Mengting Luo

Author    Correspondence author
Cotton Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol. 15, No.   
Received: 01 Jan., 1970    Accepted: 01 Jan., 1970    Published: 12 Nov., 2024

Cotton is a vital economic crop for the global textile industry, and boll weight and size are critical traits that determine yield and fiber quality, playing a significant role in improving cotton production efficiency. This study summarizes the research progress in the genetic improvement of cotton boll weight and size, exploring key genetic foundations, traditional and modern breeding methods, and their practical applications in differ-ent ecological regions. Furthermore, it analyzes relevant case studies to reveal successful improvement strat-egies and technical pathways. The research highlights that the dissection of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and candidate genes provides a molecular basis for trait improvement, while molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS), genomic selection (GS), and gene-editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9) significantly enhance breeding efficiency. Successful cases demonstrate the development of high-boll-weight, high-yield, and qual-ity cotton varieties through phenotypic selection, utilization of exotic germplasm resources, and stress-adaptive breeding strategies. Additionally, multi-omics research integrating transcriptomics and metabolomics further unveils the molecular regulatory networks of boll development, laying a foundation for future precision breeding. This study provides important guidance for the genetic improvement of cotton boll weight and size, supporting the sustainable development of the global cotton industry.