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Updated: Feb 19, 2026
Screening Cotton Genotypes for Reniform Nematode Resistance
Published on: May 2, 2019
The Elusive Search for Reniform Nematode Resistance in Cotton
Churamani Khanal1, Edward C McGawley1, Charles Overstreet1
1First, second, and third authors: Louisiana State University AgCenter, Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology, Baton Rouge 70803; and fourth author: United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Crop Genetics Research Unit, P.O. Box 345, Stoneville, MS 38776.
Developing reniform nematode-resistant cotton cultivars remains challenging despite extensive breeding efforts. Current research focuses on advanced molecular techniques to overcome obstacles and achieve successful resistance in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.).
Area of Science:
- Plant Nematology
- Cotton Breeding
- Molecular Genetics
Background:
- The reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) is a major pest of cotton in the US.
- Developing resistant upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars has been unsuccessful for over 30 years.
- Previous resistance efforts using G. longicalyx resulted in stunting and hypersensitive responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review past and current approaches for developing reniform nematode resistance in cotton.
- To identify major obstacles hindering the development of resistant cultivars.
- To highlight promising future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Conventional breeding and triple species hybrids.
- Marker-assisted selection (MAS) for screening resistance.
- Exploration of resistance from other cotton species (G. barbadense, G. aridum, G. armoreanum).
- Investigating advanced molecular techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 and RNA interference (RNAi).
Main Results:
- Breeding lines with reniform nematode resistance derived from G. longicalyx were developed but showed undesirable traits.
- Marker-assisted selection has improved the efficiency of screening resistant lines.
- Limited success has been achieved, with resistance primarily confined to breeding lines.
Conclusions:
- Developing reniform nematode-resistant upland cotton cultivars requires overcoming significant genetic and physiological challenges.
- Advanced molecular tools offer potential solutions for future resistance breeding programs.
- Continued research integrating conventional and molecular approaches is crucial for effective nematode management in cotton.
