Development of extra-long staple (ELS) cotton germplasm represented a substantial improvement in upland fiber quality. The objective of this study was to determine the breeding value of an ELS breeding line when crossed to a genotype with average fiber quality. Breeders need to understand how ELS material should be used in a pedigree breeding program to realize the full benefits of the germplasm. Two populations were created from the mating and reciprocal mating of an unreleased ELS breeding line 'TAM 182-39ELS' and 'DP 50'. F2 plants were evaluated at two locations for whole plot and on individual plant basis for yield, plant morphology, and fiber quality performance. Location and genotype effects were significant for lint yield, plant height, and all fiber properties. The ELS parent had superior fiber traits in comparison to DP 50. There were no significant differences between the reciprocal F2 populations for any trait except for length uniformity index and consequently were treated as a single population for individual plant selection analyses. Transgressive segregation and mid-parent heterosis were observed in the F2 population. Broad-sense heritability estimates indicated that Weslaco, TX was a better location for plant selection than College Station, TX. The ELS trait demonstrated a high degree of penetrance in the F2 populations. Capturing the ELS trait in high-yielding germplasm will speed the development of cultivars with improved fiber quality.
