2010 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) 1. Express cDNAs isolated from cotton that code for dirigent proteins in an insect/plant tissue culture system and assay for dirigent activity including the biosynthesis of (+)- or (-)-gossypol. 2. Transform cotton plants to optimize (+)-gossypol formation. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Cooperator will express appropriate cDNA sequences from cotton provided by the ARS cooperator in an insect/plant tissue culture system and test their activity for formation of (+)- or (-)-gossypol. 3.Progress Report This is a new project, with the goal of developing new cotton types that have reduced levels of toxic gossypol in the seed and that thus make cottonseed products acceptable as feed components for non-ruminant animals, including swine and poultry. Efforts thus far have included detailed research planning and protocol development. Early project work has identified a certain type of protein (known as a dirigent protein) that occurs in the cotton plant and that controls the formation of the non-toxic (+)-gossypol. Project work as it progresses will make significant advances in defining the physiological and genetic control of (+)- and (-)-gossypol production in cottonseed. The ADODR and the cooperator maintain regular e-mail and other communications to discuss progress of the work as appropriate.