Location: Crop Genetics Research
2022 Annual Report
Objectives
1. Characterize the genetic mechanisms for controlling nematode resistance for diploid cotton species.
1.A. Genetic characterization of reniform nematode resistance for selected G. arboreum germplasm accessions.
2. Transfer novel nematode resistance identified for diploid cotton species to tetraploid upland cotton.
2.A. Introgression of reniform nematode resistance from G. arboreum germplasm accessions into upland cotton cultivars.
3. Determine environmental influences on nematode infection, development, and reproduction on cotton lines.
3.A. Determine soil temperature effects on nematode infection, development, and reproduction on cotton lines.
3.B. Determine soil moisture effects on nematode infection, development, and reproduction on cotton lines.
Approach
Develop populations by crossing resistant accessions with one or more Gossypium (G.) arboreum accessions classified as susceptible or highly susceptible to determine the inheritance of the resistance. Ovule culture will be used to introgress resistance from G. arboreum accessions into G. hirsutum varieties. Gossypium accessions with high levels of resistance to reniform nematode will be evaluated in growth chamber experiments to measure the effects of soil temperature and soil moisture stress on the number of infections, rate of development of females after infection, and production of eggs.
Progress Report
This project was established in February 2022. It replaces project 6066-22000-075-000D, Introgression of Novel Resistant Genes and Development of Integrated Production Systems for Managing Reniform Nematode in Cotton. As this project just began, there is no significant progress to report for FY 2022. Please see the report for 6066-22000-075-000D for a summary of the research progress and accomplishments over the past five years.
This project will continue our efforts to reduce crop losses caused by reniform nematode, a root parasitic worm that causes yield losses in upland cotton in the southeastern United States. As development of resistant cotton is an ongoing process, discovery and integration of new sources of resistance into the breeding program will remain a priority. Techniques for selecting resistant plants, either through molecular markers or through experiments that challenge the plants with the nematode, will be used in cotton improvement efforts. Resistance sources will be characterized with respect to soil temperature and moisture extremes to provide an indication of whether or not those cotton lines will remain useful as the climate changes. Lines that demonstrate resistance and suitable agronomic properties will be considered for release. Expected outcomes from this project include resilient, resistant germplasm as part of an effective system to manage losses to the nematode.
Accomplishments
