scott and Knott (1974) test at 0.05 probability. Genotypes showed variability in all traits, which allows genetic gains in subsequent cycles of selection. The genotypes BRS Topázio, CNPA 2002 10245, and CNPA 2002 10327 presented the best estimates for the assessed traits, thus they can be selected for future studies in cotton breeding programs in the semiarid region.

RESUMO: O aprimoramento das características tecnológicas da fibra de algodão é uma demanda constante da indústria têxtil. Este trabalho teve como objetivo identificar o potencial de materiais melhorados com alta porcentagem de plumas para contribuir com alelos que aumentam a porcentagem de plumas com fibra extra longa (ELS) no algodão de terras altas. Dois materiais contrastantes para porcentagem de fibra (LP) e comprimento de fibra (FL) foram usados, um com fibra longa e uma baixa porcentagem de fibra (pai A) e outro com alta porcentagem de fibra e comprimento médio (pai B). As seguintes variáveis foram avaliadas: porcentagem de fibra (LP), comprimento médio da metade superior (UHML), uniformidade da fibra (FU), resistência da fibra (FS) e alongamento (EL). A análise dialélica foi realizada utilizando o Método 4 de Griffing adaptado para dialelo parcial. Os efeitos aditivos foram predominantes em relação aos efeitos não aditivos. O LP médio foi maior quando se usou o pai B. O oposto ocorreu para o UHML. Uma correlação negativa foi detectada entre LP e UHML, mostrando a dificuldade de obter ganho genético para ambas as características ao mesmo tempo.

ABSTRACT: Technological traits improvement of cotton fiber is a constant demand by textile industry. This research aimed to identify the potential of improved materials with high lint percentage to contribute with alleles that increase the lint percentage in Extra long staple fiber (ELS) upland cotton. Two contrasting materials for lint percentage (LP) and fiber length (FL) were used, one with long fiber and a low lint percentage (parent A) and another with high lint percentage and medium length (parent B). The following variables were evaluated: lint percentage (LP), upper half mean length (UHML), fiber uniformity (FU), fiber strength (FS), and elongation (EL). Diallel analysis was performed using the Griffing’s Method 4 adapted to partial diallel. Additive effects were predominant over non-additive effects. The mean LP was higher when using parent B. The opposite occurred for UHML. A negative correlation was detected between LP and UHML, showing the difficulty of obtaining genetic gain for both traits at the same time.

ABSTRACT Cotton provides about 90% of the world textile fiber, and is one of the crops of greater industrial relevance. The objectives of this study were to estimate the inbreeding depressionand the genetic effects involved in the control of the agronomic andfiber quality traits in F1 and F2 generations and to identify promising hybrids for obtaining superior cotton genotypes. Two cultivars of upland cotton and two moco (Brazilian endemic) cotton were crossed using a half-diallel scheme. The following traits were evaluated: percentage of fibers and weight of one boll, fiber length, fiber uniformity, short fiber index, fiber strength, and micronaire index. The additive genetic effects are predominant in the evaluated agronomic and fiber quality traits. Cultivar FM 966 is the most suitable parent to compose crossing blocks for the improvement of cotton agronomic and fiber quality traits. The hybrids FM 966 × CNPA 7MH and FM 966 × BRS 286 are the most promising for obtaining segregating populations aiming to select superior genotypes. Inbreeding depression is more pronounced in the agronomic traits than in the fiber quality traits.

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to estimate the predicted genetic gains with the simultaneous selection of agronomic and technological traits from elite cotton lines using selection indexes. Data from the evaluation of 36 elite lines were evaluated in three trials located in Apodi-RN in 2013 and 2014 and Santa Helena, GO, Brazil in 2013, in a randomized block design with two replicates. The agronomic traits evaluated were: plant height (PH), average boll weight (ABW), percentage of fibers (PF) and seed cotton yield (YIE). In 20 bolls from each experimental unit, the following technological fiber traits were evaluated: fiber length (UHM), fiber uniformity (UNIF), short fiber index (SFI), fiber strength (FS), elongation (ELON), micronaire (MIC), reflectance (RD) and degree of yellowing (+b). Smith and Hazel, Pesek and Baker and Mulamba and Mock selection indexes were tested for selection of the seven superior genotypes, assigning the coefficients of genetic variation (CVg) as economic weight. There were no interaction between genotypes and environments for any of the evaluated traits. Smith and Hazel index resulted in negative gains for fiber length and positive for the traits whose reduction is of interest, such as plant height, micronaire and degree of yellowing. Pesek and Baker index provided positive predictive gains for all traits of interest. However, it promoted reduction only to the degree of yellowing. Mulamba and Mock presented satisfactory gains, being the most suitable for selecting genotypes aiming at simultaneous gains in yield and fiber technological components.

Abstract Fiber length is the main trait that needs to be improved in cotton. However, the presence of genotypes x environments interaction for this trait can hinder the recommendation of genotypes with greater length fibers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the adaptability and stability of the fibers length of cotton genotypes for recommendation to the Midwest and Northeast, using artificial neural networks (ANNs) and Eberhart and Russell method. Seven trials were carried out in the states of Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte, Goiás and Mato Grosso do Sul. Experimental design was a randomized block with four replications. Data were submitted to analysis of adaptability and stability through the Eberhart & Russell and ANNs methodologies. Based on these methods, the genotypes BRS Aroeira, CNPA CNPA 2009 42 and CNPA 2009 27 has better performance in unfavorable, general and favorable environment, respectively, for having fiber length above the overall mean of environments and high phenotypic stability.

RESUMO. Dentre os caracteres tecnológicos que ainda precisam ser melhorados no algodoeiro, destaca-se o comprimento das fibras. Deste modo, os objetivos com este trabalho foram quantificar as inter-relações entre caracteres agronômicos e tecnológicos de fibras e identificar caracteres que possam ser utilizados para a seleção indireta de genótipos de algodoeiro com maior comprimento de fibras. Foram avaliados caracteres agronômicos e tecnológicos em 36 linhagens elite de algodoeiro cultivadas em três ambientes. Foram estimadas as correlações canônicas entre dois grupos de caracteres: agronômicos e tecnológicos. Realizou-se análise de trilha considerando o comprimento de fibras como variável dependente principal. Os genótipos apresentaram variabilidade para todos os caracteres avaliados e não houve interação genótipos x ambientes significativa para nenhum caráter. É possível melhorar os principais caracteres tecnológicos do algodoeiro a partir da seleção indireta em caracteres agronômicos. A seleção de genótipos de algodoeiro com menor porte e maior peso médio de capulhos pode ser uma estratégia para aumentar o comprimento de fibras e melhorar os demais caracteres tecnológicos. Índices de seleção contendo altura de plantas, peso de capulhos, resistência e uniformidade de fibras é uma das principais estratégias para selecionar genótipos de algodoeiro com alta produtividade de algodão em caroço e fibras longas.

ABSTRACT. Fiber length stands out among technological traits as one that still needs to be improved in cotton. Thus, the objectives of this work were to quantify the interrelations between agronomic and technological fiber traits and to identify traits that could be used for the indirect selection of cotton genotypes with longer fiber lengths. Agronomic and technological traits were evaluated in 36 elite lines of cotton that were cultivated in three environments. Canonical correlations were estimated between two groups of traits: agronomic and technological. Path analysis was performed that considered fiber length as the primary dependent variable. The genotypes presented variability in all the evaluated traits, and no significant genotype vs. environmental interaction was observed for any of them. The main technological traits of cotton crops can be improved by an indirect selection of agronomic traits. The selection of cotton genotypes with a smaller size and a higher mean boll weight can be used to increase fiber length and improve other technological traits. Selection indices containing plant height, mean boll weight, fiber strength, and fiber uniformity can be one of the main strategies for the selection of cotton genotypes with a high yield of cotton bolls and long fibers.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o teor de óleo e os caracteres relacionados à qualidade e ao rendimento de fibra em linhagens de algodão (Gossypium hirsutum), para selecionar materiais com alto teor de óleo e níveis aceitáveis dos demais caracteres. Vinte e duas linhagens F6 e três testemunhas foram cultivadas em três ensaios de campo - dois em Apodi, RN, e um em Barbalha, CE. Os parâmetros genéticos e o ganho com a seleção de 20% das linhagens foram estimados de acordo com suas médias em cada ambiente e no conjunto de ambientes. Quanto ao teor de óleo, há variabilidade genética, e a seleção com base na média geral é indicada, pois esse caráter apresentou elevada herdabilidade, com ganho esperado de 4,58%. As linhagens selecionadas por este critério apresentam teores de óleo entre 23,52 e 24,51%, superiores aos da cultivar brasileira BRS Aroeira com maior teor de óleo no grão (22,04%).

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the oil content and characters related to fiber quality and yield in cotton lines (Gossypium hirsutum), in order to select genotypes with high oil content and acceptable levels of the other characters. Twenty-two F6 lines and three checks were cultivated in three field trials - two in the municipality of Apodi, in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, and one in the municipality of Barbalha, in the state of Ceará, both in Brazil. The genetic parameters and the genetic gain from selecting 20% of the lines were estimated according to their means in each environment and in the group of environments. Regarding oil content, there is genetic variability, and the selection based on the overall mean is indicated, since this character showed high heritability, with 4.58% expected gain. The lines selected with this criterion have oil contents between 23.52 and 24.51%, which are higher than those of the Brazilian cultivar BRS Aroeira with the highest grain oil content (22.04%).

Abstract In cotton breeding programs, it is necessary to identify genotypes with predictable behavior on the length of fibers, and which are responsive to environmental variations, in specific or broad conditions. The aim of this study was to employ the methodology of mixed models for simultaneous selection of cotton genotypes with greater length of fibers, adaptability and stability. It was evaluated 36 lines in three trials located in Apodi (2013 and 2014) and Santa Helena (2013,) in a randomized block design with two replications. Genetic parameters were estimated by the restricted maximum likelihood/best linear unbiased predictor method (REML/BLUP) and the selection was based on the method of harmonic mean of the relative performance of genetic values. The genotypes CNPA 2012-55, CNPA 2012-58, CNPA 2012-62 and CNPA 2012-64 can be grown in all tested environments, since they gather greater length of fibers, stability and adaptability.

RESUMO A metodologia máxima verossimilhança restrita/melhor preditor linear não viesado (REML/BLUP) tem sido utilizada para interpretação da estabilidade genotípica e da adaptabilidade de culturas como feijão, canade-açúcar, cajueiro, eucalipto e arroz, porém pesquisas com o algodão ainda são limitadas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi selecionar genótipos de algodoeiro, via modelos mistos, que reúnem simultaneamente adaptabilidade e estabilidade produtiva e verificar se essa metodologia pode ser utilizada nos programas de melhoramento genético do algodoeiro. Foram avaliadas 36 linhagens em três ensaios localizados em Apodi, RN (2013 e 2014), e Santa Helena, GO (2013), em delineamento de blocos casualizados com duas repetições. Os parâmetros genéticos foram estimados pela metodologia REML/BLUP, e a seleção baseou-se no método da média harmônica da performance relativa dos valores genéticos (MHPRVG), com três estratégias: seleção com base no valor genético predito, tendo-se considerado o desempenho médio dos genótipos em todos os ambientes (sem efeito de interação); o desempenho em cada ambiente (com efeito da interação); e seleção simultânea quanto à produtividade de algodão em caroço, adaptabilidade e estabilidade. Os genótipos CNPA 2012-60 e CNPA 2012-65 podem ser cultivados em ambientes similares aos testados, pois reúnem alta adaptabilidade e estabilidade produtiva de algodão em caroço. Houve concordância entre as estatísticas utilizadas na discriminação dos genótipos mais produtivos e com alta adaptabilidade e estabilidade, o que indica que as mesmas podem fazer parte de critérios seletivos na rotina dos programas de melhoramento do algodoeiro.

ABSTRACT The restricted maximum likelihood/best linear unbiased predictor methodology (REML/BLUP) has been used for the interpretation of genotypic stability and adaptability of crops such as common bean, sugarcane, cashew, eucalyptus and rice, but researches with cotton are still limited. The aim of this work was to select cotton genotypes, via mixed models, which simultaneously meet adaptability and stability and verify if this methodology can be used in genetic improvement programs in cotton. Thirty-six strains were evaluated in three trials located in Apodi, Rio Grande do Norte (2013 and 2014), and Santa Helena, Goiás (2013), in a randomized block design with two replications. The genetic parameters were estimated by REML/ BLUP methodology, and the selection was based on the method of the harmonic mean of the relative performance of the genetic values (MHPRVG), with three strategies: selection based on the predicted genetic value, considering the average performance of genotypes in all environments (without interaction effect); performance in each environment (with interaction effect); and simultaneous selection as to cotton yield, stability and adaptability. The CNPA 2012-60 and CNPA 2012-65 genotypes may be grown in environments similar to those tested, since they present high adaptability and productive stability of cotton. There was agreement among the statistics used in discrimination of the most productive genotypes with high adaptability and stability, indicating that they can be part of selective criteria in the routine of cotton breeding programs.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se avaliar a produtividade, o rendimento e a qualidade de fibras de cultivares de algodoeiro herbáceo submetidas a diferentes lâminas de irrigação. Durante dois anos consecutivos foi conduzido um experimento de campo na região de Apodi (RN) disposto em parcelas subdivididas com quatro lâminas de irrigação (130, 100, 70 e 40% da evapotranspiração da cultura - ETc) e quatro cultivares de algodoeiro (FiberMax 993, BRS 286, BRS 336 e BRS 335), em delineamento de blocos casualizados com quatro repetições. Foram avaliadas a produtividade, a percentagem e a qualidade das fibras do algodoeiro. Houve diferença significativa para as características avaliadas entre as cultivares e as lâminas de irrigação. A rega com déficit (70 e 40% ETc) ocasionou declínio na produtividade de algodão em caroço, na percentagem e qualidade das fibras. As cultivares FiberMax 993 e BRS 286 apresentaram as maiores produtividades e percentagem de fibras entre as cultivares avaliadas. Com a lâmina de 40% da ETc as cultivares de fibra média (FiberMax 993, BRS 286 e BRS 335) apresentaram fibras curtas, e a cultivar de fibra longa (BRS 336) apresentou fibra média. De forma geral, a redução na qualidade da fibra não foi severa, haja vista a fibra produzida está dentro da faixa de qualidade aceitável pela indústria têxtil nacional, mesmo em condições de déficit hídrico. Dessa forma, a decisão em irrigar o algodoeiro com ou sem déficit hídrico dependerá dos custos da irrigação e do valor de mercado do produto.

ABSTRACT: This study was conducted to evaluate seed cotton yield, fiber yield, and fiber quality traits of cotton cultivars grown under different irrigation levels in Brazil. The experiment was conducted over two years in the region of Apodi - RN, with sprinkler irrigation. Treatments comprised of 4 irrigation levels i.e., 130, 100, 70 and 40 % of the crop evapotranspiration (ETc) and 4 cotton cultivars i.e., FiberMax 993, BRS 286, BRS 336 and BRS 335. The experimental design was factorial with randomized complete block design and four replicates. Yield, lint percent and fiber quality traits determined were evaluated. Different responses were observed for cultivars at various irrigation levels. Cultivars grown under limited irrigation exhibited a decline in the seed cotton yield, lint percent, and fiber quality. Cultivars with the highest yield and lint percent were FiberMax 993 and BRS 286. Within irrigation level of 40 % ETc, the medium fiber cultivars produced short fibers whereas the long fiber cultivar, BRS 336, produced medium fiber length. Overall, the different levels of water deficits did not significantly affect fiber quality of the four cultivars tested as all fiber quality traits remained acceptable for the domestic textile industry.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a presença de interação genótipo x ambiente (G x A) e determinar a adaptabilidade e estabilidade fenotípica de linhagens de algodão de fibra marrom, utilizando o modelo de Ebehart & Russell. Foram conduzidos sete experimentos nos estados de CE, GO, MS e RN, em 2010 e 2011, em regime irrigado e de sequeiro. O delineamento utilizado foi blocos casualizados com quatro repetições. Foram avaliados 11 genótipos, segundo sete caracteres relativos à fibra. A interação G x A foi significativa para a maioria dos caracteres. As linhagens 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 e 7 demonstraram capacidade de resposta à melhoria de ambiente, sendo 1 e 5 os genótipos que apresentaram comportamento previsível para todas as características. O índice de fibras curtas mostrou ser uma característica de alta previsibilidade

The objective of this study was to verify the presence of genotype x environment (G x E) interaction and determine the adaptability and phenotypic stability of strains of brown cotton fiber using the model of Ebehart & Russell. Seven experiments were conducted in the states of CE, GO, MS and RN, in 2010 and 2011 under irrigated and rain fed conditions. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replications. Eleven genotypes were assessed according to seven characters on the fiber. The G x E interaction was significant for most characters. The lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 showed better responsiveness to the environment, being 1 and 5 genotypes showed all predictable behavior characteristics for all characteristics. The content of short fibers proved to be a characteristic of high predictability