Phenotypic Characterization of a Day-Neutral Exotic Cotton Population.

Identification and utilization of novel, economically-important genetic diversity are essential for the enrichment of the elite Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) gene pool and the acceleration of breeding progress. Exotic G. hirsutum accessions are rich in diversity that was ‘left behind’ during crop domestication, but they have been largely ignored by mainstream breeding programs because most are photoperiod-sensitive and flower too late in the season for temperate crop production. Recently, we identified ~200 naturally occurring day-neutral accessions from the U.S. National Cotton Germplasm Collection, and there are ongoing efforts to utilize these exotic cottons within the Pee Dee cotton germplasm enhancement program. One of our primary objectives is to evaluate the exotic accessions for agronomic performance, fiber quality, and abiotic stress tolerance. Additionally, a ground-based high-throughput phenotyping platform is being used to collect canopy reflectance and temperature measures throughout the growing season. Insights from the first year of data collection will be discussed.