Genetic Mapping of Fiber Quality Traits in Upland Cotton Using SSR Markers

Genetic mapping of fiber quality traits in upland cotton using SSR markers

Deepika Mishra¹, Bralie Hendon¹, Robert Imel¹, Krishan Rai¹, Kari Hugie², Wayne Smith², Venugopal Mendu¹, Eric F Hequet¹ and Dick L. Auld¹

¹Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX-79409

²Texas A&M University, College Station, TX- 77843

Cotton is the world’s most important fiber crop. In the USA, two cotton species, i.e. Gossypium hirsutum (Upland) and Gossypium barbadense (Pima), are widely grown. However, low fiber length and strength make US cotton less competitive in global markets. In order to exploit the full market potential of U.S cotton there is a continuing need for genetic improvement in fiber quality. Molecular markers could be one of the most efficient tool to improve our understanding of the genetic mechanisms controlling fiber quality.

This study was designed to identify associations between Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR) markers and fiber quality traits using genotypes adapted to the Texas High Plains region. In consultation with Texas A&M University cotton breeding program (Dr. Wayne Smith), 12 potential SSR markers for fiber quality were chosen for mapping Upland cotton collections for fiber length and fiber strength. A total of 18 parental genotypes were evaluated for fiber strength and fiber length traits. The genotypes were amplified by 12 SSR marker pairs belonging to BNL, NAU, CGR, DPL and TMB series. All 12 primers showed amplification and produced a total of 227 scorable bands. Sufficient polymorphism was seen for different fiber traits suggesting the possibility of improving cotton fiber quality using a, MAS (marker assisted selection) scheme.