Quantitative Trait Locus Analysis and Identification of Candidate Genes for Micronaire in an Interspecific Backcross Inbred Line Population of Gossypium hirsutum × Gossypium barbadense | JoVE Visualize

Quantitative Trait Locus Analysis and Identification of Candidate Genes for Micronaire in an Interspecific Backcross Inbred Line Population of Gossypium hirsutum × Gossypium barbadense

Wenfeng Pei^1,2,3, Jikun Song^1,2, Wenkui Wang²

¹Engineering Research Centre of Cotton of Ministry of Education, College of Agriculture, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China.

Frontiers in Plant Science|November 15, 2021

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Researchers identified new quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for cotton micronaire (MIC) in an interspecific cross. This study pinpoints stable MIC QTLs and candidate genes to improve fiber quality in cotton breeding.

Area of Science:

Agricultural Science
Genetics
Plant Breeding

Background:

Cotton is a vital fiber crop for textiles.
Micronaire (MIC) is a key indicator of cotton fiber quality, influenced by fineness and maturity.
Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is widely cultivated for high yield and MIC, while Gossypium barbadense L. offers superior fiber characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

To identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with micronaire (MIC) in Gossypium barbadense L.
To discover novel candidate genes that regulate MIC in cotton.
To provide genetic insights for enhancing cotton fiber quality through breeding.

Main Methods:

Developed a population of 250 backcross inbred lines (BILs) from an interspecific cross (CRI36 × Hai7124).
Evaluated MIC in 9 replicated field trials.
Constructed a high-density genetic map using 7709 SNP markers from genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) data.
Identified MIC QTLs and analyzed candidate genes within significant QTL regions.

Main Results:

Identified 25 MIC QTLs, including 13 novel loci, across the genetic map.
Discovered two stable MIC QTLs, qMIC-D03-2 on chromosome D03 and qMIC-D08-1 on chromosome D08.
Located 338 genes within the stable QTL regions, identifying eight candidate genes with differential expression between TM-1 and Hai7124.

Conclusions:

The identified QTLs and candidate genes offer valuable genetic resources for marker-assisted selection in cotton breeding programs.
This research contributes to improving cotton fiber quality, specifically micronaire, through targeted genetic approaches.
Understanding the genetic basis of MIC can accelerate the development of superior cotton varieties.