Identification of Stable Meta-QTLs and Candidate Genes Underlying Fiber Quality and Agronomic Traits in Cotton.

ABSTRACT: Cotton is a globally important crop, with fiber quality traits governed by complex quantitative trait loci (QTL). However, the utility of QTL data is often limited due to inconsistencies across studies. This study conducted a comprehensive Meta-QTL (MQTL) analysis by integrating 2864 QTLs from 50 independent studies published between 2000 and 2024. Of these, 2162 high-confidence QTLs were projected onto a consensus genetic map using BioMercator V4.2.3, resulting in the identification of 75 MQTLs across the cotton genome. These MQTLs exhibited significantly reduced confidence intervals and enhanced statistical support, with 14 MQTLs reported for the first time. Several MQTLs, including MQTLchr7-1, MQTLchr14-1, and MQTLchr24-1, were identified as stable clusters harboring key fiber quality a

SUBMITTER: Toshpulatov AK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12609637 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature