Author
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Burke, John |
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Submitted to: Crop Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 1/4/2016 Publication Date: 4/29/2016 Citation: Burke, J.J. 2016. Genetic Diversity of Natural Crossing in Cotton. Crop Science. 56:1059-1066. Interpretive Summary: Adventitious presence is defined as the unintended presence of unwanted biotech traits in a seed lot. The current study evaluated the genetic diversity in the ability of mature cotton pollen to move to neighboring plants. Six cotton lines were studied because of their identified differences in humidity sensitivity. Differences in outcrossing of 5 to 15% were observed under both irrigated and dryland production systems. Year to year variability was larger that genetic differences within a year. The results indicated that the pollen’s sensitivity to low humidity could reduce the amount of outcrossing. Technical Abstract: We have shown previously genetic diversity in mature cotton pollen sensitivity to low humidity. This study investigated the impact of pollen sensitivity to low humidity on the amount of outcrossing to neighboring plants. We utilized “red” and “green” pigmented cotton, in addition to gossypol glanded and glandless cotton lines, to study pollen movement in the field. Genetic diversity in outcrossing was observed among the six lines tested. Differences in outcrossing of 5 to 15% were observed under both irrigated and dryland production systems. Higher levels of outcrossing were observed within a row compared to outcrossing between rows. Cotton lines with mature pollen sensitive to low humidity exhibited reduced outcrossing compare to lines that were less sensitive to low humidity. These results suggest that lines with pollen sensitive to low humidity can be used to reduce natural outcrossing and subsequently adventitious presence in adjacent fields throughout the Southwest. |
