Cotton Genomics and Transgenomics in Uzbekistan

Working group session: 
Functional Genomics
Presentation type: 
oral
Authors: 
Abdurakhmonov, Ibrokhim; Buriev, Zabardsat; Shermatov, Shukhrat; Abdullaev, Alisher ; Kushanov, Fakhriddin; Abdukarimov, Abdusattor; Saha, Sukumar; Jenkins, Johnie; Yu, John; Kohel, Russell; Percy, Richard; Ulloa, Mauricio; Stelly, David; Pepper, Alan
Presenter: 
Abdurakhmonov, Ibrokhim
Correspondent: 
Abdurakhmonov, Ibrokhim
Abstract: 
Expedited by a decade of fruitful collaboration with several USA institutions, we have developed a well-functioning cotton genomics and bioinformatics research programs in Uzbekistan, a northernmost cotton growing country. The Center of Genomics and Bioinformatics in Tashkent is a well equipped research facility, with a number of well qualified young genomics scientists and molecular breeders. It has already achieved a number of basic and applied research results on cotton germplasm characterization, genetic diversity of cotton gene pools, molecular marker development, genetic mapping of important complex traits, cloning and characterization of several cotton gene families and smallRNA/microRNA pools of various cotton tissues, and transgenomics of de novo characterized cotton genes. Ongoing efforts include an efficient marker-assisted selection program for complex traits such as fiber quality and development of early flowering, early-maturing, highly productive transgenic cotton cultivars with superior fiber quality using RNAi technology and modern transgenomics tools. The successes to date highlight the benefits of these joint efforts and collaborations, and underscore the opportunities for mutually beneficial collaborations and benefit to cotton improvement, production and market share worldwide. Key results on genomics and transgenomics of cotton will be presented.