A Hairy Anther Mutant Isolated in Interspecific Hybrids between Upland Cotton and Pima Cotton

Plant hairs (trichomes) including cotton fiber develop from single epidermal cells on the aerial surfaces of plants. Two main types of trichomes, glandular and nonglandular, can be found playing various functions including protection from insect damage. The development of plant trichomes provides an excellent system for studies of cell developmental biology. Because they are easily observable, simple and easily dissected genetically, qualitative and quantitative genetics of trichomes have been extensively investigated in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). New genes controlling trichomes will provide clues in understanding the molecular basis of fiber development. The objectives of the present studies were to (1) report the discovery of a hairy anther mutant, and (2) conduct genetic studies concerning the inheritance of the hairy anther trait.