Genome assembly of two nematode-resistant cotton lines (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Authors: Perkin, Lindsey; Bell, Alois - Al; Hinze, Lori; Suh, Charles; ARICK II, MARK - Mississippi State University; PETERSON, DANIEL - Mississippi State University; Udall, Joshua - Josh

Submitted to: G3, Genes/Genomes/Genetics
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/2/2021
Publication Date: 8/5/2021
Citation: Perkin, L.C., Bell, A.A., Hinze, L.L., Suh, C.P., Arick II, M.A., Peterson, D., Udall, J.A. 2021. Genome assembly of two nematode-resistant cotton lines (Gossypium hirsutum L.). G3, Genes/Genomes/Genetics. 11(11). Article jkab276. https://doi.org/10.1093/g3journal/jkab276.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/g3journal/jkab276

Interpretive Summary: Nematodes are worm-like organisms that occur in all environments. Two types of microscopic nematodes, known as root-knot and reniform, occur in the soil and attack plant roots of agricultural crops. Collectively, the two types of nematodes reduce cotton yields in the U.S. more than any other pest or disease. The nematodes also may interact with seedling and cotton root rot pathogens to magnify the effects of cotton diseases. Currently, rotation of crops and application of pesticides are used to manage nematodes in cotton, but repeated applications are required and are expensive. Thus, the development of cotton lines that are resistant to nematodes is considered the most practical solution for managing these pests. In previous collaborative work with Texas A&M University and Cotton Incorporated, ARS developed two cotton lines that showed resistance to nematodes. We sequenced the genome of these two cotton lines to confirm the genes involved in nematode resistance which, in turn, will expedite the development of DNA markers that can be used to efficiently introduce nematode resistance genes into commercially valuable cotton lines.

Technical Abstract: Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is susceptible to damage by the root-knot and the reniform nematodes, causing yield losses greater than 4% on an annual basis in the U.S. Additionally, these nematodes are synergistic with seeding disease and root rot pathogens that exacerbate diseases and subsequent yield losses. Production practices to minimize nematode damage include crop rotation and nematicides, but these techniques need to be repeated and are expensive. Ostensibly, the use of resistant cultivars is deemed the most effective and economical approach for managing nematodes in cotton. Here we describe the genomes of two nematode-resistant lines of cotton, BARBREN-713 and BAR 32-30. These genomes may expedite the development of DNA markers that can be used to efficiently introduce nematode resistance into commercially valuable Upland lines.