Research on Gene Breeding and Molecular Biology of Cotton

Dear Colleagues,

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is an excellent source of natural fibers and is grown all over the world. It has great economic potential and can provide high-quality protein, oil, and fiber. Due to changes in the world’s climate and an increasing population, a substantial increase in cotton production is necessary. In the past, traditional breeding techniques were used to increase yield and quality by introducing genes into superior cotton varieties. Traditional breeding techniques have various disadvantages, namely that they are time-consuming, reliance on pre-existing genetic differences, and they contain a large number of backcrosses. In order to achieve a goal in a short period of time, cotton molecular breeding has become a reliable source through the research and development of cotton genetic diversity and improved understanding of the cotton genome by next-generation sequencing technology. Cotton breeders should use genomics in their breeding programs to effectively select the best parents for agronomic and fiber-related traits, as well as to develop resistance to biological and abiotic stresses. In this Special Issue, we report on the evolution of cotton genes, providing a basis for exploring the mechanisms of gene action in cotton plant growth, fiber development, and abiotic stress resistance.

Dr. Zhi Wang
Guest Editor

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• cotton
• gene breeding
• molecular breeding
• molecular biology
• fiber development
• abiotic stress