CRI Multan is the hub of cotton research activities, and up till now, 75 varieties of cotton have been evolved by this research institute and its allied stations.
Five Mega Varieties (More than 60% varietal frequency in Punjab from 2012 to 2018 viz. MNH-886, FH-114, FH-142, MNH-992 and Lalazar.
Ten new single gene varieties were approved during the last three years: i.e., MNH-1016, MNH-1020, MNH-1026, MNH-1035, MNH-1050, FH-490, FH-492, FH-Anmol, FH-Supper Cotton and FH-938 were approved in the recent year 2021-2023 by Punjab Seed Council.
Four Triple genes (Bollworms + Glyphosate-resistant cotton varieties) MNH-Super-Gold, MNH-Sultan, FH-Tristar and FH-333
MNH-Okra-1 (Okra leaf): Triple gene (Cry1Ac, Cry2AB + GTG) Improvement in plant shape and boll size, Early maturity of the Okra plant
MNH-93, S-12, MNH-886 (Bt.) and FH-142 have been the most popular varieties, occupying more than 50% of the area in Punjab and popular in Sindh province.
The highest production (11. 417 million bales) average yield (26 mounds/acre) of Punjab was recorded in 1991 when the S-12 variety of this institute was cultivated on about 50% of cotton cultivation.
The Total impact on the economic contribution of CRI Multan verities is estimated at 1424.70 billion rupees.
The peculiar feature of this research institute is its extensive studies on interspecific hybridization.
We have maintained the germplasm of 22 species and developed interspecific hybrids.
Two strains have been developed through hybridization of desi and American cotton possessing a high degree of CLCV tolerance, high yield potential and harmonious combination of fibre traits (GOT = 42.3%, staple length = 30.2, Mike = 4.2 µg/inch, Fiber strength = 33.1g/tex and boll weigh = 5g) which is a unique work in the world.
Another strain, MNH-872, has been developed through the hybridization of G. anomalum (a wild spp.) and American cotton possessing a high degree of CLCV tolerance, high yield potential and harmonious combination of fibre traits (GOT = 39%, staple length = 32.0, Mike = 4.6 µg/inch, Fiber strength = 35g/tex).
Staple length has been improved to 35mm through intraspecific hybridization of G. hirsutum (American).
Considering the challenges of insect pests and weeds, one strain possessing Bt. + Glyphosate-resistant genes are in the advanced stages of its development.
