Mapping by sequencing in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) line MD52ne identified candidate genes for fiber strength and its related quality attributes.

Key message Three QTL regions controlling three fiber quality traits were validated and further fine-mapped with 27 new single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Transcriptome analysis suggests that receptor-like kinases found within the validated QTLs are potential candidate genes responsible for superior fiber strength in cotton line MD52ne.