Identification of simple sequence repeat (SSR) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) that are associated with the nectariless trait of Gossypium hirsutum L

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) has nectar containing modified stomates called nectaries that can be located on leaves, bracts or calyces. The nectar attracts some beneficial insects such as bees, but also predatory damaging insects such as heliothines and Lygus species. There is a naturally occurring mutation that eliminates the nectar containing nectaries and makes the cotton plants less attractive to insects. The nectariless ( ne ) trait is associated with a double recessive mutation of two genes ( ne 1 and ne 2 ) on homeologous chromosomes 12 and 26. Expression of the trait can be variable and is also affected by environmental conditions. This makes accurately selecting for the trait based on phenotype difficult. This study identified SSR and SNP markers that can be used by breeders for marker assisted selection (MAS) of the nectariless trait. DNA markers associated with the genes conditioning the trait and used for MAS, will allow cotton cultivars to be easily developed that have decreased attractiveness to insects and reduce the need for insecticides, especially those harmful to beneficial insects such as honeybees.