ARS | Publication request: Discovering genes with potential abiotic stress tolerance applications in cotton

Submitted to: International Cotton Genome Initiative Workshop
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: September 20, 2010
Publication Date: December 11, 2010
Citation: Campbell, B.T., Park, W., Bauer, P.J., Scheffler, B.E. 2010. Discovering genes with potential abiotic stress tolerance applications in cotton [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the International Cotton Genome Initiative Workshop, September 21-23, 2010, Canberra, Australia. p. 39.

Technical Abstract: In the face of changing climatic conditions, drought, as it relates to crop water usage, is one of the most challenging agricultural issues limiting sustainable crop production. This is particularly true for crops, such as cotton, that are primarily grown in rainfed agricultural areas. In spite of its economic importance, studies on drought-resistant cotton are limited. In our laboratory, we are using two primary approaches to study drought and cotton at the molecular level. The first approach is narrow and focuses on the role a specific gene family plays in drought. Alternatively, the second approach is very broad and focuses on identifying a genome-wide suite of genes involved in drought. In this report, we will update our progress on both approaches to study cotton and drought at the molecular level. We have identified the large aquaporin gene family in cotton and characterized gene expression patterns in various plant tissues in response to drought conditions. We have also identified a suite of genome-wide genes showing differential expression patterns in response to drought. The genes described in this report offer potential targets for improving cotton water use efficiency under drought and well-watered environmental conditions.