ABSTRACT
About 200 new hybrids have been screened for adaptation at Las Cruces (1170 m, 2450 degree-days), Tucumcari (1200 m, 2250 degree-days), and Clovis (1340 m, 1800 degree-days). Few hybrids were found that were equal to the check varieties (Acala 1517-75, Hybrid NX-1, Paymaster 145, Paymaster HS-26, and McNair 220). averaged over all locations. Even fewer were significantly better than the local check at any location, although hybrids are rapidly improving relative to checks. Hybrid "7 X B" was the best yielder, exceeding Paymaster 145 by 33% at Tucumcari and 23% overall. Hybrid "7 X V" was the best of the early maturing lines. It was 7% above Paymaster 145 overall, and had fiber quality almost equivalent to Acala 1517. Seven other promising hybrids were identified. For the past two years, all interspecific hybrids under test have been discarded because of insufficient Fl planting seed production. Intensive selection for pollination has identified Pima R-lines that pollinate adjacent MS rows much better than older NX-1 and white-flower types. The new R-lines, classified loosely as the "white pollen" series have excellent fiber, and topcross hybrids were produced from 25 of these for testing in 1990.
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