Abstract
Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production in arid and semiarid environments routinely experiences elevated temperature and low humidity challenges that ultimately determine yield and producer profitability. The present study investigated the diversity of flower petal opening to determine if traditional genetics and breeding approaches could develop a more cupped or closed flower, thereby providing a more humid microenvironment around the dehisced pollen. Six cultivars with reported differences in pollen humidity sensitivity were used to evaluate the genetics of petal opening. Crosses between open flower cultivars generally resulted in F1 offspring with open flowers. Crosses between closed flower cultivars generally resulted in F1 offspring with closed flowers. Crosses between open and closed flower cultivars provided unique phenotypes depending on the cultivars used. The results from the F1 offspring suggested that the male parent influenced the flower shape of the offspring. In addition, analysis of F2 offspring from the bidirectional crosses suggests that a single dominant gene from the male parent ultimately influences flower petal openness. Using traditional breeding techniques, it may be possible to develop cultivars with either open or closed flower phenotypes, linking pollen development stability and mature pollen viability across a range of environments to stabilize and enhance crop yield.
Highlights
Crop species grown throughout the world experience environmental stresses that limit their growth, development, and full expression of their genetic potential for agronomic yield
The open flowers expressed on Stoneville 474 (STV474), Suregrow 248 (SG248), and Deltapine 565 (DP565) and the closed flowers expressed on New Mexico 67 (NM67), Acala Maxxa (AM), and Phytogen 72 (PHY72) are expressed under greenhouse conditions and under field conditions
The cultivars with the lowest sterility indices were the STV474 (2.84) and SG248 (2.92)
Summary
Crop species grown throughout the world experience environmental stresses that limit their growth, development, and full expression of their genetic potential for agronomic yield. Crops with economically valuable reproductive structures showed the greatest discrepancy between average and record yields. Those crops having marketable vegetative structures exhibited approximately threefold reductions in yield [1]. These data suggest that plants have high productivity potential but are operating well below their genetic potential. Identifying and optimizing those plant protective mechanisms that could be used to improve stress-resistant germplasm stocks might lessen yield loss
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
