Project Number: 5303-21220-003-04
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Sep 30, 2002
End Date: Sep 30, 2007

Objective:
1) Taxonomic evaluation of Gossypium species endemic to Mexico. 2) Evaluation of hybridization potential and descriptor documentation of progeny developed from reciprocal crosses within the Gossypium A, D, and AD genome species. 3) Begin enhancement of diverse germplasm.

Approach:
1) The initial effort will involve advice and suggestions on the establishment and care of the wild diploid species under nursery conditions in Guerrero. 2) We propose to conduct a taxonomic evaluation of all endemic species of Mexico under the climatic conditions at the permanent cotton genetic nursery in Iguala Gro. Dr. Godoy has expressed interest in also growing the diploid Gossypium species from other parts of the world. A descriptor sheet will be developed that will encompass approximately 35 developmental and morphological parameters that will be determined on all accessions growing in the nursery. 3) Once the accessions have reached reproductive stage, we propose determine the sexual compatibility of each species with all others. To this end we will attempt crosses in all possible combinations, similar to a Diallel III experiment. Resulting hybrids will be subjected to the same descriptor characterization and evaluation as the species accessions (including fertility level). Reciprocal crosses will also be attempted among the diploids and G. hirsutum, G. barbadense, G. arboreum, and G. herbaceum. (Combinations of crosses within G. hirsutum, G. barbadense, G. arboreum, and G. herbaceum will be excluded). Hybrids from these crosses are the first step in enhancement for possible use in cultivated tetraploid cottons. Documents SCA with INIFAP. Formerly 5303-21220-002-04S, June 2005.