Brief Summary of Minutes

1. Project is in good shape and approved through 2012
   
2. Annual reports are needed that incorporate
   
   a. Statements of accomplishments
   
   b. Any publications/variety releases
   
   
3. There are changes in store for CSRESS. It is being reorganized in October 2009 and will be renamed NIFA (National Institute for Food and Agriculture). Minimal changes (beyond the name) are expected.
   
   
4. Similarly, the NRI is being changed to AFRI (Agricultural Food Research Initiative)
   
   
5. One possible future impact is that formula funds are being switched more to competitive. Biggest impact likely in the area of integrated pest management.
   
6. There are to be 4 new CSREES programs in 2009: specialty crops, organic agriculture, biomass, young farmer/rancher extension.
   

1. Acquisition, curation, characterization, and evaluation of cotton germplasm for the improvement of cotton.
   
2. Understanding and manipulating the cotton genomes through traditional, cytogenetic, and molecular approaches.
   
3. Enhancing the profitability of cotton through germplasm enhancement, cultivar development, pest and disease resistance, and improved output traits.
   
4. Improvement of cotton bioinformatic systems and tools.
   

1. Major focus remains on germplasm development and evaluation.
   
2. Over the last few years, considerable effort devoted to reniform nematode, heat and heat/drought tolerance. With respect to the reniform efforts, several hundred recombinant inbred lines have are being developed.
   
3. Work underway to introgress unadapted germplasm (photoperiodic Texas race stocks) into Upland cotton.
   

1. In 2008, three germplasm releases were made.
   
2. Continued effort on working with within boll yield components, e.g. fiber density (where little genotype x environment interaction has been observed), fiber per seed, and seed surface area.
   
   a. Observation: As fibers per unit surface area (fiber density) increases, fiber length tends to decrease.
   
   b. The corollary also exists: As fiber length and/or strength increase, fiber density decreases.
   

1. Research on salt tolerance in tetraploids has shown that G. hirsutum is not a bad choice. Best G. hirsutum to date has been Deltapine 33B.
   
2. A new project for 2009 will be looking at heat tolerance in the tetraploid species.
   
3. With respect to drought tolerance, a hybrid between G. davidsonii and G. anomalum is being used.
   

1. A mass backcross introgression project utilizing G. mustelinum is underway, focusing on fiber quality and to expand genetic diversity. Photoperiodism, however, is problematic.
   
2. Root-knot nematode genetic mapping work continues, focusing on the Altman source of resistance harbored on chromosome 11. Some new markers (some flanking) have been developed.
   
3. BAC library development is also underway using M120 and Acala Nemx, both root-knot resistant germplasms.
   

1. Two germplasm releases were made in 2008 that focused on fiber quality.
   
2. Gene action/combining ability studies are underway that incorporate yield heterosis and an objective.
   
3. Cooperative work on chromosome substitution lines is being done with ARS (Saha) and Texas (Stelly).
   
4. Work has started on developing recombinant inbred line populations using different sources of fiber quality (e.g. DES119, PD2164, DP90, MD15) in combinations with TM-1. The ultimate goal is to develop SNP markers.
   
5. A new molecular biology postdoc has joined his group who will be focusing on water use efficiency.
   
6. A collaborative project on nectarless and stinkbugs is underway.
   

1. An association mapping project using a population of 232 elite lines is underway. The marker system being used is AFLP.
   
2. Two projects near completion have been looking at selection efficiency and plot resource allocation. The indications are that 2 row plots are just as effective as 4 row plots in yield trials.
   
3. A QTL mapping project using an Old World cotton population derived from crossing G. arboretum and G. herbaceum has been completed in collaboration with Georgia (Patterson).
   

1. The race stock conversion program continues.
   
2. Research on both reniform and root-knot nematode resistance is ongoing.
   
3. A potential new source of reniform nematode resistance has been identified. Is from a Moco cotton (2468?) and has been shown to suppress reproduction by approximately 75%.
   

1. Conducting a project on reniform nematode using several backcross populations. The BC2F2 seed was planted in 2008. Brian Scheffler (USDA-ARS) is running the Lonren markers on them. Most of the material is not what could be called "agronomically superior." There is a possibility that some lines may also carry root-knot resistance. Markers for root-knot resistance are being run by O. Gutierrez. Interestingly, some root-knot resistant lines have been identified that lack the CIR316 marker.
   
2. Work continues on the development of competitive nectariless germplasm. Several plant bug resistant lines have been identified for release in 2009.
   
3. Cooperation with entomologist Jeff Gore has resulted in a novel approach for evaluating tarnished plant bug (TPB) resistance in breeding lines. Length of time to TPB treatment threshold, in addition to yield, provided a new method to measure value of the nectariless trait. In 2008, results indicated that time to treatment threshold varied significantly with nectariless breeding lines. The trial will be repeated in 2009 to validate time to threshold as useful measure of plant bug resistance.
   

1. Marker assisted selection for reniform resistance is being applied to a GB-713/Acala Nemx cross.
   
2. Working with McCarty (Mississippi) a root-knot nematode project using the resistance source M240 is underway.
   
3. The work on breaking up linkage blocks using a random mating population was completed in 2008 with the public release of the population.
   

1. Research areas continue to be breeding, genetics and genomics.
   
2. Is currently developing several permanent populations and is testing them in the field.
   
3. Breeding efforts continue to utilize the pedigree method and several germplasm releases are hoped for.
   
4. Germplasm screening for drought tolerance is underway.
   
5. Work continues on verticillium wilt resistance in Pima with releases planned.
   
6. Some work on drought, using gene expression methods, is being done.
   
7. Continued efforts to identify cotton fiber quality markers.
   

1. The Cotton Improvement Lab released 11 new germplasm lines and during 2008 that primarily addressed fiber quality, especially length, strength, and fiber fineness. TAM 01E-22 averaged 1.26 inch UHM and 34 g/tex fiber bundle strength across five locations in 2006. Eight upland Extra Long Staple lines were approved for release in 2008 having average UHM length of 1.37 inches and 33 g/tex fiber bundle strength across five irrigated locations in south Texas. Nine of these 11 improved fiber phenotypes resulted from upland x upland crosses. Two lines were released that resulted from the cross of upland x sea island. These two lines exhibited UHML at least 0.10 inches longer than Fibermax 832 when grown in a common performance trial. Additional lines with ELS UHML have been developed collaboratively with Dick Auld from exposing TAM 94L-25 to the chemical mutagen EMS. Combining ability tests and advanced nursery results indicated that progeny exhibiting ELS UHML will result from using these materials as parents.
   
2. A graduate student, Ray Kennett, has verified and quantified bacterial blight resistance in a series of germplasm lines released by Niles, Schuster, and Smith in 1989 following selection for increased levels of condensed tannins. No correlation between tannin content and bacterial blight resistance has been detected. These lines may represent a new source of bacterial blight resistance.
   

1. There are plans to release a new set of chromosome substitution lines in 2009 based on G. tomentosum. A future set to be released will be based on G. mustelinum.
   
2. There is a project underway on using the substitution lines to identify QTLs with high resolution.
   
3. Additional research underway: genome wide introgression efforts, cytogenetics work, radiation hybrids, and SNP development. The SNP project is multi-institutional and involves several species.
   

1. Genome mapping efforts in a TM-1/3-79 population continues.
   
2. New QTL for fiber quality have been identified.
   
3. The cotton microsatellite database (CMD) panel is being maintained and enhanced.
   
4. Enhancing cotton dB and other bioinformation tools were additional activities.
   
5. Two visitors were hosted in 2008: Dr. Ju, a cotton breeder from China, and a Korean postdoc (working with Yu(Texas)) on genetic and physical mapping.
   

1. Germplasm releases from the last several years have now been added to the collection.
   
2. Research is underway to improve the germinability of seed in the collection.
   
3. The collections inventory system has been bar coded and is an example of efforts to improve operations.
   
4. The efforts to revise and enhance the descriptor list are near completion.
   

1. There is renewed focus in using the cotton collection to identify variability. To this end, four germplasm pools have been established and are being evaluated.
   
2. A seven parent diallel study to identify QTL is underway.
   
3. A project on the transportability of fiber quality data gathered from the Cotton Winter Nursery is in progress.
   Collaborating with Texas (Hague, Smith), a molecular diversity study in more modern genotypes has been started as has a similar project within G. tomentosum and G. mustelinum. One of the traits of interest is seed oil content.
   

1. The 2009 Cotton Breeder Tour is tentatively scheduled for the last week in July. Area: Central and South Texas.
   
2. North Carolina State University has a new cotton breeder and needs to be added to the list and encourage to join the project.
   
3. Attach Appendix E (procedure to officially join the project) to the mailing of the minutes.
   
4. May seek to hold another official meeting of S-1036 in conjunction with the 2009 Cotton Breeder Tour.
   
5. Need to replace retired J. Gannaway with J. Dever.
   

1. Peng Chee (Georgia) will move from the position of chair-elect to chair for a period of two years.
   
2. Gerald Myers (Louisiana) asked to step down from the secretary position due to impending other commitments. Osman Gutierrez was nominated to replace Myers, was seconded and voted into the position unanimously.
   

1. Continue developing phenotypes with exception fiber traits and combinations of traits using ELS germplasm developed through intraspecific, interspecific, and mutational breeding (TX-Smith)
   
2. Verify bacterial blight resistance in high tannin germplasm lines (TX-Smith).
   
3. Evaluate high tannin germplasm lines for resistance to seedling diseases caused by rhizcotonia and pythium (TX-Smith).
   
4. Complete association mapping project and identify QTL associated with fiber quality and agronomic traits (LA-Myers).
   
5. Expand evaluation of using herbicide resistant transgenic cotton to develop hybrid cotton and investigate heterosis in G. hirsutum/G. hirsutum and G. hirsutum/G. barbadense populations (LA-Myers).
   
6. Identify QTL associated with oil content in cottonseed (LA-Myers).
   

Accomplishments

Publications

Impact Statements

Brief Summary of Minutes

Peng Chee provided background of the project. Collaborative project among primarily State Universities.

1. Wayne Smith was previous chair, Gerald Myers previous secretary.

   
   

2. Peng Chee is current chair, Osman A. Gutierrez current secretary.

   
   

3. Clarence Watson is current advisor.

   
   

4. Four goals of the project were provided.

   
   

1. Association mapping of David Weaver reniform nematode and fiber properties using racestock accessions from the US collection.
   
2. Drought tolerance gene expression.
   
3. Salt tolerance in tetraploids. G. hirsutum has best tolerance at a very young stage. The screen includes Paraguay, DP33B (NuCotton 33B) and G. tomentosum.
   

1. Create a HapMap in cotton and map complex traits by developing populations that will be available to the community.
   

1. Breeding, genetics, and genomics program.
   
2. Improve fiber quality in Acala gene pool.
   
3. Working with a Pima breeding program.
   
4. Fusarium Wilt Race 4 resistance work and combining other Fusarium resistance
   
5. Nematode genetics - chromosome 11 with 174 BACS identified, 15 of which are sequenced to identify SNPs.
   
6. Developing a consensus map with John Yu.
   

1. Interspecific introgression from G. mustelinum using advanced backcross approach.
   
2. F2 map for G. hirsutum x G. mustelinum: 1000 loci covering all 26 chromosomes.
   
3. ab-qtl analysis of bc3f2 family fiber quality.
   

1. Association mapping project using AFLPs in coordination with Fred Bourland using true breeding lines.
   
2. Also using materials submitted to the RBTN.
   
3. Heterosis work.
   
4. QTLs for oil and protein.
   
5. Routine breeding efforts and Root Knot evaluation.
   

1. LONREN work. Evaluating F2 and F2:3 lines in the field. ARS-Stoneville is conducting marker work.
   
2. Traditional breeding program moving forward.
   

1. Continuing to make selections for LONREN (marker), root knot (marker), and nectarless (ne) traits.
   

1. Random mating population was released in 2007 and it is freely available by request to Dr. Jenkins.
   

1. Molecular cytogenetics, wide hybridization, chromosome biology, chromosome pairing studies.
   
2. Studying hybrid vigor-basic and applied, leaf morphology related to boll rot - both molecular and conventional.
   
3. Thrips tolerance from G. barbadense, earliness.
   
4. Started a small association mapping project
   

1. Acala (90%) and Pima breeding (10%). Tying to develop Acala germplasm with Pima quality.
   
2. Drought tolerance QTL research looks promising.
   
3. Microarray to identify drought responsive genes some have been confirmed via quantitative PCR.
   
4. Verticillium wilt resistance field test on 146 advanced breeding lines from interspecific cross.
   

1. New institute at OSU.
   
2. Translational genomics using Arabidopsis (AtA20 over expressed gene).
   
3. Cotton transgenic show increased dessication tolerance.
   
4. LOS2 transcription factor related to drought tolerance.
   
5. Promoter selection is critical.
   

1. Continuing an upland germplasm enhancement focused on fiber quality.
   
2. A Paper (In Press) regarding marker and trait based diversity of Pee Dee germplasm with the emphasis being to provide community information to help them select specific Pee Dee lines as parents.
   
3. Continued development of chromosome specific RIL pops for chromosome 10 and chromosome 12sh.
   
4. Preliminary evaluation of 300 hirsutum race stock accessions.
   
5. Molecular work ongoing to identify aquaporin gene family in cotton and will soon submit the first manuscript.
   

1. Released 8 ELS germplasm lines last year, proposed 1 additonal this year that has improved lint percent; also another proposed release with fiber strength in mid 30s.
   
2. Spinning properties of ELS lines in association with Eric Hequet.
   
3. Genetics of ELS and elite fiber quality.
   
4. Multiple non-ELS lines being evaluated for release; 1 is okra leaf.
   

1. Fiber maturity in G. arboreum, G. herbaceum, and G. hirsutum.
   
2. Auxin applications.
   
3. Relating HVI and AFIS properties
   
4. G. hirsutum x G. barbadense Sea Island introgressions.
   
5. Took a group of students to Tecomán, Mexico to help with USDA characterization efforts.
   
6. Leaf temp drought tolerance.
   

1. Cotton cytogenetic collection: development of CSL.
   
2. Presented summary of cytogenetic stocks for hirsutum.
   
3. Presented Chromosome Substitution Lines available for G. barbadense, G. tomentosum, G. mustelinum.
   
4. Line performance per se, F2s, topcrosses, intercrosses, cs-rils: recommended community to focus on utilizing these resources to compete for new funding sources.
   
5. Wide cross introgression involving complex populations.
   
6. Reniform nematode collaborations.
   
7. Whole genome radiation hybrid mapping: structural genomics.
   
8. Development of SNPs.
   
9. Generating lots of DNA sequence using high throughput sequencing and assembling those sequences. Difficulty is validating and mapping putative SNPs.
   
10. NSF fiber cell development project.
    

1. Using the fiber quality and short season TAES Lubbock germplasm pool to work on fiber property measurements.
   
2. Breeding program continues on to improve fiber quality of adapted germplasm.
   
3. Continue working on screening for abiotic stress, etc.
   

1. Genetic map, physical map, and transcriptome map EST Unigenes.
   
2. Application for germplasm characterization, QTL identification, and association mapping with Uzbek.
   

1. Genetic variability within USDA collection.
   
2. Four germplasm pool research dwarf, fiber quality, race stock.
   
3. Fiber quality traits.
   
4. Subset of G. hirsutum from Africa, China, US current, US obsolete: looking for genetic potential for breeding and molecular genetic diversity.
   

1. TAG paper published for diploid bacterial blight research.
   
2. Crop Science publication looking at transgenic cotton expressing several abiotic stresses in collaboration with Randy Allen.
   

1. Develop BAC resources for community from TM-1, 8X coverage.
   
2. Fiber genomics pro
   

Accomplishments

Publications

Impact Statements