Breeding for High Levels of RKN Resistance in a Commercial Breeding Program

Sources of resistance to root knot nematode (RKN) in G. hirsutum have been available to breeders for many years.  Development of RKN resistance in commercial varieties has been very limited primarily due to difficulties associated with phenotyping.  Recent development of markers associated with the RKN genes has enabled breeders to more effectively develop resistance in commercial germplasm.  Monsanto has been actively developing breeding for RKN resistance from multiple sources, through the use of marker assisted selection.  The development, validation and utilization of markers in commercial breeding programs are described.