Mission:
The mission of the Western Integrated Cropping Systems Research Unit is to develop and transfer new technologies and cotton germplasm that enhance and sustain the profitable production of cotton in arid regions of the Western U.S. Biological controls such as parasitoids and microbial pathogens are being developed that may provide selective control agents for the major insect pests of cotton. Determination of overwintering habitats, survival mechanisms, and movement of pest insects will allow more accurate prediction of pest infestations and identification of target sites for parasitoids and microbial pathogens. A recently developed process for rapid identification of race 4 Fusarium oxysporum vasinfectum (FOV), a disease new to the U.S., will be used to determine the extent of infestation and to evaluate remediation attempts. Traditional and molecular genetics are used to identify, map, and select for novel traits for enhancement of lint yield and quality, and development of resistance to biotic and abiotic stressors in elite cotton germplasm. Using molecular markers, genome linkage relationships are determined for important traits, candidate genes, or quantitative trait loci. Integrating these markers into the breeding program should expedite the broadening of the genetic base of cultivated cotton.