Project Number: 6402-22000-074-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Mar 05, 2012
End Date: Mar 04, 2017

Objective:
Objective 1. Identify new sources of reniform nematode resistance in Gossypium (G.) arboreum and G. herbaceum accessions and characterize the genetics of host resistance. Subobjective 1a. Discover new sources of resistance in Gossypium arboreum and G. herbaceum. Subobjective 1b. Characterize new sources of reniform nematode resistance in G. arboreum and G. herbaceum. Objective 2. Develop and release adapted Gossypium hirsutum breeding lines or varieties with resistance to reniform nematode. Subobjective 2a. Introgress reniform nematode resistance from G. arboreum and G. herbaceum into G. hirsutum. Subobjective 2b. Develop Gossypium hirsutum germplasm with reniform nematode resistance from related Gossypium species. Objective 3. Develop sustainable crop production systems which include the use of host plant resistance to effectively manage the reniform nematode in cotton. Subobjective 3a. Determine the influence of cotton variety and cropping system on management of reniform nematode. Subobjective 3b. Evaluate efficacy of seed treatment nematicides to control reniform nematode on susceptible or resistant cotton. Subobjective 3c. Evaluate efficacy of seed treatment nematicides on cotton which is resistant or susceptible to the reniform nematode.

Approach:
Screen accessions in the national germplasm collection to identify as many sources of reniform nematode resistance from Gossypium (G.) arboreum and G. herbaceum as possible that can be used for germplasm improvement. Once resistance sources are identified, determine the inheritance of reniform nematode resistance from those accessions and identify molecular markers linked to the resistance genes. Concurrently, transfer the reniform nematode resistance from these species to G. hirsutum. Generate and release G. hirsutum breeding lines with useful levels of resistance to reniform nematode. Determine if reniform nematode resistant cotton combined with crop rotation will be more effective at lowering subsequent reniform nematode populations than current production methods with commercial varieties. Determine if commercially available seed treatment nematicides reduce relative infection of reniform nematode on cotton and result in increased yield regardless of host resistance status.