Genetic characterization of Gossypium arboreum accession PI 529740 for reniform nematode resistance

Abstract

AbstractBreeding for reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) resistance is hindered by the lack of resistance in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) cultivars. Resistance has been frequently identified in accessions from the Gossypium arboreum germplasm collection with accession PI 529740 rated as highly resistant. Accession PI 529740 was crossed with the susceptible G. arboreum accession PI 529729 to develop an F2 population for genetic characterization. The population showed quantitative variation suggesting multiple genes conferred the resistant phenotype. Thirteen of the 216 F2 plants showed resistance similar to the resistant parent and these data supported a two recessive gene model. Sixty plants were classified as resistant or moderately resistant, indicating a single recessive gene conferred the moderately resistant phenotype. The classification of 24 F2:3 families for nematode resistance generally supported the classification of the corresponding F2 plants; however, most families were highly variable for infection with no families rated as resistant. This information will aid in the introgression of resistance into upland cotton as larger populations will be required to successfully recover resistance conferred by multiple recessive genes.