Huijuan  Xu , Xiaoyan  Chen

Modern Agriculture Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China
Author    Correspondence author
Cotton Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol. 15, No. 2   
Received: 27 Feb., 2024    Accepted: 01 Apr., 2024    Published: 14 Apr., 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

The primary goal of this study is to explore the significance of cytogenetic markers in the breeding programs of Gossypium species, particularly focusing on their application in enhancing genetic diversity, improving fiber quality, and increasing yield. The study highlights several key findings from recent research. Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers have been effectively used to analyze genetic diversity and DNA fingerprinting in Gossypium hirsutum, revealing significant polymorphisms and genetic variations among cultivars. High-density genetic maps constructed using various molecular markers, such as SSRs, SNPs, and others, have facilitated the identification of numerous quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with important agronomic traits, including fiber quality and yield. The integration of advanced genomic techniques, such as single-molecule real-time sequencing and high-throughput chromosome conformation capture, has led to the development of reference-grade genome assemblies for Gossypium species, providing deeper insights into cotton evolution and aiding in the identification of loci associated with superior fiber quality. Additionally, marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been instrumental in identifying elite alleles and stable QTLs, which are crucial for modern cotton breeding programs. The findings underscore the critical role of cytogenetic markers in Gossypium breeding programs. These markers not only enhance our understanding of genetic diversity and genome structure but also enable the precise identification of valuable traits for cotton improvement. The integration of these markers into breeding strategies promises to accelerate the development of high-yielding, superior fiber quality cotton cultivars, thereby meeting the demands of the textile industry and contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.

Gossypium; Cytogenetic markers; SSR markers; Genetic diversity; QTL mapping; Fiber quality; Marker-assisted selection; Genome sequencing