Abstract
The genus Gossypium is comprised of more than 50 genetically diverse species with different origins and ploidy levels. Each of cultivated and wild species is a source of unique alleles to improve cotton crop under ever increasing fiber demand and rapidly evolving climatic factors. Formerly, most of the improvement has been made in cotton germplasm by utilizing the genetic diversity of only cultivated types of species. The plenty of examples are reported for the utilization of wild cotton species in plant breeding despite of the fact of proven to be a novel genetic resource. The major hindrance was the transfer of genetic material which is now easier as compared to past due to advancement of gene transfer methods and technologies. Therefore, the conservation and utilization of cotton wild germplasm have gained much importance and is now become imperative to sustain the yield and quality of cotton fibers. This chapter highlights the background and potential of wild species of cotton to improve yield, quality, and adaptability of modern cultivars.
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