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<p>In Ethiopia, upland cotton (<i>Gossypium hirsutum</i> L.) is a key commercial crop, predominantly cultivated in lowland irrigated and rain-fed production systems. In view of its potential for increased production, ever-increasing consumption, and anticipated export market demand, it is expected to contribute significantly to the country’s economic development. The production, productivity, and all future cotton research endeavors depend on the knowledge of genetic diversity that is present in the existing cotton germplasm. This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity among advanced genotypes, breeding lines, and varieties of upland cotton in Ethiopia. A total of 176 alleles were produced across 26 loci. The allele numbers ranged from 2 to 13, while the polymorphic information content of the markers varied from 0.21 to 0.88, averaging 0.63. Dice genetic distance revealed low to high genetic divergence (0.07–0.85) with a mean value of 0.53. Hierarchical clustering based on the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean revealed five major clusters, while the model-based Bayesian method inferred the germplasm to four subpopulations. Admixture between subpopulations was found to be low, with about 91% of the studied germplasm assigned to subpopulations based on probability membership ≥ 70. Analysis of molecular variance indicated that the proportion of genetic variation within individuals was the highest (65.60%). Overall population differentiation estimate (<i>F</i><sub>st</sub>) among the groups was 0.19, implying a moderately structured germplasm pool. The highest genetic differentiation was observed between breeding lines and advanced genotypes, probably due to selective breeding practices and the introduction of new genetic strains into existing upland cotton germplasm. Thus, designing conservation strategies is important to retain both historical diversity and modern improvements. In conclusion, this study provides a foundation for developing new breeding strategies to expand the germplasm pool, diversify the genetic base, and tackle the unforeseen future needs and challenges facing Ethiopia’s cotton sector. It highlights the critical need to collect and use both cultivated and wild cotton varieties, as well as to incorporate exotic genetic material. These efforts are essential for advancing Ethiopia’s cotton industry and equipping it to address future demands and challenges effectively.</p>

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Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Upland Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.): Implications for Breeding, Collection, and Conservation

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年11月12日

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  • Donis Gurmessa,
  • Kassahun Bantte,
  • Kefyalew Negisho

摘要

In Ethiopia, upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is a key commercial crop, predominantly cultivated in lowland irrigated and rain-fed production systems. In view of its potential for increased production, ever-increasing consumption, and anticipated export market demand, it is expected to contribute significantly to the country’s economic development. The production, productivity, and all future cotton research endeavors depend on the knowledge of genetic diversity that is present in the existing cotton germplasm. This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity among advanced genotypes, breeding lines, and varieties of upland cotton in Ethiopia. A total of 176 alleles were produced across 26 loci. The allele numbers ranged from 2 to 13, while the polymorphic information content of the markers varied from 0.21 to 0.88, averaging 0.63. Dice genetic distance revealed low to high genetic divergence (0.07–0.85) with a mean value of 0.53. Hierarchical clustering based on the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean revealed five major clusters, while the model-based Bayesian method inferred the germplasm to four subpopulations. Admixture between subpopulations was found to be low, with about 91% of the studied germplasm assigned to subpopulations based on probability membership ≥ 70. Analysis of molecular variance indicated that the proportion of genetic variation within individuals was the highest (65.60%). Overall population differentiation estimate (Fst) among the groups was 0.19, implying a moderately structured germplasm pool. The highest genetic differentiation was observed between breeding lines and advanced genotypes, probably due to selective breeding practices and the introduction of new genetic strains into existing upland cotton germplasm. Thus, designing conservation strategies is important to retain both historical diversity and modern improvements. In conclusion, this study provides a foundation for developing new breeding strategies to expand the germplasm pool, diversify the genetic base, and tackle the unforeseen future needs and challenges facing Ethiopia’s cotton sector. It highlights the critical need to collect and use both cultivated and wild cotton varieties, as well as to incorporate exotic genetic material. These efforts are essential for advancing Ethiopia’s cotton industry and equipping it to address future demands and challenges effectively.