Correlation of (+) Gossypol Level in Seeds of Cotton Hybrids to Insect and Disease Resistance

Abstract

Cotton is the most important fibre crop and the seed from the plant is a rich source of high quality protein and oil. However, the use of cottonseed as a feed for animals is limited by the presence of gossypol, which is contained in glands in the seed. Gossypol occurs in two stereoenantiomers referred to as (+)-and (−)-gossypol. Most of the toxicity of gossypol resides in the (−)- enantiomer. Gossypol helps protect the plant from pests. However, there is very limited information on how the level (+)-and (−)-gossypol enantiomers correlate with insect and disease resistance. To understand the influence of (+)-gossypol level in seeds on insect and disease resistance we have initiated a study to examine if a correlations exists between percent (+)-gossypol in the seed and resistance to pests. The objective of our research was to develop cotton breeding material with good agronomic qualities that are suited for growing in Uzbekistan, and with a high percentage of (+)-gossypol and determine resistance to insects and pathogens. Results from our research showed that it should be possible to develop cotton breeding material that exhibit the high (+)-gossypol trait in seed and provide suitable insect and diseases resistance with good agronomic traits.