Elevated Growing Degree Days Influence Transition Stage Timing During Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Fiber Development Resulting In Increased Fiber Bundle Strength

Cotton fiber quality traits, such as fiber strength, are important factors that can favorably or adversely affect the value of cotton for the producer. Cotton varieties that have well-defined and consistent differences in fiber quality are useful tools for cotton research scientists and can be used to identify DNA sequences linked to desirable cotton fiber quality traits. Once identified, these DNA sequences can be transferred to other cotton varieties through traditional breeding techniques or genetic manipulation to create improved cotton cultivars that will increase the value of the producer’s crop. The cotton fiber develops to maturity in well-defined and distinct growth stages. In a previous study, we determined that changes in the timing of certain cotton fiber growth stages results in increased fiber strength. Here we present evidence that this difference in fiber strength originates early during fiber development and is also influenced by day and night temperatures. Identification of the DNA sequences that respond to environmental changes in the field and control the timing of cotton fiber growth stages will facilitate the development of novel and improved fiber quality traits.