Dr. Karmal Singh Malik

Mailing Address

Cotton Section, Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, HISAR - 125 004 (India)

Phone No : 01662255257

Email Id :cotton@hau.ac.in

Cotton plays a pivotal role in countries agrarian economy, providing livelihood to millions and contributing substantially to the country’s textile industry. As a key commercial crop, cotton is a source of raw material for the textile industry and also supports industries like edible oil and animal feed through its by-products. Recognizing its strategic importance, the All India Coordinated Cotton Improvement Project (AICCIP) has been operational since 1967, with a focused mandate on enhancing cotton productivity and sustainability. The primary objectives of the Cotton Section at CCS HAU include maintenance and screening of cotton germplasm, development of high-yielding varieties/hybrids suited to Haryana’s agro-climatic conditions, optimization of agronomic practices, and evolving pest and disease management strategies under changing climate scenarios.

The section also receives significant support from the State Government for strengthening research on desi cotton (Gossypium arboreum), especially to develop early maturing, high-yielding varieties with superior quality. Special emphasis is laid on breeding cotton hybrids with high ginning outturn and desirable fibre traits using the genetic male sterility (GMS) system. The team is also working extensively on developing Btcotton varieties and hybrids resistant to Cotton Leaf Curl Virus Disease (CLCuD) and suitable for high-density planting systems.  A dedicated interdisciplinary team comprising nine scientists, five Senior Research Fellows (SRFs), andten Young Professionalsis actively engaged in various aspects of cotton improvement. Currently, eight research schemes are operational in the Cotton Section, covering breeding, plant pathology, entomology, agronomy and fibre quality enhancement.

Since the inception of research activities, the Section has successfully developed and released twenty-three varieties and hybrids, including six G. arboreum varieties, twelveG. hirsutum varieties, one intra-arboreum hybrid and three intra-hirsutum hybrids, catering to diverse agro-climatic zones of India.

The section plays a vital role in developing production and protection technologies, which are regularly incorporated into university’s Package of Practices. In the last five years alone, twelve research recommendations from the section have been included in the Package of Practices, ensuring scientific management and productivity enhancement for farmers.

In addition to varietal development, the section has made significant technological advancements:

• A novel method for gossypol removal from cottonseed products was granted a patent (Grant No. 555667, dated 12.12.2024), which is expected to improve the feed and food utility of cottonseed.
• The section has also developed a cutting-edge phenolic profiling technique for cotton root and leaf tissues using UPLC (Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography), contributing to molecular and biochemical understanding of stress tolerance and disease resistance.
• A first report of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum VCG 0111 infecting G. hirsutum in India was documented, providing critical insights into emerging pathogen threats.
• First Report of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum VCG 0114 (Race 4) Inciting Wilt in Tetraploid Cotton from India

With sustained focus on innovative breeding strategies, cutting-edge molecular tools, and integrated crop management, the Cotton Section of CCS HAU continues to be a national leader in cotton research and development, addressing challenges of productivity, quality, and sustainability in India’s cotton ecosystem.

Last Updated :-Sat, Sep 06 2025