Molecular Pathogens, 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 10-18 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mp 15 dealing with Fusarium wilt. Researchers are looking for disease-resistant cotton varieties, and are also studying why they can resist disease, hoping to find the reasons genetically (Han et al., 2022). This information can help us breed stronger and more resistant cotton. In order to deal with blight and verinary wilt, the research team used the genetic diversity of cotton itself, plus some new breeding techniques to find ways to cultivate new disease-resistant varieties (Billah et al., 2021; Zhao et al., 2024). 6.2 Methods and experimental design This study uses a “multi-pronged approach” method, combining gene mapping, molecular experiments and field experiments. The researchers used a MAGIC population composed of 550 cotton lines, which is a special population obtained through multigenerational hybridization. They wanted to find key genologue loci (QTL) related to blight resistance in these lines (Zhu et al., 2022). They also used resequencing methods to analyze SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) markers and established a high-density gene map to more accurately locate genes related to resistance. Next, the researchers also used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology to perform functional verification of certain key genes, such as GbPP2C80 and GbWAKL14, to see if they are indeed involved in cotton's anti-disease response. Finally, they conducted field experiments in multiple places in Xinjiang to see if these disease-resistant cotton varieties can effectively resist diseases in real environments. 6.3 Results and analysis (indicators and data of resistance improvement) Several important gene loci and genetic markers related to blight resistance were found. Among them, a QTL (quantitative trait locus) found on the D02 chromosome is particularly effective for FOV4 pathogens, which is a very valuable goal for future breeding programs (Zhu et al., 2022). In addition, the study also confirmed the role of the two genes GbPP2C80 and GbWAKL14. These genes affect resistance by regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling pathways. Interestingly, they play a role of “resistance”, that is, if these genes can be turned off, cotton may be more resistant to disease. In field trials, these disease-resistant cotton lines performed well. Compared with cotton that is prone to illness, their leaves fall less and their stems are less likely to become lighter or rot, and the degree of disease is greatly reduced (Figure 3). There is also a glutamate receptor-like gene called Fov7 that has also been identified, which provides more clues to the mechanism of cotton's resistance to bacteria (Liu et al., 2021). These results show that integrating genetic means and molecular technologies is expected to cultivate cotton varieties in Xinjiang that are more resistant to disease and more adaptable to the local environment. 7 Conclusion This study focuses on how cotton can enhance its resistance to fungal diseases, especially Verticillium bacterium. From multiple experimental results, we have drawn some key findings. For example, esthetic lactone (SL) can improve the disease resistance of cotton. It activates abscisic acid (ABA) and jasmonic acid (JA) signaling pathways in plants, which are very important in preventing diseases. We also found several key genes that can help cotton fight disease. GhLAC15 is one of them. It can increase lignin in the cotton cell walls, so that the plants are stronger and more resistant to bacteria. There is also a molecule called long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), which also participates in the disease prevention response of cotton. They can regulate cell wall defense genes and make cotton more resistant by affecting the signals of auxin. GhnsLTPsA10 is another important gene. It can regulate the metabolic pathways in cotton, affect the synthesis of flavonoids and lignin, and help improve disease resistance. GhWRKY1-like, a transcription factor, has also been shown to increase lignification levels and soluble sugar content, and is also very helpful in fighting diseases. Through genome-wide association studies (GWAS), we also found multiple QTLs (quantitative trait sites) associated with disease resistance. These results provide a genetic basis for breeding disease-resistant varieties. The study also found that melatonin can also enhance the disease resistance of cotton by regulating the synthesis of lignin and gossypol.
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