Molecular marker-based evaluation of stress tolerance, fiber quality traits, and color gene expression in colored fiber cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Authors

  • Shukhrat Khamdullaev Institute of Genetics and Plant Experimental Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Kibray District, Tashkent Region, Uzbekistan
  • Rukhsora Rakhmonova Navoi State University, Navoi, Uzbekistan
  • Jaloliddin Shavkiev Institute of Genetics and Plant Experimental Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Kibray District, Tashkent Region, Uzbekistan
  • Saidgani Nabiev Institute of Genetics and Plant Experimental Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Kibray District, Tashkent Region, Uzbekistan
  • Abdulahat Azimov Institute of Genetics and Plant Experimental Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Kibray District, Tashkent Region, Uzbekistan
  • Latif Allayarov Tashkent Branch of the Samarkand State University of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Husbandry, and Biotechnology, Tashkent, Chilanzar district, Uzbekistan
  • Gulzor Rahimova Institute of Genetics and Plant Experimental Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Kibray District, Tashkent Region, Uzbekistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22848461

Keywords:

Abiotic stress tolerance, colored cotton, fiber quality parameters, gene expression profiling, marker–trait association, SSR loci

Abstract

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is an important fiber crop; however, improving fiber quality and stress tolerance in naturally colored cotton remains a major challenge under increasing water scarcity. This study aimed to evaluate the association between SSR markers, stress tolerance indices, fiber quality traits, and gene expression patterns in colored and white cotton genotypes under optimal irrigation (OIC) and drought stress conditions (DSC). Field experiments were conducted using 17 genotypes, and yield, fiber quality parameters (micronaire, upper half mean length, and fiber strength), drought and salinity tolerance indices, SSR marker polymorphism, and gene expression profiles were analyzed. Drought stress significantly reduced yield across all genotypes, with mean values decreasing from 51.95 to 42.72 g plant⁻¹. However, genotypes such as 011250, 010108, A-2953, and Mayin tola maintained relatively stable productivity under stress conditions. High stress tolerance index (STI) values were observed in 011250 (1.77), 010108 (1.29), and A-2953 (1.28), indicating superior adaptability, whereas genotypes 011302 and 04494 exhibited higher susceptibility. Significant associations were identified between SSR markers and target traits. The BNL3280 marker showed a strong relationship with drought tolerance indices, while BNL4071 and BNL6701 were significantly associated with salinity tolerance. Fiber quality analysis revealed that BNL1604 was significantly associated with micronaire and fiber strength, and BNL4028 was linked specifically to fiber strength, with favorable alleles (140/142 bp and 230 bp) contributing to improved fiber properties. Gene expression analysis demonstrated that Gh_A07G2341 and Gh_A07G0100 were significantly upregulated in colored fiber genotype 010108 compared to the white cultivar Gulshan, indicating their key role in pigment biosynthesis. The integration of phenotypic, molecular, and expression data highlights the potential of selected genotypes and markers for improving cotton performance under stress conditions. These findings provide a valuable basis for marker-assisted selection and future genomic studies aimed at developing stress-tolerant and high-quality colored cotton varieties.

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Published

2026-09-19

How to Cite

Khamdullaev, S., Rakhmonova, R., Shavkiev, J., Nabiev, S., Azimov, A., Allayarov, L., & Rahimova, G. (2026). Molecular marker-based evaluation of stress tolerance, fiber quality traits, and color gene expression in colored fiber cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Journal of Wildlife and Biodiversity, 10(2), 205–225. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22848461

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 2 (2026): Journal of Wildlife and Biodiversity

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Original Article

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