Proof of Concept: Novel Gene Based Breeding vs Field Based Breeding in Improving Fiber Quality Traits in Cotton
Abstract
Field Based Breeding (FBB) has been the conventional approach of plant breeders in making individual plant selections in Cotton (Gossypium. sp). Gene Based Breeding (GBB) provides a unique approach for breeders in assessing the fiber quality of a cotton plant before harvest. GBB uses Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) as the genetic markers in making selections for two traits: Upper Half Mean Length (UHML) and Fiber Bundle Strength (FBS). 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 were based on both methods mentioned above. An F2 population of 13P-54 ELSU // 11K-13 ELSU / NMSI 1331, an interspecific cross (Pima introgression), and an F3 population of 11K-13 ELSU / 06WE-621 ESU, an intraspecific cross (Upland x Upland) were used. Two hundred and fifty individual plants were visually selected in each population for the FBB. Two hundred fifty plants were randomly selected for the GBB and then screened using 11 SNP based genes for UHML and FBS. The top and the bottom 10% for UHML and FBS among these selections in each population were carried forward in a randomized complete block design with two replications for two years. A regression analysis was conducted to estimate the association between the GBB and FBB predictions and actual HVI measurements of advanced progeny. With only 11 SNPs used as markers in the GBB protocol, R2 values for UHML were as good as those in the FBB protocol relative to the longest 10% of the progeny. Neither GBB or FBB was effective in identifying foundational individual plants that were predictive of advanced progeny FBS. Based on R2 values, GBB was more effective in predicting UHML in the interspecific population as compared with the intraspecific upland population.
Citation
Bhangu, Drutdaman Singh (2020). Proof of Concept: Novel Gene Based Breeding vs Field Based Breeding in Improving Fiber Quality Traits in Cotton. Doctoral dissertation, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /192193.