Nondestructive Measurements of Cottonseed Nutritional Trait Diversity in the U.S. National Cotton Germplasm Collection

Abstract

Recent studies have suggested that cottonseed (Gossypium spp.) has the potential to contribute to the effort against world hunger, particularly by providing a high‐quality protein source. This report analyzed the diversity in protein content and other seed quality factors in the U.S. National Cotton Germplasm Collection. Nine genomes (one tetraploid and eight diploid) and 33 species (five tetraploid and 28 diploid) were surveyed in this examination of 2256 accessions. A novel nondestructive nuclear magnetic resonance technique was applied to measure oil and protein content, seed indices were calculated, and these data were associated with molecular marker information. Oil content ranged from 8 to 27%, protein values ranged from 10 to 36%, and seed index was lowest at 1 g per 100 seeds and extended up to 18 g per 100 seeds. Most of the range in values for these traits resided within G. hirsutum L. and G. barbadense L.; thus implying that variability for cottonseed quality can be introduced with relative ease in current breeding programs. The diploid genomes generally had extremely low values for oil, protein, and seed index. Molecular marker information indicated that chromosome 21 was likely associated with oil content. Understanding how these seed quality factors vary independently and in relation to each other will allow us to better select parents for breeding programs, and identifying associations with molecular markers may help us enhance progress through marker‐assisted selection approaches.

Genetic Analysis of Cottonseed Protein and Oil in a Diverse Cotton Germplasm

“…Collectively, most studies suggest a relatively strong, negative relationship between seed protein and oil (Hinze et al, 2015;Kohel and Cherry, 1983). This negative relationship is similar to what has been reported in other oilseeds (Blumenthal et al, 2008).…”

“…Recently, Horn et al (2011) developed a new, nondestructive, low-field 1 H time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance (TD-NMR) method to allow for rapid measurement of seed protein and oil. Using this approach, Hinze et al (2015) surveyed the seed protein and oil content of 2256 accessions representing 33 species (five tetraploid and 28 diploid) from the US National Cotton Germplasm Collection. They found that protein content ranged from 10 to 36%, while oil content ranged from 8 to 27%.…”

Combining Ability and Performance of Cotton Germplasm with Diverse Seed Oil Content

“…In Turner et al (1976), one cultivar, ‘Lockett 4789A’ (PI 529261), had a high seed‐oil correlation with seed index (0.74). Hinze et al (2015) also measured significant correlation between oil and seed index (0.45) among G. hirsutum accessions in the NCGC.…”

“…Hinze et al (2015) and Kohel (1978) have documented the existence of extensive genetic diversity for seed oil content in the US National Cotton Germplasm Collection (NCGC). In a survey of nine genomes and 33 species within the NCGC, Hinze et al (2015) noted that most of the variability for seed oil can be found within the commercial tetraploid species G. hirsutum and G. barbadense L.; therefore, making higher seed oil content relatively easy to introduce into cotton breeding programs. Kohel (1978) compared wild and improved G. hirsutum genotypes from the NCGC for seed oil content and also concluded that sufficient variability existed for seed quality improvement.…”

“…Every 1000 t of cottonseed produced in India yields 100 t of oil, while in the United States, the equivalent cottonseed production yields 80 t of oil (USDA-ERS, 2015;USDA-FAS, 2015). Hinze et al (2015) and Kohel (1978) have documented the existence of extensive genetic diversity for seed oil content in the US National Cotton Germplasm Collection (NCGC). In a survey of nine genomes and 33 species within the NCGC, Hinze et al (2015) noted that most of the variability for seed oil can be found within the commercial tetraploid species G. hirsutum and G. barbadense L.; therefore, making higher seed oil content relatively easy to introduce into cotton breeding programs.…”