The mystery solved: A-genome origin of cultivated diploid and tetraploid cottons

Authors: Yu, John

Submitted to: National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/1/2021
Publication Date: 5/20/2021
Citation: Yu, J. 2021. The mystery solved: A-genome origin of cultivated diploid and tetraploid cottons. In: Proceedings of the National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference, January 5-7, 2021, Virtual. p. 126.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Controversial concepts surrounding A-genome origins have hindered effective exploitation of cultivated diploid and tetraploid cotton genomes. The conflicting knowledge was developed with a limited number of morphological, genetic, cytogenetic, and/or molecular markers that reside in different areas of the cotton genomes. Recently our complete genomes of the four cultivated cotton species opened the door to solve the mystery of evolutionary history and phylogenetic relationship for more effective utilization. The detailed genomic analysis revealed that the speciation of diploids A1 (G. herbaceum) and A2 (G. arboreum) evolved independently after the formation of tetraploids AD1 (G. hirsutum) and AD2 (G. barbadense). Neither diploid cotton was the true donor of A-genome to tetraploid cottons during its preceded hybridization. All existing A-genomes may have originated from a common ancestor (A0) which was more related to A1 than A2. This talk will present new genomic insights and sequence resources for cotton genetic improvement.