Pest Resistance and Agronomic Performance of Upland Cotton Lines Following Eight Generations of Introgression of the BNL3279_105 DNA Marker From Gossypium barbadense GB713

The BNL3279 primers give unique DNA markers that are closely linked with resistance to the reniform nematode in Gossypium longicalx, Gossypium barbadense GB713, and Gossypium aridum.  Plants that had been selected and advanced based on reniform nematode bioassays for each of five or six generations of crossing and backcrossing and had the BNL3279_105 marker were crossed for two additional generations into several cultivars selecting for the marker at each generation.  The S₁ populations from these crosses were selected for homozygosity of the BNL 3279_105 marker.  S₂ generations were evaluated in the growth chamber and field for resistance to reniform nematode and yield.  S₃ generations from select S₂ plants were evaluated against reniform nematode/fungal root rot complexes in the growth chamber, greenhouse, and field and for yield.  The results which will be presented show that gene(s) associated with the BNL 3279_105 marker give resistance to several pests and 50% or greater yield increases in several genetic backgrounds.  The possible genetic and biological bases of these effects will be discussed.