Multiple gene transformation in cotton to improve insect, weedicide resistance and fibre improvement

Yield enhancement is the ultimate goal of crop improvement through genome characterization and manipulation which can be achieved by purposeful genome editing of plant species through alteration of the genetic make by direct gene transformation. Efforts have been made to control insect pests through genetic modification of local cotton varieties through introduction of codon optimized Cry1Ac and Cry2a genes under the control of CAMV35s promoter. Almost 100% mortality of Lepidopteron insects was achieved after 3rd day of detached cotton leaf bioassay when evaluated in lab and showed significant control of these insects in field conditions as well. Similarly, codon optimized cp4 EPSPS transformed in insect-resistant local cotton varieties has shown significant level of glyphosate tolerance after spray at the rate of 1900ml per acre as compared to non-transgenic cotton plants and all grasses which start decaying on 3rd day and showed complete death after 5th day of glyphosate spray assay. Similarly, introduction of different transcription factors, namely WLIM5 in combination with HOX3 and fibre related genes like SUS, AcsA+B, Actin, Aco3 along with pigment structural genes like F3'5'H and DFR flavonoids in different combinations in both Gossypium hirsutum and Gossypium arboreum have resulted in increase of fibre length from 26 mm to 31.5 mm and 18 mm to 26.5 mm respectively also micronaire value was improved from 4.0 to 3.2 and 7.9 to 6.3. Application of molecular breeding and advanced technology like CRISPR CAS 9 system to further enhance the capabilities of the product will be helpful in utilization of full potential of the product developed.