Functional Characterization of Candidate Genes, Gohir.D05G103700 and Gohir.D12G153600, Identified through Expression QTL Analysis Using Virus-Induced Gene Silencing in Upland Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The authors of this scholarly article utilized TRV-based VIGS to conduct a functional characterization of two potential genes, namely Gohir.D05G103700 and Gohir.D12G153600. These genes were identified through an expression QTL analysis of five genes related to floral induction and meristem identity, using the upland cotton mini-core collection. Overall, the article is well structured with solid significant data and clear writing. The article meets the requirements for publication in this journal, however, the following minor changes should be addressed before publication.

 1. In the introduction section, it is suggested to merge paragraph 3 and 4. The fourth graph is merely an extension of para 3. It is better to merge them together.

2. Section 2.3. The authors employed cotton leaves as a substrate for VIGS-mediated gene suppression, despite the putative involvement of these genes in floral tissue and developmental processes. It is worth considering why the petals were not utilized as the experimental material?

3. The quality of figure 3 should be improved. The text on the y-axis is unreadable. Please improvise this in the figure.

4. Consider modifying the title of section 3.4 Phenotypic observations into Phenotypic variations.

5. The discussion part is well-structured. Well done

6. I recommend the inclusion of a conclusion section describing the most interesting findings of this work and shed some light of the future recommendations of this technique.  

 

Minor english check is required.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf