Project Number: 6402-21000-028-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Oct 01, 2003
End Date: Sep 30, 2008

Objective:
Broaden the genetic base of cotton. Develop germplasm and varieties with improved combinations of yield, fiber quality, and pest resistance. Identify the microclimate changes to physiological processes involved in the determination of lint yield and quality. Determine the components of yield and fiber quality. Develop integrated production systems which combine improved germplasm, varieties, cultural practices and pest management into more environmentally friendly, competitive, and profitable cotton culture systems.

Approach:
Assemble germplasm originating from other Gossypium strains, race stocks, and genetic-breeding programs. Using genomics along with other new technologies, and conventional methods evaluate new germplasm for its potential in developing improved combinations of yield, fiber quality, and pest resistant cottons. Investigate the components of yield and fiber quality and determine the underlying causes of the negative associations of yield and fiber quality. Determine how the environment and its genetic interaction affect plant development changes and ultimately reflect in improved yield and fiber quality. Characterize vegetative-reproductive growth patterns, crop maturity, leaf shape and how these other physiological variances interact with crop management. Identify physiological and genetic systems that have potential for being more efficient in developing new cotton cultivar systems that is both environmentally safe and makes US cotton more competitive.