ARS | Publication request: Integrating genomics and phenomics to improve abiotic stress tolerance in cotton

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: August 1, 2011
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: In order to meet the global demand for natural cotton fiber and clothe an ever-growing population, world cotton production systems must increase productivity. Simultaneously, cotton production systems must also improve the structural properties of cotton fiber to meet fiber quality demands of global yarn and textile manufacturers. In the face of changing climatic conditions, water deficit stress is one of the most challenging agricultural issues limiting sustainable cotton production. Our laboratory is using integrated genomic and phenomic approaches to study water deficit stress and cotton. At the molecular level, we have complementary projects that are both narrow and broad in scope. The first project focuses on the role a specific gene family plays in water deficit stress. The second approach is very broad and focuses on identifying a genome-wide suite of genes that are responsive to water deficit stress. In this report, we will update our progress on both approaches to study cotton and water deficit stress at the molecular level. We will also discuss our plans to translate genomic advances into field level applications. We identified the large aquaporin gene family in cotton and characterized gene expression patterns in various plant tissues in response to water deficit stress conditions. We also identified a suite of genome-wide genes showing differential expression patterns in response to water deficit stress. In total, the genes described in this report offer potential targets for improving cotton water use efficiency under water deficit and well-watered environmental conditions.