Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

This was the first meeting of Mulistate Research Project S-304. Self introductions of attendees was made. Dr. Johnny Wynne, SAAESD Advisor, then gave the group some background on the approval of S-304. Dr. Gerald Myers, chair of the project writing committee, then introduced the details of the project to all members in attendance. Reports on progress toward project objectives were solicited and asked to be sent in by the end of September.

A proposal for new Multistate Research Project entitled Development of Genetic Resources for Cotton was developed during the latter half of 2000 through the activities of SRDC-9801 Developing Genetic Resources for Cotton Improvement. The proposal seeked to expand and contemporize the cotton research activities of a previous Regional Project, S-258, which terminated in 1999. In addition, the new project sought to include the major functions of the Southern Regional Information Exchange Group (SRIEG-61) Cotton Germplasm: Acquisition, Evaluation, and Utilization which was scheduled to terminate in 2001. The proposal was approved by USDA-CSREES for a five year period from October 1, 2000 through September 30, 2005. There are six objectives detailed in the new Multistate Research Project: To acquire, curate, characterize, and evaluate the species, races, and genetic types of Gossypium (cotton). To develop, maintain, and distribute molecular genetic, genetic, and cytogenetic tools for the evaluation and enhancement of cotton germplasm. To adapt and develop methodologies to evaluate, modify, and utilize cotton germplasm. Germplasm enhancement for biotic and abiotic stress resistance and agronomic traits. To refine and develop cotton breeding and variety testing methodologies and techniques. To develop cotton bioinformatic systems. Activities undertaken during the last year (2000-2001) related to the achievement of these objectives are detailed in this report. Objective 1: To acquire, curate, characterize, and evaluate the species, races, and genetic types of cotton. Curator Cotton Collection Report, 2001. Period Covered from: 01/00 to: 06/01(ARS-TX) Accessions Presently Maintained at College Station Varieties (mostly G. hirsutum) 2531 Race Stocks (mostly G. hirsutum) 2102 Pima Types (G. barbadense) 1399 Asiatic (G. arboreum) 1698 Asiatic (G. herbaceum) 168 Wild Species (Diploid & Tetraploid) 544 Total 8442 A total of 1408 accessions were increased in 2000. Twelve hundred and ten at the Tecoman, Mexico, Winter Nursery.-- 725 G. arboreum, 57 race stocks, and 28 G. barbadense stocks, plus 400 accessions obtained from Uzbekistan in 1999. One hundred and ninety eight lines from several former Soviet Republics were increased at Rio Farms, Monte Alto, Texas. Sent for increase in 2000-01 were 1400 accessions. Two hundred accessions obtained from Uzbekistan in 1999; 570 accessions obtained from Russia in November of 2000; and 630 accessions of 374 race stocks and 256 G. barbadense lines. Eighty-six photoperiodic lines, with low seed quantities are presently being grown in a screen cage at Weslaco, Texas. Included are wild, semi-wild, and domesticated species. Eighty seven accessions with extremely low seed quantities and/or poor seed germination, and 12 wild diploid and tetraploid species are being grown for additional seed in two greenhouses here at College Station. The accessions grown each year at the various locations are evaluated for their various agronomic characteristics to ensure the purity of each line. (ARX-TX) Seven hundred and forty four lines were given PI numbers and added to the collection. (ARS-TX) Seeds of 2798 accessions in 81 seed requests were provided from the Collection to geneticists, plant breeders, and other individuals, and includes both domestic (2448 accessions - 64 orders) and international (350 accessions - 17 orders) requests in CY00. (ARS-TX) New genes from wild tetraploid: G. mustelinum accession AD4-8 was sourced from the USDA-ARS working cotton collection in College Station, Texas, to begin efforts to convert this tetraploid species into more breeder accessible forms. To date, we have found it to be hard seeded, photoperiodic, and recalcitrant to flowering. We plan to mine G. mustelinum for valuable QTLs, through an advanced backcross breeding approach with the recurrent parent, germplasm line PD 94042. (AES-GA) Germplasm seed increase: We have increased seed of over 1,200 accessions of the US Cotton Germplasm Collection. About 600 new accessions from Uzbekistan, that are part of the Former Soviet Union cotton germplasm collection, were increased and added to the US collection. (ARS-TX A&M) Identification of chloroplast specific functional genes: Cytoplasm of any organism plays major role in its biological processes. Unfortunately very little is known about the functional genes located in the cytoplasmic genome. We identified cytoplasmic specific functional genes at the molecular level using a cytoplasmic specific mutant (Cyto-V ) in collaboration with Dr. R. Percy, USDA/ARS. We have identified several cytoplasmic specific transcripts or functional genes in cotton using reciprocal crosses. We also detected differences in the protein-banding specific to thylakoid membrane of the plastids. This is the first report on molecular identification of chloroplast controlled genes in cotton. This research will not only help to study and understand the genetics, biochemistry and development of plastids genome in cotton, but also aids in identifying the promoters and markers specific to plastid genes. (ARS-MS, ARS-AZ) Identification of regenerable lines: There is a critical need in cotton transformation research for identification of suitable regenerable lines other than Cocker 312. In collaboration with scientists at Alabama A&M University and Dr. K Rahasekaran , USDA, ARS, New Orleans, we developed a suitable cotton regeneration system and identified for the first time regeneration of an improved Upland cotton cultivar (G. hirsutum), a Gossypium arboreum line and a G. barbadense line. This research will be very useful for cotton transformation research.(ARS-MS, ARS-LA, AES-AL A&M) Converted Race Stocks: Converted Race Stocks/*3/TAM 94L-25: 79 CRS have been crossed and backcrossed to an elite breeding line (TAM 94L-25) to produce the BC3F1 generation. These will be advanced to the BC3F2 generation in 2002 (seed lost in 2001), for release to the public. Currently available are the BC1F2 and the BC2F2 OP and selfed seed. (AES-TX A&M) Multi-adversity Resistance: The MAR program received 50 cotton acquisitions from Dr. Edward Percival, USDA-ARS, College Station. These cottons were from India, Pakistan and Uzebekistan and were evaluated for bacterial blight resistance and insect resistance. The cottons also were characterized as to species, leaf type, and level of pubescence. All the cotton acquisitions were susceptible to bacterial blight. Individual plants were selected based on boll load due to insect resistance and will be evaluated in 2002. Fiber quality also will be determined on the individual plant selections. (AES-TX A&M) Objective 2: To develop, maintain, and distribute molecular genetic, genetic and cytogenetic tools for the evaluation and enhancement of cotton germplasm. Integrated gemomic map: We have have constructed components of an integrated genetic and physical map of the cotton genome. We developed three complementary libraries of high-quality, large insert bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones that are the largest cotton BAC clones reported, averaging 143 Kb. (ARS-TX A&M) Tools for seedling disease resistance: F2 seed from Pima S-7 x Acala 44 were grown and selfed in the field this 2001 summer. The genetic material from the F2 plants and F3 plants will be used to evaluate seed-seedling resistance and fiber quality. In cooperation with Dr. Jeff Chen at Texas A&M University, a total of 617 polymorphic fragments amplified from 53 primer pairs have been selected for mapping in the F2 population and will be readily used in construction of cotton linkage maps. The markers will be used for assisting selection of seedling diseases and fiber quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in cotton breeding programs. In addition, several F1 plant populations between Pima S-7 and Hartz 1220, Stoneville 132, Lankart 57, Stoneville 213 and nine MAR germplasm lines were grown in the field this summer to produce F2 seed for use in molecular mapping. (AES-TX A&M) New SSR markers: Currently only about 300 SSR markers are commercially available. At least ten times more markers are needed in order to apply the benefits of marker technology to a plant breeding program. We developed 320 new SSR markers in collaboration with Dr. Alan Pepper at Texas A&M University in cotton. Several thousands additional SSR markers are in the sequencing phase in our new genomic lab at Stoneville. (ARS-MS, AES-TX A&M) Molecular tool for functional genome analysis: Among many other molecular methods in cotton the analysis of differential gene expression is very difficult due to many challenges including simple and efficient methods that can detect large numbers of highly reproducible differentially expressed cDNAs or functional genes. An innovative molecular method was developed to screen differentially expressed cDNAs in cotton using AFLP and SSR-specific primers by automated capillary electrophoresis. There are only a few reports in crops other than cotton on AFLP marker-based differential gene expression studies and no reports on any crops on SSR-based screening methods of cDNAs. This PCR based method was very easy to use and efficient and detected large number of variation within the functional genes in cotton. We identified for the first time about 130 SSR-containing ESTs that will be very valuable markers for the analysis of both functional and structural genomes of upland cotton. (ARS-MS) A unique set of chromosomal substitution lines: In collaboration with Dr. D.M. Stelly at Texas A&M University we created a unique set of backcrossed chromosome substitution lines (BCnF1). These lines are genetically identical except that each differs by the replacement of a specific homologous pair of chromosomes from Pima 3-79 (Gossypium barbadense) into Upland cotton (G. hirsutum). The exceptional fiber length and fineness of Pima cotton give it a 30% to 50% price advantage over the more widely grown Upland cotton because of its superior spinning and manufacturing performance. The introgression of genes from G. barbadense into G. hirsutum, holds considerable promise but has historically been a difficult area due to genomic incompatibility between the two species. As a result the work is unlikely to be carried out at private seed companies. The interspecific backcrossed chromosome substitution lines will provide a novel resource to the breeders to overcome the problems of genomic incompatibility at the whole genome level between the two species and create a unique set of chromosome comprehensive germplasm introgression products in Upland cotton. This research will benefit the United States cotton producers in the global competition and also satisfy the evolving needs of our cotton industries. Observation of different chromosome substitution lines in such a uniform genetic background will also provide an unique opportunity to detect the effect of the group of genes that a specific chromosome carries and thus will also aid in cotton genome mapping program. Currently we are increasing seeds from all of these unique cytogenetic lines for evaluating the improved agronomic and fiber characteristics in field trials.(ARS-MS, AES- TX A&M) Objective 3: To adapt and develop methodologies to evaluate, modify, and utilize cotton germplasm. Recombinant Inbred Map: Cotton unfortunately lacks linkage maps that are significant from a plant breeding standpoint. The molecular marker linkage maps that have been assembled for the n=26 cottons, G. hirsutum and G.barbadense are incomplete, involving very few markers. No published map has attained 26 linkage groups. We have completed screening about 200 polymorphic DNA markers covering more than 50% of the chromosomes (primarily SSR markers and a few AFLP) against 200 RI lines. (ARS-MS) Converted Race Stocks Mapping Population Development: In conjunction with Dr. Roy Cantrell at New Mexico State University a mapping population of plants is being developed in order to associate useful traits within the Converted Race Stocks with SSR markers. Plants are being grown currently to produce the BC3 or final backcross. (AES-TX A&M, AES-NM) Objective 4: Germplasm enhancement for biotic and abiotic stress resistance and agronomic traits. Release of Upland cotton germplasm: PD 94045 (G. hirsutum L.) cotton was released in 2000 for its combination of desirable fiber properties, yield potential, and wide adaptation. (AES-GA) Release of Pima germplasm possessing improved fiber length and strength: Five germplasm lines of cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.), designated as 93252, 93260, 94217, 94218, and 94220 (Reg. No. to , PI to ), were developed by the USDA-ARS in cooperation with the University of Arizona, Maricopa Agricultural Center and were released in 2001. All five lines produce significantly longer and stronger fiber than is currently available in commercial American Pima cultivars. The lines possess agronomically acceptable yield potentials, maturity intervals, and plant heights, and exhibit good levels of heat tolerance. Lines 93252, 93260, 94217, 94218, and 94220 provide public and private breeders with agronomically improved resources for concurrent improvement of fiber length and strength in Pima cotton. Agronomic and fiber properties of the five lines were evaluated in replicated tests at Maricopa and Safford, AZ in 1999, and Shafter, CA in 2000. Averaged across tests, all lines (with the exception of 93260) produced lint yields exceeding 90% of the yield of the commercial cultivar Pima S-7' (Turcotte, et al., 1992). Plant heights of all lines were equivalent to the plant height of Pima S-7. Fiber bundle strengths of 93252, 93260, 94217, 94218, and 94220 exceeded that of Pima S-7 (305 kN m kg-1), and ranged from 340 to 384 kN m kg-1. Fiber length (2.5% span length) of the lines ranged from 37.8 mm to 38.3 mm, as compared to 35.0 mm for Pima S-7. Fiber length uniformities of lines 93252, 94217, and 94220 were equivalent to that of Pima S-7, whereas lines 93260 and 94218 exhibited lower fiber length uniformities. Fiber micronaire of the lines ranged from 4.3 to 3.7, as compared to 4.5 for Pima S-7. The lower micronaire values of 93260 (3.7) and 94220 (3.8) suggests that these lines might incur penalties in adverse environmental situations. Lint percentages of the five lines, determined from hand-picked samples, ranged from 34.0 to 36.3% and were lower than that of Pima S-7 (37.8%). (ARS-AZ) Nematode resistance: F3 plants from a cross of M315 (root-knot resistant) and TX 110 (putatively reniform resistant) are being screened for resistance to both nematodes. The goal is to obtain a single plant that has resistance to both. We are in the very early stages of establishing molecular analysis to determine if markers can be assigned to resistance to these pests. Work done in collaboration with Dr. Jim Starr, Texas A&M, Plant Pathology. (AES-TX A&M) New sources of root-knot nematode resistance: The southern root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita race 3 (Kofoid & White) is a widespread pathogen of Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in the United States. Progress in the development of productive cultivars in root-knot infested soils is dependent upon the identification of germplasm sources containing genes conferring resistance and/or tolerance this pest. The objective of this research was to screen 150 accessions from the Texas Race Stock collection previously uncharacterized for their reaction to the root-knot nematode. This was done in a sick plot nursery by rating the degree of galling present. Of the 150 accessions evaluated, 146 were rated at maturity using an indexed scoring system ranging from 0 (no galling present) to 5 (severe galling). The range of galling scores was from 1.7  5.0 with a mean of 3.75. The average gall score of the resistant check, Stoneville LA887, was 2.04. Twenty-four accessions had galling index scores of less than 3 and ten TX accessions (TX-1028, TX-1483, TX-1437, TX-1355, TX-2311, TX-2324, TX-695, TX-2362, TX-1585, and TX-1240) had gall scores not significantly different than the resistant check. Two of these, TX-1028 and TX-1483 had average gall scores lower than the resistant check.. Several of the resistant accessions were from countries outside the center of diversity for Upland cotton, indicating that useful diversity can arise outside of germplasm centers. (AES-LA, ARS-TX) DNA markers for root-knot nematode resistance genes: We detected about 23 polymorphic SSR markers between RKN and susceptible lines. We are currently evaluating F2 population based on this polymorphic markers to construct a linkage map of DNA markers and RKN genes. Screened RKN-induced cotton root cDNA library for candidate mRNAs related to RKN resistance. Three cDNA clones were isolated, sequenced and named MIC-1, 2, and 3 (Meloidogyne Induced Cotton- genes). Southern and northern blot characterization with these clones as probe revealed evidence of a gene family whose expression is root specific and induced specifically in the resistant cotton line by RKN infection. The lack of any significant homology with sequences in the major gene databases suggested a novel gene family of unknown function. We are in process of over expressing the corresponding protein(s) in a bacterial system in order to produce antiserum as a tool for cellular localization studies in conjunction with in situ hybridization. We plan on using recently available BAC clones to isolate and sequence full length genes of this unique family with particular interest in analysis of putative nematode inducible promoter regions. Pest/disease resistance gene homologs in cotton are being identified and mapped to aid in location of these and other potential nematode resistance genes. Several sequences homologous to fungal wilt resistance genes have been cloned and are being further characterized due to possibility that they are tightly linked to RKN resistance genes (i.e. RKN resistant isolines are known to show resistance to fungal wilt). (ARS-MS) Investigation of tolerance to Early Foliar Decline (bronzing) in Pima cotton: In recent years a phenomenon variously referred to as bronzing, bronze wilt, or early foliar decline (EFD) has occurred in Pima cotton in the San Joaquin valley of California, where it has been implicated in yield and fiber quality losses. A project was begun in 1998 with the objectives of determining the heritability of tolerance to EFD, documenting the detrimental effects of EFD upon yield and fiber quality, demonstrating the relationship between EFD severity and plant maturity, and creating earlier, tolerant germplasm. In 1999, F3 progeny of individual plant selections were grown and evaluated for EFD in small plots at Buttonwillow and Tulare, CA. Replicated trials of F4 progeny (20 lines per population) were conducted at the above locations in 2000. At the Tulare location, EFD ratings among F 4 lines of the three populations were negatively correlated with nodes above bloom counts (-0.47 - -0.84), plant heights (-0.60 - -0.73), and yield (-0.60 - -0.82). At the Buttonwillow location where EFD expression occurred later in the season, EFD ratings correlated negatively with plant height (-0.60 and -0.71) and yield (-0.46 and -0.63) in two of the three populations. Fiber micronaire was negatively associated with EFD severity in all populations at Tulare (-0.59 - -0.80), as was fiber elongation in two populations (-0.44 and -0.55). The heritability of EFD expression between individual plants and individual progeny rows of the F2 and F3 generations was low (14-19%), and did not improve appreciably between the F3 and F4 generation progeny (18-24%). When F3 and F4 progeny were standardized to have a similar EFD ranges, heritability between the two generations improved (37-46%). Heritability of EFD expression within lines of the F4 generation, as measured by variance component estimates, was quite high (83-89%). Low heritability estimates between F2:F3 generations preclude efficient selection for EFD tolerance in individual F2 plants. Higher heritability estimates between F2:F3 generations suggest that selection may be feasible in unreplicated early generation progeny rows, planted at multiple locations. The greatest selection efficiencies, as indicated by the highest heritability estimates, will occur in replicated advanced generation tests. The negative relationship of EFD severity with nodes above bloom or plant height suggests difficulty in attempting simultaneous selection for EFD tolerance and early maturity. From the results of this investigation it appears that the impact of early foliar decline upon yield and fiber quality is dependent upon the time of initial onset and speed of progression of the disorder. (ARS-AZ) Seedling Drought Tolerance in the Converted Race Stocks: 79 converted race stocks have been screened for seedling drought tolerance and tolerance/susceptibility is being confirmed for the most tolerant and most susceptible. Once the re-screen confirms seedling drought tolerance/susceptibility, parents will be selected for a half-diallel to measure inheritance of the trait. A limited number of tests will be performed to determine specific mechanisms controlling seedling drought tolerance. (AES-TX A&M) Fiber length in upland cotton: Three upland genotypes (TAM 94L-25, Fibermax 832, and TTU 202) have been crossed in a half diallel with Tamcot Camd-e, and Acala 1517-99 to determine if the genes for near long staple in L-25, Fibermax 832, and TTU 202 are allelic and determine transgressive segregation in the F2 generation. (AES-TX A&M) Multi-Adversity Resistance Program: Yield potential in Texas is affected by a number of stresses, including drought, diseases, and insect pests such as the boll weevil, whitefly, bollworm complex, fleahopper, thrips, aphids, and nematodes. The main focus of the Multi-Adversity Resistance (MAR) Program is to breed, develop, and release cotton strains and varieties with high yield and fiber quality, earliness, higher levels of resistance to pests and abiotic stresses, and drought tolerance. The established MAR techniques and procedures involve a modified recurrent selection program in which each cycle includes extensive seed, seedling and plant screening and selection in the laboratory and greenhouse, followed by a four-stage field testing and evaluation system. To assure adaptation and stability of performance, the evaluation includes tests at ten locations in Texas. The 10 field testing locations include the major Texas cotton growing regions from the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas to as far north as Lubbock representing a wide range of diverse environments including moderate to severe water stress, and insect and disease pressures. New germplasm is developed at College Station. About 120 strains are evaluated each year with and without supplemental irrigation, and with and without insecticide treatment. The MAR program also conducts breeding research with morphological variants such as leaf shapes, pubescence levels, frego bracts, plant color, and nectarilessness. (AEX-TX A&M) Objective 5: To refine and develop cotton breeding and variety testing method-ologies and techniques. Comparision of breeding methods: To compare genetic gain from selection via pedigree with that of bulk selection, six hybrid populations were developed during the summer of 2001. Of these six populations, four will be used in the final study. F2 seed will be produced in the winter nursery near Tecoman, Mexico. (AES-NC) Recovery of recurrent parent: Several CRS/TAM 94L25 generations are being evaluated for recovery of the recurrent parent, i.e. TAM 94L-25. Agronomic, morphologic, and fiber quality data will be examined for parents, F1 and BCF1 generations. (Ross Rosenbaum, M.S. candidate) (AES-Texas A&M) Visual genotype evaluation: To determine guidelines for efficient and discriminating genotype evaluation the yield plots in the preliminary trials (NC) or Official State Strains Tests (LA) will be evaluated visually and assigned a numeric value for yield potential during the fall of 2001. This will be compared to actual harvested yields. (AES-NC, AES-LA) Comparative analysis of marker assisted selction in a backcross breeding program: We have utilized SSR markers to test the efficiency of backcross breeding program based on conventional methods. We demonstrated that an integrated approach of SSR markers and conventional breeding methods could be more useful to make rapid progress in breeding compared to only conventional selection method for phenotype in introgressing day-neutral genes in wild race stocks. (ARS-MS) Use of SSR marker to predict about hybrid performances in cotton breeding: We demonstrated that the genetic distance between the lines based on SSR markers has a significant correlation with lint percentage and other agronomic characters of their F2 hybrids. (ARS-MS) Objective 6: To develop cotton bioinformatic systems. CottonDB: We provided the maintenance and updating of the National Plant Genome Database, CottonDB, http://ars-genome@cornell.edu. (ARS-TX A&M)

Green, J.K., S.G. Turnipseed, M.J. Sullivan, and O.L. May. 2001. Treatment thresholds for stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in cotton J. Econ. Ent. 94(2): 403-409. Karaca, M. S. Saha, J. Jenkins, A. Zipf, R. Kohel, and D.M. Stelly. 2001. DNA markers linked to the Ligon Lintless (Li1) mutant in cotton. J. Heredity. (Submitted) Kohel, R.J., J.E. Quisenberry, G. Cartwright, and J. Yu. 2000. Linkage analysis of transgenes inserted into cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., via Agrobacterium tumefaciens transformation. Journal of Cotton Science. 4:66-69. Liu, S., S. Saha, D. Stelly, B. Burr, and R.G. Cantrell. 2000. The use of cotton aneuploid for the chromosomal assignment of microsatellite loci. Journal of Heredity 91:326-332. May, O.L. 2001. Registration of PD 94045 cotton germplasm line. Crop Sci. 41: 279-280. May, O.L. 2001. New strategies to improve cotton yield and quality. ACTA Gossypii Sinica Cotton Science 13(1): 54-58. May, O.L., R.F. Davis, and S.H. Baker. 2001. Registration of GA 161 cotton. Crop Sci. 41: (In press). May, O. L. 2002. Quality Improvement of Upland Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Fiber. J. Crop Prod. 5(1): (In press). Reddy, O.U., A.E. Pepper, I. Abdurakmonov, S. Saha, J. Jenkins, T. Brook, and K.M. El-Zik. 2001. New dinucleotide and trinucleotide microsatellite resources for cotton genome research. J. Cotton Science. 5(2):103-113. Saha, S., J.N. Jenkins, and J.C. McCarty. 2000. A novel strategy for general sustainability and resistance management in pest and pathogen-resistant crops. J. of New Seeds 3:53-61. Saha, S., M. Karaca, J. Jenkins, O.U. Reddy, A.E. Pepper, and R. Kantety. 2001. SSR markers are useful resources for the analysis of functional genes. Gnome Research. (Submitted). Sakhanokho, H., A. Zipf, K. Rajasekaran, S. Saha., and G.C. Sharma. 2001. Induction of highly embryogenic calli and plant regeneration in Upland (Gossypium hirsutum) and Pima (Gossypium barbadense L.) cottons. Crop Science. 41:1235-1240. Yuan, Y.L., Y.H. Chen, C.M. Tang, S.R. Jing, S.L. Liu, J.J. Pan, R.J. Kohel, and T.Z. Zhang. 2000. Effects of the dominant glandless gene Gl2e on agronomic and fibre characters of Upland cotton. Plant Breeding. 118:59-64. Proceedings May, O.L. 2001. Performance of PD 97000 Series Germplasm Lines and Notice of Their Release. p. 434-435. In D.A. Richter (ed.) Proc. Beltwide Cotton Conf., 9-13 January, Anaheim, CA. May, O.L. 2001. Transgenically enhanced cotton fiber strength exhibits vanishing act. In R. Irwin (ed.) Virginia Polytechnic Institute Information Systems for Biotechnology News Report. (). May, O.L. 2001. Enhancement of cotton fiber length and strength properties for a 21st century textile industry. In C.R. Benedict and G.M. Jividen (ed.) Proc. Genetic Control of Cotton Fiber Quality Conf., Cotton Incorporated, 5-6 Dec. 2000. San Antonio, TX. (In press). May, O.L. 2001. Breeding improvements  what does the future hold ? In C. Chewning (ed.) Proc. 14th Engineered Fiber Selection System Conference 11-13 June 2001. Greenville, SC. Cotton Inc., Raleigh, NC. (In press). Myers, G.O, S. A. Fitch, A. E. Percival, P.D. Colyer, W. D. Caldwell, and P. R. Vernon. 2001. Root-knot nemaotode screen of 150 Texas Race Stock accessions. p. 121-124. In D.A. Richter (ed.) Proc. Beltwide Cotton Conf., 9-13 January, Anaheim, CA. Yu, J., R.J. Kohel, H.B. Zhang, J.M. Dong, and L.I. Decanini. 2000. Construction of a cotton BAC library and its applications to gene isolation. Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on the Status of Plant and Animal Genome Research. p. 87. Experiment Station Bulletins Caldwell, W.D., R.C. Griffin, D.J. Boquet, E.M. Holman, S. Moore, J.I. Dickson, P.D. Colyer, G.O. Myers, J. Thomas, A.B. Coco, M. Wolcott and M. Reeder. 2000 Cotton Variety Trials in Louisiana. La. Agric. Expt. Stn. Mimeo Series No. 129. Day, J.L., A.E. Coy, W.D. Branch, O.L. May, S.S. Lahue, and L.G. Thompson. 2001. 2000 Peanut, Cotton, and Tobacco Performance Tests. Coll. Agric. and Environ. Sci. Res. Rpt. 671. Abstacts Bourland, F.M., O.L. May, and R.L. Nichols. 2001. Challenges in Cotton Cultivar Testing. Agron. Abstr. (In press). May, O.L. and A.S. Culpepper. 2001. Cotton Germplasm With Enhanced Glyphosate Resistance. Agron. Abstr. (In press). McGriff, D.E., and O.L. May. 2001. Evaluation of Transgenic vs. Conventional Cotton Cultivars. Agron. Abstr. (In press). Books; Book Chapters Genetic Improvement of Cotton: Emerging Technologies. 2001. Edited by J.N. Jenkins and S. Saha, Science Publishers Inc., Enfield, New Hampshire, USA Khan, M.A., G.O. Myers and J. McD. Stewart. 2001. Molecular markers, genomics, and cotton improvement. In: M.S. Kang (ed). Crop Improvement: Challenges in the 21st Centry. Food Products Press, Binghamton, NY. (in press). Saha, S., M. Karaca, J.N. Jenkins, and D. Lang. 2000. Improved methods for screening cotton cDNAs using fluorochrome-labeled AFLP- and SSR-specific primers. In: Emerging Technologies in Cotton Breeding, edited by J.N. Jenkins and S. Saha, Science Publishers Inc., Enfield, New Hampshire, USA, pp 239-255.