Irrigation\u2019s effect and applied selection on the fiber quality of Ethyl MethaneSulfonate (EMS) treated upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Travis W Witt,Mathew G Pelletier,Mauricio Ulloa,Glen L Ritchie,Venugopal Mendu

doi:10.1186/s42397-018-0016-8

Abstract

BackgroundProducing rainfed cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) with high fiber quality has been challenging in the Texas High Plains because of extended periods of insufficient rainfall during sensitive boll developmental stages. Genetic variation created by Ethyl MethaneSulfonate (EMS) mutagen has successfully improved fiber quality of cotton. However, little is known about the effect of water deficit environments on fiber quality. Three EMS treated populations were advanced from the first to the fourth generation (M1 to M4) as bulk harvested populations. In 2014, single-plant divergent selection was applied based on perceived morphological and agronomic differences seen during and at the end of the season.ResultsAnalyses from these selections in 2014–2016 showed significant (P < 0.05) improvement between and within populations for fiber traits (micronaire, length, strength, uniformity, and elongation) when compared with the original non-treated EMS source; some selections were found to have excellent fiber quality under diverse irrigation-regimes.ConclusionsSome of these selections are being considered for germplasm release and could be useful for improving the fiber quality of cotton under water limited conditions, thereby helping to ensure the long-term survival of the cotton industry on the Texas High Plains.

Highlights

Producing rainfed cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) with high fiber quality has been challenging in the Texas High Plains because of extended periods of insufficient rainfall during sensitive boll developmental stages
Producing rainfed cotton with high fiber quality has traditionally been difficult in the Texas High Plains because of unpredictable rainfall events or extended periods of drought during sensitive production developmental stages
Ten grams is needed for the proper evaluation of fiber quality traits using the Uster 1000

Summary

Introduction

Producing rainfed cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) with high fiber quality has been challenging in the Texas High Plains because of extended periods of insufficient rainfall during sensitive boll developmental stages. Genetic variation created by Ethyl MethaneSulfonate (EMS) mutagen has successfully improved fiber quality of cotton. Cotton is valued primarily due to its use as a natural fiber product. Fiber quality is vital for creating high valued products and reducing waste during yarn processing and production in textile mills. Reduced irrigation has been shown to have a negative impact on the quality of fiber (Pettigrew 2004; Snowden et al 2013; Feng et al 2014). This impact may be lessened through the identification of more drought tolerant genotypes. Identifying these genotypes may be difficult, because many researchers have suggested that only a small amount of genetic diversity exists in cultivated cotton species (Meredith Jr. 2000; Ulloa et al 2009; Ulloa 2014; Hinze et al 2016)

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