Marker-Assisted Hybridization and Selection for Fiber Quality Improvement in Naturally Colored Cotton (G. hirsutum L.) Abrorjon Y. Kurbonov, Feruza F. Mamedova, Muxammad-Latif M. Nazirov, Naima Sh. Khojaqulova, Sanjar Sh. Djumaev, et al. Plants, 2025 Naturally colored cotton offers ecological advantages by eliminating the need for chemical dyeing; however, its limited fiber quality restricts its commercial utilization. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the potential of the SSR marker BNL1604 for marker-assisted selection in naturally colored cotton (G. hirsutum L.) and to assess fiber quality variation among hybrid progenies derived from crosses between colored and elite white-fiber cultivars. As an expected outcome of this approach, we also assessed whether hybridization of naturally colored lines with elite white-fiber cultivars could contribute to the improvement of fiber quality traits in segregating progenies. Five colored lines (brown and green), three elite cultivars, and fifteen derived F3 progenies were analyzed. Fiber traits, including upper half mean length (UHML), strength, elongation, and micronaire, were measured using HVI. Genotyping was conducted with BNL1604, and in silico mapping localized this marker to chromosome A07, with a homoeologous region on D07. White-fiber cultivars exhibited superior fiber length (33.4–35.4 mm) and strength (>31 g·tex−1) compared with colored lines. Several F3 hybrids exhibited transgressive segregation (progeny with trait values significantly exceeding those of both parents, as confirmed by frequency distribution and ANOVA analyses). For instance, the F3 (C-6577 × L-4099) hybrid achieved UHML values of 30.51 mm and strength > 31.93 g·tex−1. Most progenies maintained optimal micronaire (4.0–4.9). It was concluded that the presence of the 107 bp allele of BNL1604 marker was strongly associated with high-quality fiber, specifically improved fiber strength and length. In silico annotation revealed candidate genes near the BNL1604 locus linked to fiber development. These findings highlight the potential of combining hybridization with selection based on the presence of this 107 bp allele to develop high-quality, naturally colored cotton cultivars.
Identification of Stable Meta-QTLs and Candidate Genes Underlying Fiber Quality and Agronomic Traits in Cotton Abdulqahhor Kh. Toshpulatov, Ozod S. Turaev, Abdulloh A. Iskandarov, Kuvandik K. Khalikov, Sevara K. Arslanova, et al. Plants, 2025 Cotton is a globally important crop, with fiber quality traits governed by complex quantitative trait loci (QTL). However, the utility of QTL data is often limited due to inconsistencies across studies. This study conducted a comprehensive Meta-QTL (MQTL) analysis by integrating 2864 QTLs from 50 independent studies published between 2000 and 2024. Of these, 2162 high-confidence QTLs were projected onto a consensus genetic map using BioMercator V4.2.3, resulting in the identification of 75 MQTLs across the cotton genome. These MQTLs exhibited significantly reduced confidence intervals and enhanced statistical support, with 14 MQTLs reported for the first time. Several MQTLs, including MQTLchr7-1, MQTLchr14-1, and MQTLchr24-1, were identified as stable clusters harboring key fiber quality and stress tolerance traits. Candidate gene analysis within select MQTL regions revealed 75 genes, 38 of which were annotated with significant gene ontology terms related to lignin catabolism, flavin binding, and stress responses. Notably, GhLAC-4, GhCTL2, and UDP-glycosyltransferase 92A1 were highlighted for their potential roles in fiber development and abiotic stress tolerance. These findings provide a refined genomic framework for cotton improvement and offer valuable resources for marker-assisted selection (MAS) and functional genomics aimed at enhancing fiber quality, yield, and stress resilience in cotton breeding programs.
Morphological and Molecular Insights into Genetic Variability and Heritability in Four Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) Cultivars Dilrabo K. Ernazarova, Asiya K. Safiullina, Madina D. Kholova, Laylo A. Azimova, Shalola A. Hasanova, et al. Horticulturae, 2025 Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) is a widely cultivated and economically important fruit crop with increasing consumer demand worldwide. Nowadays, in Uzbekistan, strawberry cultivation surpasses that of many other fruits and vegetables in terms of production volume. However, most genetic studies have focused on a limited set of cultivars, leaving a substantial portion of varietal diversity unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic variability and heritability among selected strawberry cultivars, as well as correlations between certain valuable agronomic traits, using molecular and statistical approaches. Polymorphism analysis was performed, using 67 gene-specific SSR markers, through PCR, and allele variations were observed in 46.3% of the markers analyzed. Among them, 31 markers displayed polymorphic bands, identifying fifty alleles, with one to four alleles per marker. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using MEGA 11 software, while statistical evaluations included AMOVA (GenAIEx), correlation (OriginPro), and descriptive statistics based on standard agronomic methods. Additionally, the degree of cross-compatibility and pollen viability among the cultivars were studied, and their significance for cultivar hybridization was analyzed. The highest fruit weight was observed in the Cinderella cultivar (26.2 g), and a moderate negative correlation (r = −0.688) was found between fruit number and fruit weight. These findings demonstrate the potential of molecular tools for assessing genetic diversity and provide valuable insights for breeding programs aimed at developing improved strawberry cultivars with desirable agronomic traits.
Development and Characterization of Synthetic Allotetraploids Between Diploid Species Gossypium herbaceum and Gossypium nelsonii for Cotton Genetic Improvement Sevara K. Arslanova, Ziraatkhan A. Ernazarova, Dilrabo K. Ernazarova, Ozod S. Turaev, Asiya K. Safiullina, et al. Plants, 2025 Expanding genetic variability of cultivated cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is essential for improving fiber quality and pest resistance. This study synthesized allotetraploids through interspecific hybridization between G. herbaceum (A1) and G. nelsonii (G3). Upon chromosome doubling using 0.2% colchicine, fertile F1C allotetraploids (A1A1G3G3) were developed. Cytogenetic analysis confirmed chromosome stability of synthetic allotetraploids, and 74 polymorphic SSR markers verified hybridity and parental contributions. The F1C hybrids exhibited enhanced resistance to cotton aphids (Aphis gossypii) and whiteflies (Aleyrodidae), with respective infestation rates of 5.2–5.6% and 5.4–5.8%, lower than those of G. hirsutum cv. Ravnak-1 (22.1% and 23.9%). Superior fiber length (25.0–26.0 mm) was observed in complex hybrids and backcross progeny, confirming the potential for trait introgression into elite cultivars. Phylogenetic analysis based on SSR data clearly differentiated G. herbaceum from Australian wild species, demonstrating successful bridging of divergent genomes. The F1C hybrids consistently expressed dominant G. nelsonii-derived traits regardless of the hybridization direction and clustered phylogenetically closer to the wild parent. These synthetic allotetraploids could broaden the genetic base of G. hirsutum, addressing cultivation constraints through improved biotic stress resilience and fiber quality traits. The study establishes a robust framework for utilizing wild Gossypium species to overcome genetic bottlenecks in conventional cotton breeding programs.
