283-4 Introgression of the Transgenic Cotton Ultra-Low Gossypol Trait.

See more from this Division: C01 Crop Breeding & Genetics
See more from this Session: A Look below Ground-the Role of Soil, Water and Root Systems & Wide Hybridization/Div. C01 Business Meeting
Wednesday, November 3, 2010: 10:45 AM
Long Beach Convention Center, Room 102B, First Floor
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Rosa Jauregui, Steve Hague and Keerti Rathore, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum, L. ) seed is a high-quality oil and protein source, but its utility is limited by gossypol which is a toxic compound to non-ruminant animals as well as humans.  Gossypol is present throughout the plant and highly effective in providing host plant resistance to insect pests and other herbivores. Molecular biologist at Texas A&M University successfully developed transgenic plants with ultra-low gossypol (ULG) expression in seeds with a normal expression in the remainder of the plant. The current transgenic background is in ‘Coker 312’, which is a cultivar with moderate adaptability, yield potential and fiber quality. A program was recently initiated to introgress the ULG trait into improved germplasm as well as international germplasm.  Six genotypes are being used as recurrent parents during the backcross procedure. F1 plants indicate ULG is inherited with complete dominance and does not affect other morphological traits. PCR technology is needed to improve breeding efficiency and quality control.  BC3 plants are expected to be available in 2011. At the conclusion of this project, ULG germplasm with high-yield potential that are widely adapted will be created. As a result, a potentially new and abundant source of high quality protein and oil will be available for non-ruminant animal and human consumption.   
See more from this Division: C01 Crop Breeding & Genetics
See more from this Session: A Look below Ground-the Role of Soil, Water and Root Systems & Wide Hybridization/Div. C01 Business Meeting