Abstract

Applying the Reference Genome to Cotton Improvement

Andrew Paterson, Professor/Director, University of Georgia

The genome sequences of crop plants combine insight into plant evolution and biodiversity with opportunities to link such increased fundamental knowledge to improved human lives through sustainable agricultural intensification. A reference genome for cotton, the world’s leading natural textile fiber crop and an important oilseed, has shed light on the evolutionary forces and gene functional groups key to the evolution of spinnable fibers in nature and their enhancement by plant breeding. A rich slate of genome-based hypotheses invite study through prudent integration of genomic tools/approaches and careful phenotyping of key germplasm, toward accelerating breeding progress and reducing genetic vulnerability of this important industrial crop. Several such integrative studies which are planned or in progress will be discussed.