ARS | Publication request: Prediction of F2 hybrid performance for lint yield and fiber quality by SSR-based genetic distance

Submitted to: National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: October 27, 2010
Publication Date: January 4, 2011
Citation: Zeng, L. 2011. Prediction of F2 hybrid performance for lint yield and fiber quality by SSR-based genetic distance. National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference. 43.

Technical Abstract: Evaluation and selection of parents in cotton hybrid production are necessary for maximizing hybrid performance, but cost for this practice is usually high. Relationships between SSR-based genetic distance (GD) and hybrid performance may help select parents and predict hybrid performance using molecular markers. This study was designed to analyze relationships between SSR-based GD and F2 hybrid performance, i.e., the trait means of F2 hybrids in specific crosses and mid-parent heterosis (MPH), in cotton. Forty-eight F2 hybrids derived from crosses between 4 elite germplasm lines and 12 exotic germplasm lines were evaluated at two sites at Stoneville MS during 2008 and 2009. Wide ranges of lint yield and fiber properties among the 48 F2 hybrids were observed. Large amount of MPH were detected in F2 hybrids for different properties. The correlations between the GD and F2 performance were generally low with r values not exceeding 0.50. Significant population differentiation was identified between parental germplasm groups based on Exact Nonparametric Procedure. Moderate correlations between GD and fiber properties were identified between genetically differentiated germplasm groups. Results suggest better prediction of hybrid performance by molecular markers can be expected when parents are arrayed from genetically differentiated groups.