ARS | Publication request: OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVING COTTON'S TOLERANCE TO HIGH TEMPERATURE

Submitted to: National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: January 12, 2001
Publication Date: January 12, 2001

Technical Abstract: Cotton may experience high temperature stress at any stage of development, and efforts to enhance it's protection must take this into account. Based upon our research in wheat, it is possible that chromosomal deletions in the A or D genomes of cotton would provide an enhanced acquired thermotolerance system. A problem with removal of chromosomal arms is that many genes are removed by this process and some beneficial genes might be lost in the quest to enhance acquired thermotolerance. An alternative method for enhancing acquired thermotolerance is to identify genes coding for key components of the natural high temperature protection system and express them individually or in combination with other protection proteins. Improvements in reproductive heat tolerance are essential if yield potentials are to be realized. It is possible that improvements in vegetative heat tolerance may also provide improved heat tolerance during pollen development. Expression of genes coding for key protection proteins in pollen may overcome inherent temperature sensitivity.