Inter simple sequence repeats and morphological traits to identify cultivated cotton varieties (Gossypium barbadense L.) in Egypt

Abstract

Egyptian cultivated Cotton significantly impacted Egypt's economy, as it is well-known worldwide. This study aims to determine how much genetic and phenotypic variation exists in five different varieties of Egyptian Cotton using Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) as a molecular marker and twenty-one quantitative and qualitative morphological traits as a taxonomic source in the development and evolution of this plant. Eleven ISSR primers were used, producing a total of 134 bands with a polymorphism percentage of 67%. Positive and negative significant Pearson correlations were found among the studied morphological traits in line with the phenotypic correlations in some characteristics. The genotypic correlation coefficient was higher in magnitude than that of phenotypic correlation. The five varieties were grouped into two major clusters using the UPGMA method based on morphological and ISSR analysis. The first one included G86 and G89 varieties, while the second cluster included G80 and G95; the G90 was separated from the other four varieties. This genetic relationship may be attributed to their similar ancestors. The information from this study should help with cotton breeding efforts to attain a high level of germplasm diversity and develop new high-yielding types to enhance cotton production and quality.