Project Number: 6402-22000-005-01
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Sep 29, 2005
End Date: Jun 30, 2010

Objective:
Evaluate varietal tolerance to the reniform nematode in currently grown varieties. Develop a cotton-corn rotation program which also incorporates the use of nematicides (seed and contact). Evaluate the effects of early cotton planting on reniform nematode numbers and resulting cotton yield losses. Evaluate the new seed-applied nematicides for reniform nematode control. Develop marker-assisted selection technology for identifying nematode resistance. Release elite cotton germplasm with resistance or tolerance to reniform and root-knot nematodes.

Approach:
Evaluate available cotton varieties for tolerance to reniform nematode by comparing seed cotton yield in nematicide-treated and untreated plots. Measure nematode population densities in tests involving rotations of cotton with corn, dates of planting, and nematicide treatments. Transfer genes that provide resistance to root knot nematode into elite Delta-type cotton using traditional and molecular-assisted means. Release elite germplasm with resistance to root-knot nematode and improved yield and fiber quality acceptable for production. Evaluate methods to identify resistance or tolerance to reniform nematode for application in cotton breeding programs.