Project Number: 6402-21000-027-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Jul 27, 2003
End Date: Jul 26, 2008

Objective:
Provide geneticists, breeders, agronomists, seed quality and fiber scientists, a computer database on agronomic and quality data of obsolete, existing, and potentially new cotton varieties grown each year since 1960. Analyze and encourage use of these archived data. Reinforce genetic cotton quality research in ARS. Upgrade genetic evaluations with improvements in technology. Assist cotton industry in making USA cotton more competitive with foreign imports.

Approach:
Organize and design annual tests, assemble data, analyze, publish and communicate results to cooperators and the public. Archive and make database available to cooperators. Reinforce ARS genetic fiber quality studies. Perform or assist in special variety, years, and location analyses. Update variety evaluations by using the latest technology improvements in computer and statistical services and fiber quality instrumentation. Use NCVT database to detect long term and regional trends in yield and seed and fiber quality. Explore use of molecular markers (RFLPs) to fingerprint varieties and genetic populations. Utilize database to associate environmental effects on cotton. Utilize residual fiber samples to correlate data from new instrumentation with database.

Project Team

Meredith, William - Bill

Related National Programs

Plant, Microbial & Insect Genetic Res., Genomics, & Genetic Improv. I (301)