BREEDING AND GENETICS Utilization of Cotton Germplasm in the Winter Nursery at Tecoman, Mexico for Plant Breeding Training and Research

The cotton industry benefits from the use of genetic diversity in cotton breeding programs as well as from robust educational programs that train future cotton plant breeders. This project was coordinated in an effort to familiarize plant breeding students with the diversity of cotton germplasm resources within the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS). In 2009, a group of students from Texas A&M University and Texas Tech University spent five days at the winter nursery in Tecoman, Mexico. They assisted in the characterization and roguing of a portion of the national cotton germplasm collection. Learning experiences included observation of novel phenotypic characteristics, understanding the utility and resource value of the national germplasm collection, and mastering international travel and exposure to unfamiliar cultures. This program enhanced the graduate school experience and contributed to students’ professional development.