Lori L. Hinze and Russell J. Kohel. USDA/ARS, 2765 F&B Rd, College Station, TX 77845
A diversity of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) germplasm exists with various characteristics useful for cotton improvement. This study was conducted to create and evaluate the range of variation within four cotton germplasm pools which could serve as new sources of germplasm resources for cotton breeders. The properties of dwarfing genes, race stocks, fiber quality, and glandless genes were evaluated by creating a germplasm pool for each characteristic. One narrow based (four parent) germplasm pool was assembled for the dwarfing genes, and three broad based (22 to 42 parent) germplasm pools were assembled for the race stocks, fiber quality, and glandless genes.
