Cotton (Gossypium spp.), as one of the most important textile raw materials in the world, plays a crucial role in agriculture and textile industry. The prosperity of the cotton industry not only affects the livelihoods of farmers, but also directly affects the supply and prices of the textile market. In the process of forming cotton quality, the length and strength of fibers are one of the key factors determining the quality of its end products. However, research on how to improve the length and strength of cotton fibers, as well as their genetic basis, is far from sufficient.

Genetic research plays an irreplaceable role in cotton breeding. By deeply understanding the genetic basis of fiber length and strength, we can more accurately select excellent varieties, accelerate the breeding process, and improve cotton yield and quality. This genetic based breeding method is expected to provide cotton farmers with more stress resistant and adaptable varieties, thereby increasing yield, reducing agricultural pressure, and promoting sustainable agricultural development (Wang et al., 2021).

Fiber length and strength, as the two main parameters that determine the quality of cotton, are directly related to the quality and performance of the final textile. Longer fibers usually mean stronger tensile performance and better textile strength, thereby improving the wear resistance and service life of the product. However, in actual production, we face a series of problems related to fiber length and strength, such as unstable yield, quality fluctuations, and excessive utilization of arable land resources.

Existing research indicates that the resolution of these issues largely depends on researchers' in-depth understanding of the genetic basis of cotton fiber length and strength. By revealing the genetic mechanisms of fiber length and strength, it is expected to provide more effective tools for agricultural scientists and breeding experts to select and cultivate varieties with more advantageous characteristics. This not only helps to increase production, but also promotes the sustainable development of the cotton industry and achieves synergy between agriculture and the environment (Huang et al., 2021).

The purpose of this study is to comprehensively review and summarize the latest research progress on the genetic basis of cotton fiber length and strength. Through in-depth exploration of the genetic mechanisms of fiber length and strength, it is hoped to provide more effective strategies and methods for cotton breeding. In addition, this study will also focus on the impact of environmental factors on genetic expression, in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the plasticity and adaptability of fiber quality. Through this research, it is expected to contribute to the sustainable development of the cotton industry and the competitiveness of the global textile market.

1 The Genetic Basis of Cotton Fiber Length

1.1 Association between genotype and fiber length

The strength and length of cotton fiber cells are two key aspects of cotton quality, directly affecting their application in the textile industry. These fiber cells are single-cell epidermal hairs derived from the differentiation and development of the outer ovule epidermal cells. During the formation of cotton fibers, the elongation of fiber cells and thickening of secondary walls are considered important factors in determining the final length and strength of cotton fibers.

Research has shown that class II KNOX proteins are widely recognized as one of the important transcription factors in the formation of secondary cell walls in plants. Class II KNOX proteins have a direct impact on the quality of cotton fibers by regulating gene expression, particularly genes involved in fiber cell elongation and secondary wall development (Isakov et al., 2020). This regulatory mechanism has become particularly crucial in cotton breeding, as by delving into the functions of this type of protein, we can better understand the molecular mechanisms of fiber cell development and provide strong scientific basis for breeding (Figure 1).

Figure 1 Comparison of cotton fiber lengths of different genetic varieties (Photo credit: China Science Daily)

Specifically, class II KNOX proteins may regulate the length of cotton fibers by affecting cell growth and differentiation. Its expression level during cell elongation may be directly related to the final length of fibers. Meanwhile, this type of protein may affect the strength of fibro blasts by participating in the regulation of secondary wall development. Therefore, in-depth study of the functional mechanisms of class II KNOX proteins has important theoretical and practical value in unlocking key regulatory points for cotton fiber cell elongation and secondary wall development.

1.2 Sources of genetic variation

Genetic variation is one of the key factors in the formation of cotton fiber length and strength, and its sources are diverse and complex. Natural variation is one of the main sources of genetic variation. Under different geographical and environmental conditions, cotton populations gradually accumulate a series of genetic variations, forming different subspecies and varieties. This natural variation provides potential genetic resources for cotton to adapt to diverse ecological environments.

Mutations and genetic drift are also important pathways leading to genetic variation. At the genomic level, mutations may cause functional changes in key genes, thereby affecting fiber development and quality. Genetic drift refers to the random variation of gene frequency, which plays an important role in population evolution and is a common mechanism of genetic variation (Van Der and Marinus, 2020).

The study of genetic regulatory networks further reveals the complexity of genetic variation, as there are complex interactions and regulatory networks between genes, which not only involve the influence of individual genes but also involve the synergistic effects of the entire genome. The influence of environmental factors on this network makes genetic variation more diverse. Therefore, a deep understanding of the structure and function of genetic regulatory networks is crucial for understanding the sources of genetic variation.

1.3 Research on genetic regulatory networks

The genetic regulation of cotton fiber length involves a vast and complex genetic regulatory network. An in-depth study of this network structure and the interactions between genes is an important step in understanding the genetic basis of fiber length. Research has shown that there are synergistic effects and mutual regulatory relationships among different members of the FL gene family. Taking FL1 and FL2 as examples, they may exhibit different expression patterns at different stages of fiber development. During cell elongation, high expression of FL1 may synergize with low expression of FL2, promoting rapid fiber growth in length. On the contrary, in other growth stages, their mutual regulation may exhibit different patterns. The dynamic interactions between these genes form a complex genetic regulatory network that determines the final expression of fiber length (You et al., 2020).

The genetic regulatory network is not only regulated internally by genes, but also influenced by external environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and light, which may affect gene expression and interactions. For example, in high-temperature environments, the expression of certain genes may be inhibited, thereby affecting the balance of the entire regulatory network (Table 1).

Table 1 Changes in expression levels of key genes under different environmental conditions

The dynamics of gene regulatory networks are reflected in different growth stages and environmental conditions. Through long-term monitoring of gene expression data, we can reveal the dynamic changes of regulatory networks during fiber development. For example, the synergistic effect of the FL gene family in the initial stage of fiber formation may be weak, but it may be significantly enhanced during elongation. The study of this dynamic change contributes to a deeper understanding of the mechanism of gene regulatory networks in fiber length regulation.

2 The Genetic Basis of Cotton Fiber Strength

2.1 The association between genotype and fiber strength

The association between cotton genotypes and fiber strength is an important issue of great concern in the field of cotton breeding. Fiber strength, as a key indicator of raw cotton quality, directly affects the application of cotton fibers in the textile industry. During the fiber elongation period of cotton, the expression levels of fiber cell walls of different genotypes show a synergistic effect, which is of great significance for promoting the formation of fiber cell walls and improving fiber strength.

Taking the VIGS plant phenotype of flowering candidate genes as a reference, we can conduct in-depth research on the differences in fiber ratio strength among different genotypes of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Fiber specific strength, as an important quality indicator of raw cotton, mainly depends on the quality of the secondary fiber wall construction. Genotype and environmental conditions are the two main factors affecting cotton fiber specific strength (Chen et al., 2020).

Research has shown that there are significant differences in fiber specific strength among cotton genotypes. By conducting in-depth physiological and molecular studies on fibers of different genotypes, we can reveal the underlying mechanisms behind these differences. For example, some genotypes may exhibit a higher rate of secondary wall synthesis during fiber development, leading to an increase in fiber strength. And other genotypes may exhibit superior traits at specific stages of fiber development, which have a positive impact on the formation of fiber strength.

In order to present the differences in fiber ratio strength among different genotypes of cotton more clearly, this study analyzed the genetic mechanisms underlying the fiber differences between island cotton and upland cotton. We can observe the differences in fiber ratio strength among different genotypes of cotton, which helps to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between genotypes and fiber strength. This association study not only provides empirical evidence for a deeper understanding of the genetic basis of cotton fiber strength, but also provides strong guidance for future breeding work.

Fiber specific strength, as an important quality indicator of raw cotton, mainly depends on the quality of fiber secondary wall construction. Island cotton and upland cotton may have differences in fiber development physiology and molecular characteristics, which directly affect the formation of fiber specific strength. Taking island cotton as an example, it may have a superior fiber secondary wall structure, leading to higher fiber specific strength. In different low temperature sensitive cotton varieties, differences in fiber specific strength may also be closely related to their genotype and physiological characteristics.

2.2 Analysis of molecular mechanisms

The analysis of cotton molecular mechanisms involves complex processes of fiber development, including gene expression, signal transduction, metabolic regulation, and other aspects. By delving deeper into these molecular mechanisms, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the formation and quality control of cotton fibers. Gene expression regulation is one of the key components of cotton molecular mechanisms, and many gene families play important roles in different stages of fiber development. For example, transcription factor families such as MYB, NAC, and AP2/ERF play crucial roles in controlling fiber wall synthesis, fiber length, and strength. By delving into the functions and interactions of these gene family members, we can reveal key regulatory nodes in fiber development.

GhMYB25 and GhMYB25 like genes, members of the MYB family, exhibit different expression patterns at different stages of cotton fiber development. They may affect fiber quality and length by regulating the expression of genes related to fiber cell wall synthesis. Such examples help us to have a more specific understanding of the mechanism of gene expression regulation in cotton fiber development (Liu et al., 2020).

At the same time, signaling pathways play an important role in the molecular mechanisms of cotton, with plant hormones such as ethylene, gibberellin, and auxin playing key roles in fiber elongation and secondary wall synthesis. Taking the ethylene signaling pathway as an example, members of the ethylene responsive factor (ERF) family are involved in regulating cell expansion and cell wall synthesis during fiber development. Through in-depth analysis of the ethylene signaling pathway, we can uncover the molecular mechanism of hormone regulation in cotton fiber development (Zhang et al., 2020).

Finally, metabolic regulation is also an indispensable part of cotton molecular mechanisms, as the metabolic activity of fiber cells directly affects the quality and formation of fibers. For example, the accumulation of raw sugars and organic acids is closely related to the development and quality of fibers. A deeper understanding of the synthesis and regulatory mechanisms of these metabolites can help us uncover key metabolic pathways in cotton fiber development.

2.3 Dynamic changes in genetic regulatory networks

The dynamic changes of genetic regulatory networks play a crucial role in cotton fiber development. This network involves multiple genes, signaling pathways, and regulatory factors, and their dynamic changes directly affect the length, strength, and other quality characteristics of fibers. By delving into these dynamic changes, we can better understand the molecular mechanisms of fiber development.

During the fiber elongation stage, the genetic regulatory network exhibits specific dynamic changes, and key regulatory genes may exhibit temporal expression patterns. For example, certain key genes such as GhRDL1 (Receiver like cyclic kinases) may experience an increase and decrease in expression levels during fiber elongation. GhRDL1 regulates cell expansion and cell wall synthesis during the elongation stage of fibroblasts by participating in signaling pathways, directly affecting fiber length (Xu et al., 2021).

In addition, environmental factors also play an important role in the dynamic changes of genetic regulatory networks. For example, changes in temperature and humidity may trigger the expression regulation of certain genes, thereby affecting the balance of the entire network. A typical example is that under high temperature conditions, some heat stress responsive genes may be activated, leading to the adjustment of the entire regulatory network and affecting the direction of fiber development.

Further research has found that certain genes may exhibit phased regulatory effects during the development of fibro blasts. For example, the expression level of GhFLA6 gene is higher in the early stage of fiber development and gradually decreases in the later stage. This phased regulation forms a temporal pattern in the genetic regulatory network, playing a precise and orderly regulatory role in the development process of fibers.

The dynamic changes of genetic regulatory networks are one of the key mechanisms in fiber development. Through in-depth research on these dynamic changes and specific examples, we can have a more comprehensive understanding of the regulatory characteristics of this network, providing useful references for genetic improvement and quality optimization of cotton.

3 Environmental Factors and Genetic Interactions

3.1 The interactive impact of fiber quality and environmental factors

The interaction between fiber quality and environmental factors is a complex and multi-level process. By deeply studying the mechanisms of these interactions, we can better understand the impact of the environment on cotton quality and provide scientific basis for creating high-quality cotton varieties that adapt to different planting areas and climate conditions. There is a complex interaction between fiber quality and environmental factors, which involves the regulation of various environmental conditions during cotton growth. This interaction directly affects the development, quality, and ultimate quality characteristics of fibers.

The regulation of gene expression by growth environment is a key factor affecting fiber quality. Research has found that under high temperature and drought conditions, the expression of some heat stress responsive genes may increase, thereby regulating the development process of fibers. The regulatory effect of these environmental factors on gene expression directly affects the length and quality of fibers. Therefore, studying the influence of environmental factors on gene expression during fiber development is of great significance for understanding the environmental adaptability of fiber quality (Kurt et al., 2022).

There is a complex relationship between genetic adaptability and environmental adaptability, which also has a significant impact on fiber quality. Cotton varieties may exhibit different adaptability in different planting areas and growth environments. Taking cold resistance as an example, the fiber quality of some low temperature sensitive cotton varieties may be greatly affected in cold environments, and their quality may be superior at appropriate temperatures. The interaction between genetic adaptability and environmental adaptability results in significant differences in cotton quality across different regions and environmental conditions.

In addition, the relationship between the plasticity of fiber quality and genetic basis is also an important aspect of the interaction between environmental factors and fiber quality. Under different growth conditions, fibers of the same variety may exhibit different characteristics. For example, under conditions of sufficient moisture, fibers may be finer and softer, while under drought conditions they may be more resilient. This plasticity directly reflects the regulatory effect of environmental factors on fiber development.

3.2 Balance between plasticity and stability

The balance between plasticity and stability of fiber quality is a key regulatory factor in the growth and development process of cotton. Plasticity refers to the ability of cotton fibers to undergo adaptive changes in their morphology and properties under different environmental conditions. Stability refers to the ability of cotton fibers to maintain relatively consistent quality characteristics under different environmental conditions. This balance is crucial for adapting to diverse planting environments and maintaining consistent quality standards.

In terms of fiber quality plasticity, cotton can make corresponding adjustments to environmental changes to adapt to different climate, soil, and growth conditions. For example, under conditions of sufficient moisture, fibers may be finer and softer, while under drought conditions, fibers may be more resilient. This plasticity enables cotton to exhibit adaptability in different environments and better adapt to the needs of agricultural production.

However, the balance between plasticity and stability is also crucial. Excessive plasticity may lead to quality instability, causing the same variety to exhibit significant changes under different environmental conditions, which is detrimental to industrial production and market demand. Therefore, when cultivating new varieties or improving existing varieties, researchers need to comprehensively consider the plasticity of quality and maintain its stability under different environmental conditions (Liu et al., 2020).

A successful example is that by analyzing the quality performance of different cotton varieties in different planting areas, researchers can screen out varieties with high adaptability and stable quality. This selective breeding can balance plasticity and stability, allowing cotton to maintain relatively consistent high-quality characteristics globally.

Overall, the balance between plasticity and stability of fiber quality is crucial for the growth and quality performance of cotton under different environmental conditions. By gaining a deeper understanding of the genetic characteristics and environmental adaptability of cotton varieties, researchers can better regulate this balance and provide beneficial support for the sustainable development of the cotton industry.

3.3 The complexity of genetic and environmental interactions

The complexity of the interaction between genetics and environment is a key factor affecting cotton quality. This interaction involves a complex relationship between genotype and environment, which has a significant impact on the quality characteristics of cotton, such as fiber length and strength. Different genotypes may exhibit different phenotypes under different environmental conditions. Taking cold tolerance as an example, they may exhibit better fiber quality in warm regions, while in cold regions they may be affected by adversity and exhibit poorer quality characteristics. This indicates the interaction between genotype and environment, and the same genotype may exhibit different phenotypes in different environments (Huang et al., 2022).

The complex relationship between environmental adaptability and genetic adaptability is also worth noting. Some genotypes may exhibit better adaptability under certain environmental conditions, while they are relatively less adaptable in other environments. This complex interaction makes variety selection and cultivation more challenging. For example, the yield of cotton will be affected and reduced under salt stress conditions. Previous studies have reported a significant reduction in factors such as SBW, LP, and BNPP under salt stress conditions. It has been found that BNPP has a significant impact on cotton lint yield in saline alkali soil (Figure 2).

Figure 2 NPP has an important impact on cotton lint yield in saline-alkali soil (Huang et al., 2022)

In addition, the complexity of the interaction between genetics and environment is also reflected in the challenge of multi factor analysis. In practical research, it is difficult to separate the effects of genotype and environment on quality, as they are often intertwined. Using the method of multiple factor analysis, it is necessary to consider the mutual influence between multiple variables in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the comprehensive effects of genetics and environment on quality.

4 Research Methods and Technological Progress

4.1 Application of molecular biology techniques in genetic research

The application of molecular biology techniques in cotton genetic research has played a crucial role, providing efficient and accurate tools to help scientists delve deeper into the cotton genome, genetic variation, and regulatory mechanisms. The following are some main applications of molecular biology techniques in cotton genetic research, and some practical examples are listed.

Genomic technologies such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) have been widely applied in the sequencing and analysis of cotton genomes. This enables scientists to have a more comprehensive understanding of the genome structure, gene coding and non coding regions of cotton, and to discover potential functional genes and genetic variations. Through whole genome sequencing, genetic differences between different cotton varieties were revealed, which helps to understand the genetic basis of stress resistance, fiber quality and other characteristics of different varieties (Yamin and Qadri, 2023).

Transcriptomics techniques can reveal the expression patterns of genes under specific conditions, helping to understand the functions of genes in processes such as fiber development and stress response. Through transcriptomic research, genes with significant changes in expression levels during fiber development were identified, further revealing the molecular mechanisms of fiber development.

Molecular marker techniques, such as single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and degenerate nucleic acid sequence markers (SSR), are widely used in constructing genetic maps, conducting genetic diversity analysis, and molecular marker assisted selection breeding. For example, identifying associated genes through SNP markers can help select cotton varieties with better fiber quality and stress resistance.

More over, the application of gene editing techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9 in cotton provides a new approach for precise gene improvement, which can be used to verify gene function and create new genotypes. The fiber quality of cotton has been successfully improved through gene editing technology, enhancing its commercial value.

4.2 Innovation of genetic improvement strategies

The innovation of genetic improvement strategies in cotton breeding is crucial for improving fiber quality, disease resistance, and adaptability. With the development of science and technology, a new generation of genetic improvement strategies continues to emerge, bringing more sustainable and efficient development prospects to the cotton industry.

Molecular marker based selection breeding is an innovative genetic improvement strategy. Through high-throughput sequencing technology, scientists can quickly identify molecular markers related to target traits, thereby achieving precise genetic improvement. This not only greatly improves the efficiency of breeding, but also makes it possible to cultivate cotton varieties with better disease resistance, high yield, and excellent fiber quality. Gene editing technology has brought unprecedented innovation opportunities for genetic improvement. CRISPR-Cas9 and other gene editing techniques can accurately modify specific genes in the cotton genome, achieving improvements in target traits. The emergence of this technology provides researchers with a unique tool that allows them to more directly intervene in genetic materials and accelerate the breeding process (Singh et al., 2021).

The use of genetically modified technology is also an innovative genetic improvement strategy. By introducing exogenous genes, scientists can increase cotton's resistance to specific diseases, pests, or adversity. The innovation of this strategy lies in the rapid introduction of the required traits into cotton through genetically modified methods, improving its stress resistance and achieving more reliable yield and quality under different environmental conditions.

Integrating and analyzing multi-level genetic information using systems biology methods is also an innovative genetic improvement strategy. By comprehensively analyzing genotype, phenotype, and environmental information, and constructing a genetic regulatory network, scientists can have a more comprehensive understanding of the genetic basis of cotton traits, providing scientific basis for more accurate breeding decisions.

So innovative genetic improvement strategies have injected new vitality into the cotton industry. Efficient molecular marker selection, gene editing technology, transgenic technology, and comprehensive analysis of systems biology together constitute a multi-level and all-round genetic improvement framework, laying a solid foundation for cultivating cotton varieties with more advantageous traits. The application of these strategies will help improve the sustainability and economic benefits of the cotton industry.

4.3 Advantages and limitations of the method

The accuracy and reliability of molecular biology technology in cotton genetic research are one of its most significant advantages. Advanced technologies such as high-throughput sequencing and gene editing can provide high-resolution genetic information, enabling researchers to delve deeper into the relationship between genotype and phenotype. The accuracy of these technologies enables scientists to have a more comprehensive understanding of the genetic basis of cotton, providing more reliable data support for breeding work. In addition, molecular marker assisted selection breeding not only improves genetic progress, but also increases the success rate of cultivating new varieties.

However, although technology has significant advantages in accuracy, it is also necessary to be vigilant about possible sources of error. Factors such as experimental conditions, sequencing depth, and sample quality may have an impact on the results, so caution is needed in practical applications to ensure the reproducibility and stability of the experiment. Although molecular biology techniques have played an important role in cotton genetic research, they also have some limitations that limit their comprehensive development in practical applications. Firstly, high cost is a significant issue. Many advanced molecular biology technologies require expensive equipment and incur significant expenses, which may be a hindrance for some research teams or agricultural producers.

Technological complexity is also a challenge. The highly complex experimental steps and data analysis process require professional technical personnel to operate, which may limit the widespread application of technology due to technical barriers. In the field of agriculture, especially in some agricultural production bases, there may be a lack of relevant technical talents, which limits the promotion of these advanced technologies. In addition, ethical and regulatory issues also need to be carefully considered. Especially in the application of emerging technologies such as gene editing, the relevant ethical and legal frameworks are still in the exploratory stage and require clearer guidance and norms.

It can be seen that although molecular biology techniques have significant advantages in cotton genetic research, their advantages and limitations still need to be balanced in practical applications to ensure the feasibility and effectiveness of the technology. In the constantly evolving technological environment, continuous technological innovation and interdisciplinary cooperation will help overcome some limitations and promote more in-depth research to provide support for cotton breeding and production.

5 Research Progress and Challenges

Recent research has achieved some exciting results in the field of cotton genetics, such as the successful identification of key genes and regulatory networks that are closely related to cotton fiber length and strength through the application of advanced genomic techniques. Specifically, variations in certain genes are associated with specific stages of fiber cell development, revealing the spatiotemporal dynamics of fiber development regulation. In addition, by integrating transcriptomic and proteomic data, scientists have also revealed some new signaling pathways and regulatory factors, providing deeper insights into the formation mechanism of cotton fiber quality.

Despite some progress, cotton genetic research still faces a series of unresolved problems and challenges. One of the main challenges is the incomplete understanding of the genetic basis for some complex traits. Fiber quality is a complex trait controlled by multiple genes, and its genetic mechanism involves the interaction and regulation of multiple genes. Therefore, how to address the complexity of multi gene interaction networks and gain a more comprehensive understanding of genetic regulatory mechanisms related to fiber quality remains an urgent issue that needs to be addressed.

With the advancement of technology, emerging technologies such as gene editing and high-throughput sequencing have been widely applied in cotton research. However, the effectiveness and feasibility of these new technologies in practical applications still require more in-depth verification. At the same time, relevant ethical and regulatory issues also need to be further considered and resolved. The plasticity of fiber quality refers to the performance ability of fiber quality under different environmental conditions. How to balance the plasticity of fiber quality with genetic basis to adapt to different growth environments and climate conditions remains a problem that requires in-depth research.

Solving these problems requires interdisciplinary collaboration, combining knowledge from multiple fields such as biology, agronomy, genetics, ecology, as well as technological innovation and global research collaboration. In addition, further research is needed on the interaction between environmental factors and genetics. The impact of cotton growth environment on fiber quality is a complex system that requires more interdisciplinary research to decipher the mechanisms of genetic and environmental interactions. The impact of changes in growth environment on gene expression and regulatory networks, as well as the balance between genetic adaptability and environmental adaptability, are all aspects that require further research (Isakov et al., 2020).

The future research direction should focus on deepening our understanding of the genetic basis of cotton fiber length and strength, and exploring more precise and sustainable breeding strategies. Firstly, for the key genes known to affect fiber length and strength, it is necessary to conduct in-depth research on their specific mechanisms of action at different developmental stages and environmental conditions. By utilizing high-throughput sequencing technology, functional genomics, and systems biology methods, the regulatory network of genes in fiber development can be revealed, providing a deeper understanding for precision breeding.

In addition, research should also focus on the application of emerging technologies in cotton genetic research and breeding. New technologies such as gene editing, artificial intelligence, and big data analysis provide new possibilities for accelerating genetic improvement. Researchers can explore how these technologies can better address the challenges of improving fiber quality and effectively translate them into practical production applications.

6 Future Outlook

The potential direction of future genetic improvement should focus on improving cotton fiber length and strength, while also emphasizing the comprehensive optimization of various traits such as disease resistance and stress tolerance. Firstly, precise improvements can be achieved through in-depth research and understanding of key genes closely related to fiber length and strength, utilizing advanced gene editing techniques. On this basis, molecular marker assisted selection breeding is combined to accelerate the breeding process, create more high-yield and high-quality cotton varieties, and also introduce resistance genes such as insect and disease resistance to enhance the ecological adaptability of cotton plants and improve their disaster resistance.

We can also use genetic diversity for innovative genetic improvement, by extensively collecting and protecting cotton germplasm resources, exploring potential genes related to stress traits such as cold and drought resistance, and cultivating new varieties that can adapt to different environmental conditions. By introducing genetic diversity, overall yield and stress resistance can be improved, promoting the adaptability of cotton in different planting areas (Liu et al., 2023).

To ensure the sustainable development of the cotton industry, it is necessary to comprehensively consider ecological, economic, and social factors. Sustainable agricultural practices such as precision fertilization, water resource management, and eco-friendly prevention and control measures can be adopted to minimize the negative impact on land and water resources, promote the application of green agricultural technologies, and reduce the pressure of agricultural production on the ecological environment. At the same time, it is necessary to strengthen the upgrading and value chain extension of the cotton industry, develop textile technology, design innovation, and green manufacturing, and increase the added value of terminal products. Establish a more equitable and sustainable global cotton supply chain to ensure producers receive reasonable profits and promote the sustainable development of the entire industry.

By comprehensively utilizing advanced genetic improvement techniques and sustainable agricultural practices, combined with farmer training and industrial chain upgrading, comprehensive support and suggestions can be provided for the sustainable development of the cotton industry. This comprehensive strategy is expected to achieve a balance of economic, social, and environmental benefits, laying a solid foundation for the future of the cotton industry. By sharing technology, experience, and resources, we aim to promote the sustainable development of the global cotton industry and encourage countries to share the fruits and dividends of the industry chain. This not only helps to improve the quality and quality of global cotton, but also promotes the entire industry to better adapt to the demands and changes of the international market.

References

Chen Z.J., Sreedasyam A., and Ando A., 2020, Genomic diversifications of five Gossypium allopolyploid species and their impact on cotton improvement, Nature genetics, 52(5): 525-533.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41588-020-0614-5

Huang G, Huang J Q, Chen X Y, and Zhu Y.X., 2021, Recent advances and future perspectives in cotton research, Annual review of plant Biology, 72: 437-462.

https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-arplant-080720-113241

Huang W., Wu F., and Han W., 2022, Carbon footprint of cotton production in China: Composition, spatiotemporal changes and driving factors, Science of the Total Environment, 821: 153407.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153407

Isakov A., Tukhtamishev B., and Choriev R., 2020, Method for calculating and evaluating the total energy capacity of cotton fiber IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, IOP Publishing, 614(1): 012006.

https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/614/1/012006

Kurt W., Avat S., Sam P., Walters K., Duncan L., and Tyson R.B., 2022, Cotton stomatal closure under varying temperature and vapor pressure deficit, correlation with the hydraulic conductance traitJournal of Cotton Research, 5(3): 217-227.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s42397-022-00127-6

Liu M., Zhang X., Chu S., Ge Y.Y.,, Huang T., Liu Y.H., and Yu L., 2022, Selenization of cotton products with NaHSe endowing the antibacterial activities, Chinese Chemical Letters, 33(1): 205-208.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cclet.2021.05.061

Liu Y.Z., Shan Y., Shen D., Li Y., and Wang Z.S., 2023, Breeding and cultivation techniques of an extra-early-maturing, disease-resistant cotton variety, Liaomian 54, Zhongguo Mianhua (China Cotton), 50(1): 33-35.

Singh B., Kumar A., Kaur S., Saha S., Kumar A., and Kumar S., 2021, Impact of metal oxide nanoparticles on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.): a physiological perspective, Journal of Cotton Research, 4(2): 169-187.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s42397-021-00092-6

Van Der S., and Marinus H.J. 2022, Effect of nitrogen application level on cotton fibre quality, Cotton Science, 5(1): 80-114.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s42397-022-00116-9

Wang Y., Li Y., Gong S.Y., Qin L.X., Nie X.Y., Liu D., Zheng Y., and Li X.B., 2021, GhKNL1 controls fiber elongation and secondary cellwall synthesis by repressing its downstream genesin cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), Journal of Integrative Plant Biology, 2(4): 12-33.

https://doi.org/10.1111/jipb.13192

Xu W., Chen P., Zhan Y., Chen S.D., Zhang L., and Lan Y.B., 2021, Cotton yield estimation model based on machine learning using time series UAV remote sensing data, International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation, 104: 102511.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jag.2021.102511

Yamin M., and Qadri S.N., 2023, Pendugaan komponen ragam dan aksi gen karakter agronomi populasi F1 kapas, Perbal: Jurnal Pertanian Berkelanjutan, 11(2): 238-245.

https://doi.org/10.30605/perbal.v11i2.2773

You J.Q., LIN M., Liu Z.P., Pei L.L., Long Y.X., Tu L.L., Zhang X.L., and Wang M.J., 2022, Comparative genomic analyses reveal cis-regulatory divergence after polyploidization in cotton, The Crop Journal, 10(6): 1545-1556.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cj.2022.03.002

Zhang Y.L., Zhou J.L., Zhoa L.H., Feng Z.L., Wei F., Bai H.Y, Feng H.J., and Zhu H.Q., 2022, A review of the pathogenicity mechanism of Verticillium dahliae in cotton, Journal of Cotton Research, 5(1): 59-71.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s42397-021-00111-6