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

## TL;DR

This study identifies genetic markers linked to whitefly resistance in cotton, aiding in breeding more resilient crops.

## Contribution

The study discovers specific genes on chromosomes A04 and D09 associated with whitefly resistance and flowering traits in cotton.

## Key findings

- Genes At4g27190 and RPPL1 on chromosome A04 are linked to whitefly resistance.
- Genes GUS1 and MBD4L on chromosome D09 are associated with increased flowering and plant vigor.
- These findings support marker-assisted breeding for resilient cotton cultivars.

## Abstract

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.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-32937-4.