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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stoneville, Mississippi » Crop Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #233975
Title: Introgression of resistance to reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) into upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) from Gossypium arboreum and a Gossypium hirsutum/Gossypium aridum bridging line

Author
item Sacks, Erik
item Robinson, Arin

Submitted to: Field Crops Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/15/2009
Publication Date: 4/30/2009
Citation: Sacks, E.J., Robinson, A.F. 2009. Introgression of resistance to reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) into upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) from Gossypium arboreum and a Gossypium hirsutum/Gossypium aridum bridging line. Field Crops Research. 112:1-6.

Interpretive Summary: The reniform nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis, is a microscopic worm that feeds on the roots of cotton and other crops, thereby reducing yields. Nearly all cotton grown in the U.S. is upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) but no upland cotton cultivars are resistant to the reniform nematode. However, resistance has been observed in relatives of upland cotton. By making crosses between upland cotton and related cotton accessions with resistance to reniform nematode, hybrid populations were produced that segregated for resistance. The segregation ratios suggested that two dominant genes for resistance were brought into an upland cotton background. Though more plant breeding work remains to be done, an important first step toward developing upland cotton cultivars with resistance to reniform nematode has been achieved. When reniform nematode-resistant cotton cultivars are eventually deployed they will be an alternative to the current chemical control options.

Technical Abstract: Gossypium hirsutum is the predominant cotton of commerce and all cultivars of this species are susceptible to the reniform nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis. To introgress resistance to R. reniformis into the tetraploid 2(AD1) G. hirsutum, a resistant diploid A2-genome G. arboreum accession (A2-190) was crossed with a hexaploid 2 ((AD1)D4)bridging line (G 371)to obtain a tetraploid triple-species hybrid. The triple-species hybrid was crossed back to G.hirsutum and a population of 277 BC1 individuals was produced. The BC1 and controls were assayed in growth chambers with R. reniformis. Fortuitously, the hexaploid bridging line was also found to be resistant to R. reniformis. The BC1 segregated 3:1, resistant:susceptible, indicating that resistance was conferred by dominant genes at two different loci, with each originating from a distinct germplasm source. This study demonstrated that it is possible to introgress and pyramid genes for resistance to R. reniformis in G. hirsutum.