Status of the global cotton germplasm resources

The cultivated Gossypium spp. (cotton) represents the single most important, natural fi ber crop in the world. In addition to its fi ber, the oil and protein portion of the cottonseed also represents signifi cant economic value. To protect the worldwide economic value of cotton fi ber and cotton byproducts, coordinated efforts to collect and maintain cotton genetic resources have increased over the last 100 yr. The classifi ed genetic resources of cotton are extensive and include fi ve tetraploid species in the primary gene pool, 20 diploid species in the secondary gene pool, and 25 diploid species in the tertiary gene pool. This report provides information on the status and contents of eight major cotton germplasm collections present across the world. Based on the fi ndings of this report, a number of classifi ed Gossypium species are not maintained in these collections, and several are underrepresented and vulnerable to extinction. This report presents several critical challenges and opportunities facing international efforts to enhance and preserve the world's Gossypium genetic resources. Multinational communication and collaboration are essential to protect, secure, and evaluate the global cotton germplasm resources. Without global, collaborative efforts, the rarest and most unique cotton germplasm resources are vulnerable to extinction. (Résumé d'auteur