Genotyping by sequencing reveals a chromosome A04 QTL governing whitefly resistance in upland cotton

Cotton plants utilize physical defenses such as trichomes and leaf characteristics to deter insect pests and environmental stressors, safeguarding their growth and productivity. Cotton insect pests such as whiteflies, aphids, jassids and boll weevils not only directly damage the crop but also transmit harmful viruses, leading to substantial yield and quality loss. A GBS study was conducted on 206 cotton plants from a cross between whitefly resistant and whitefly susceptible varieties to identify genetic markers linked to whitefly resistance and yield traits. This study identified genetic regions associated with whitefly resistance and yield traits, including specific genes on chromosomes A04 and D09 linked to resistance mechanisms and flower number, respectively. This study identified genes involved in whitefly resistance (At4g27190 and RPPL1) and genes linked to increased flowering and plant vigor (GUS1, MBD4L), paving the way for the development of molecular marker-assisted breeding to create resilient cotton cultivars.