2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) The object of this Specific Cooperative Agreement is to expedite introduction of reniform nematode resistance from Gossypium longicalyx into Upland cotton by identifying molecular markers that can be used for marker-assisted breeding. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) The approach is expected to include the following elements. While there will be a logical progression of work, specific elements need not be entirely in sequence; some overlap is likely: 1. Create DNA samples 2. G. longicalyx AFLP Molecular Marker Development 3. Bulk Segregant Analysis (BSA) 4. Linkage Analysis 5. High-resolution Marker Association (if time and resources permit) 3.Progress Report This project serves to document research conducted under a Specific Cooperative Agreement between ARS and the Texas A&M University/Agricultural Experiment Station. Additional details of research can be found in the report for the parent project 6202-22000-026-00D, Toward Control Strategies of Emerging Pathogens and Nematodes of Cotton. The reniform nematode is a major cause of cotton yield losses, and there is no known source of resistance within Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum); however, the wild cotton (G. longicalyx) is immune to the reniform nematode. The goal of this project is to introduce nematode immunity from G. longicalyx into Upland cotton using a triple species hybrid. Project work in FY 2007 resulted in the development of several molecular markers that can be used by breeders to greatly facilitate their efforts to introduce the reniform nematode resistance trait into Upland cotton. Work under this project, overall, is providing foundational information that will be utilized by cotton seed companies to develop new Upland cotton varieties that maintain the desired productivity and quality traits but that are highly resistant to damage from the reniform nematode. These nematode-resistant varieties will greatly enhance cotton production efficiency by U.S. farmers, and will permit cotton cultivation in areas where production is presently not possible due to nematode-infested soils. The ADODR of this project and the cooperator are located in close physical proximity, and are in contact with one another on an ongoing basis. The ADODR and the cooperator (or key personnel working under the cooperator) meet and discuss the direction and progress of the project on a regular basis.