QTL analysis of agronomic, fiber quality, and abiotic stress tolerance traits using a pima cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.) recombinant inbred population

Authors: ABDELRAHEEM, ABDELRAHHEM - New Mexico State University; Fang, David; DEVER, JANE - Texas A&M University; ZHANG, JINFA - New Mexico State University

Submitted to: Crop Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/10/2020
Publication Date: 3/16/2020
Citation: Abdelraheem, A., Fang, D.D., Dever, J., Zhang, J. 2020. QTL analysis of agronomic, fiber quality, and abiotic stress tolerance traits using a pima cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.) recombinant inbred population. Crop Science. 60(4):1823-1843. https://doi.org/10.1002/csc2.20153.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/csc2.20153

Interpretive Summary: Pima cotton is grown for its superior fiber quality in four states of the US and several other countries. However, there is a lack of information in identification of major and stable quantitative trait loci (QTL) for fiber quality, yield, and abiotic stress tolerance across different environments. In this study, a genetic linkage map based on 403 simple sequence repeat DNA markers was developed for the Pima S-6/89590 intraspecific cotton mapping population consisting of 161 recombinant inbred lines (RILs). Through the evaluation of the RIL population in seven field tests for yield and fiber quality in the four Pima cotton-growing US states and four greenhouse tests for drought and salinity tolerance, a total of 146 QTL were detected. Eight QTL clusters and four hotspots were further identified, and many of the QTL and their clusters and hotspots were consistent with previous studies. This study provides important information on new and stable QTL across environments for developing superior American Pima cotton.

Technical Abstract: Pima cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.) is grown for its superior fiber quality in four states of the US and several other countries. However, there is a lack of information in identification of major and stable quantitative trait loci (QTL) for fiber quality, yield, and abiotic stress tolerance across different environments. In this study, a genetic linkage map based on 403 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers was developed for the Pima S-6/89590 intraspecific cotton mapping population consisting of 161 recombinant inbred lines (RILs). Through the evaluation of the RIL population in seven field tests for yield and fiber quality in the four Pima cotton-growing US states and four greenhouse tests for drought and salinity tolerance, a total of 146 QTL were detected. Eight QTL clusters and four hotspots were further identified, and many of the QTL and their clusters and hotspots were consistent with previous studies. This study provides important information on new and stable QTL across environments for developing superior American Pima cotton.