AFLP diversity of FOV in cultivated cotton fields and genotyping of G.hirsutum X G.sturtuanum backcross lines

Date Issued:2005-06-30

Abstract

Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (Fov), is a destructive disease of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L) in almost all cotton producing countries of the world. First reported in 1993, this disease is now widespread in Australia and is causing substantial losses. There are also 17 native Gossypium species or wild cottons in Australia, some of which have ranges that overlap cotton-growing regions. Wild crop relatives are a traditional source of novel resistance genes for many plant diseases, and preliminary studies of Australian Gossypium species suggested they may contain some useful levels of Fusarium wilt resistance. At the same time, however, it was possible that the native species could be harbouring potential cotton pathogens. The main objectives of this project was to explore the risk and the potential of the Australian Gossypium species.

Screening the Australian Gossypium species identified a range of accessions that will be useful in the continuing efforts to develop new cotton cultivars with improved levels of Fusarium wilt resistance. Although there was considerable variation in Fusarium wilt resistance among the Australian Gossypium species, G. sturtianum emerged as a possible source of novel resistance genes. Subsequent analyses confirmed that G. sturtianum was resistant to Fusarium wilt, but genetic analyses have established that transferring the G. sturtianum genes to cultivated cotton will be extremely difficult.

Simultaneously, it has become clear that while the native Gossypium species are not harbouring cotton field pathogens. However, surveys of the pathogen in cotton fields suggest that pathogen is continuing to evolve and continuing vigilance would be appropriate.

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