Following are the research activities performed at Cotton Research Institute, Multan
Cotton Research Institute is the leading Institute engaged in developing cotton varieties in Punjab. This Institute is working on combating various upcoming biotic and abiotic threats. The cotton crop is one of the most difficult crops in terms of management point of view. In the recent years CLCuV is the most devastating biotic factor in Pakistan that results in severe losses in yield. Along with this threatening viral disease bollworms are also the second most disturbing factor during its reproductive phase. Dusky and red cotton bugs are also becoming major pests of cotton. On marginal lands requirement of drought tolerant varieties is a far cry. Keeping in view all these factors Cotton Research Institute is working on all these aspects i.e., disease resistance, insect pest resistance, drought tolerance, heat tolerance and better fiber quality. The material is being developed by employing various conventional and non-conventional techniques. Most common methods for the development of varieties being used are mass selection, pedigree selection, backcross breeding, introgression (for disease resistance) and heterosis breeding. Various agronomic trials are also being conducted to devise production technology of the developed varieties. Similarly trials on entomological aspect are also being carried out.