Proof of Concept: Gene Based Breeding vs Field Based Breeding

Field based breeding has been the conventional approach of the plant breeders in making individual plant selections in Cotton (Gossypium. sp).  Gene based breeding provides a unique approach for the breeders in assessing the fiber quality of a cotton plant before harvest. Gene based breeding uses SNPs as the genetic markers when making selections.  These SNPs are located within the fiber quality genes as proposed by Dr. Hongbin Zhang.  Two distinct populations were analyzed for a proof of concept study where selections are based on both the methods mentioned above.  A F2 population of 13P-54 ELSU // 11K-13 ELSU / NMSI 1331, an interspecific (Pima introgression), and a F3 population of 11K-13 ELSU / 06WE-621 ESU, an intraspecific (Upland x Upland) were used.  250 individual plants were visually selected in each population for field-based breeding and 100 plants were selected based on the gene-based breeding methodology.