Quantitative trait loci detection in Bulgarian cotton mutant segregating population

Identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) linked to fiber quality is of primary interest in cotton breeding. As Bulgarian cotton varieties belong to a specific group (proles Bulgaricum) they are even more difficult for cross-breeding into them such quality characteristics. Therefore a segregating mutant population has been developed from the standard Bulgarian variety ?Chirpan 603? by applying seed gamma irradiation. M4 and M5 generations were used for identification of QTLs related to fiber quality characteristics. SSR markers developed in interspecific crosses and further confirmed in intraspecific crosses, together with in-house developed ISSR markers were used for association mapping of QTLs for fiber quality. Fiber strength, length, uniformity, micronaire and elongation were the main studied characteristics. QTLs with major effects on these traits identified in M4 and M5 were confirmed in M6 generation. Further ones were identified and used for map saturation and linkage group confirmation.