My research is devoted to improvement and ultimate release of cotton germplasm and cultivars for Western production areas. This involves conventional plant breeding and selection for agronomic traits, stress tolerance, pest resistance, and superior fiber quality. Most important traits in cotton and other crops are controlled by many loci. Thus, quantitative genetic strategies are required to significantly improve these traits.
Genetic diversity is essential for long-term germplasm enhancement.
Interspecific crosses are being utilized to introgress useful genetic variability into G. hirsutum germplasm. Methodology for handling this genetic diversity in an efficient manner is lacking. We are exploring the use of genetic markers and RAPD markers, as a means for detecting alien introgression into G. hirsutum . Progeny derived from interspecific populations are being screened for species-specific molecular markers. Ultimately, we will study the association of these markers with important quantitative trait loci.