陆地棉产量相关性状的QTL定位

中棉所28和湘杂棉2号分别是以中棉所12×4133和中棉所12×8891配制而成的两个陆地棉强优势杂交种。以其F₂为作图群体,筛选6000多对SSR引物,利用两群体间27个共有多态位点,通过JoinMap 3.0软件整合了一张包含245个多态位点、全长1847.81 cM的遗传图谱。利用Win QTLCart 2.5复合区间作图法分别对两群体8个产量相关性状在F₂和F_2:3中进行QTL定位,在中棉所28群体多环境平均值的联合分析中检测到16个QTL,三环境分离分析中检测到43个QTL;在湘杂棉2号群体分别检测到20个和66个QTL。在A3、D8、D9等染色体上有QTL成簇分布现象,同时在两个群体中发现一些不受环境影响且稳定遗传的QTL。对考察的8个性状在两个群体中发现12对共有QTL,控制果枝数、衣分和籽指的QTL增效基因位点均来源于共同亲本中棉所12。综合分析推测中棉所12的育种价值主要是通过提高后代的结铃性来实现的。研究结果为棉花产量性状的分子设计育种提供了有用的信息。     

Quantitative trait loci mapping and epistatic analysis for grain yield and yield components using molecular markers with an elite maize hybrid

Summary The aim of this investigation was to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with grain yield and yield components in maize and to analyze the role of epistasis in controlling these traits. An F_2:3 population from an elite hybrid (Zong3 × 87-1) was used to evaluate grain yield and yield components in two locations (Wuhan and Xiangfan, China) using a randomized complete-block design. The mapping population included 266 F_2:3 family lines. A genetic linkage map containing 150 simple sequence repeats and 24 restriction fragment length polymorphism markers was constructed, spanning a total of 2531.6 cM with an average interval of 14.5 cM. A logarithm-of-odds threshold of 2.8 was used as the criterion to confirm the presence of one QTL after 1000 permutations. Twenty-nine QTL were detected for four yield traits, with 11 of them detected simultaneously in both locations. Single QTL contribution to phenotypic variations ranged from 3.7% to 16.8%. Additive, partial dominance, dominance, and overdominance effects were all identified for investigated traits. A greater proportion of overdominance effects was always observed for traits that exhibited higher levels of heterosis. At the P ≤ 0.005 level with 1000 random permutations, 175 and 315 significant digenic interactions were detected in two locations for four yield traits using all possible locus pairs of molecular markers. Twenty-four significant digenic interactions were simultaneously detected for four yield traits at both locations. All three possible digenic interaction types were observed for investigated traits. Each of the interactions accounted for only a small proportion of the phenotypic variation, with an average of 4.0% for single interaction. Most interactions (74.9%) occurred among marker loci, in which significant effects were not detected by single-locus analysis. Some QTL (52.2%) detected by single-locus analysis were involved in epistatic interactions. These results demonstrate that digenic interactions at the two-locus level might play an important role in the genetic basis of maize heterosis.     

Hybrid performance and AFLP- based genetic similarity in faba bean

Successful prediction of heterosis and performance of F₁-hybrids from the genetic similarity of their parents based on molecular markers has been reported in several crops and can be very helpful in hybrid breeding. The relationship between genetic similarities based on amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) of 18 European faba bean lines and their hybrid performance and heterosis was investigated. Parental lines, 62 F₁-hybrids and their F₂-progenies were evaluated in field trials in four environments in Germany for seed yield, 1,000-seed weight and plant height. Results clearly demonstrated a stable superiority of the hybrids over their inbred parents and elite check cultivars, and showed a marked and varying amount of heterosis. Parental seed yield and F₂-hybrid yield were promising as predictors for F₁-hybrids. AFLP analysis of the 18 inbred lines using 26 EcoRI/MseI primer combinations resulted in 1202 polymorphic fragments. Cluster analysis based on genetic similarity estimates unambiguously identified pedigree-related inbred lines. No clear separation of the 18 inbred lines into subgroups was detected. Correlation coefficients between genetic similarity estimates and either heterosis or F₁-hybrid performance were small and not useful. Also correlations between specific genetic similarity and specific combining ability were too small for all traits to be of predictive value. Results showed that AFLP-based genetic similarities are not useful to predict the performance of hybrids or heterosis within the elite European faba bean gene pool.     

Genetic mapping of quantitative trait loci for fiber quality and yield trait by RIL approach in Upland cotton

The improvement of cotton fiber quality has become more important because of changes in spinning technology. Stable quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for fiber quality will enable molecular marker-assisted selection to improve fiber quality of future cotton cultivars. A simple sequence repeat (SSR) genetic linkage map consisting of 156 loci covering 1,024.4 cM was constructed using a series of recombinant inbred lines (RIL) developed from an F₂ population of an Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cross 7235 × TM-1. Phenotypic data were collected at Nanjing and Guanyun County in 2002 and 2003 for 5 fiber quality and 6 yield traits. We found 25 major QTLs (LOD ≥ 3.0) and 28 putative QTLs (2.0 < LOD < 3.0) for fiber quality and yield components in two or four environments independently. Among the 25 QTLs with LOD ≥ 3, we found 4 QTLs with large effects on fiber quality and 7 QTLs with large effects on yield components. The most important chromosome D8 in the present study was densely populated with markers and QTLs, in which 36 SSR loci within a chromosomal region of 72.7 cM and 9 QTLs for 8 traits were detected.     

Relationship between hybrid performance and AFLP based genetic distance in highland maize inbred lines

The objectives of this study were to determine the crossing performance of highland maize inbred lines for grain yield, days to silk and plant height; estimate genetic distance (GD) among the inbred lines and in association with tester parents, and to investigate the relationship of GD with hybrid performance and midparent heterosis (MPH). A total of 26 inbred lines were crossed with six (population and line) testers in a factorial-mating scheme. The F_1’s and the parents were evaluated at five locations in Ethiopia. Nine amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) primer pairs were used to genotype all the parents. The F_1’s were found to vary widely for grain yield and other traits measured. Yield superiority of more than 30% over the best hybrid check was obtained for some testcross hybrids. Midparent heterosis on average was moderate for grain yield and, plant height. And for days to silking, MPH values were mostly negative. Mean GD values determined from the inbred lines by population tester (0.680) and line tester (0.661) combinations were not significantly different. Cluster analysis separated the tester parents from the corresponding inbred lines. AFLP grouping of the inbred lines was in agreement with their pedigree records. Genetic distances derived from the inbred lines × all testers and from the population testers’ sub-group were not positively correlated with hybrid performance and MPH for most traits. In contrast, correlations of GDs involving the line testers’ sub-group with F_1’s and MPH were significantly positive but with low magnitude to be of predictive value.     

Genetic analysis of heterotic loci detected in a cross between indica and japonica rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The study on the genetic basis of heterosis has received significant attention in recent years. In this study, using a set of introgression lines (ILs) and corresponding testcross F₁ populations, we investigated heterotic loci (HL) associated with six yield-related traits in both Oryza sativa L. subsp. indica and japonica. A total of 41 HL were detected on the basis of mid-parent heterosis values with single-point analysis. The F₁ test-cross population showed superiority in most yield-related traits and was characterized by a high frequency of overdominant HL. Thirty-eight of the 41 HL were overdominant, and in the absence of epistasis, three HL were dominant, suggesting that heterotic effects at the single-locus level mainly appeared to be overdominant in rice. Twenty-four HL had a real positive effect, suggesting that they are viable candidates for the improvement of rice yield potential. Compared with the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) detected in the ILs, only six out of the 41 (14.6%) HL were detected in QTL analysis under the same statistical threshold, indicating that heterosis and trait performance may be conditioned by different sets of loci.     

Identification of quantitative trait loci across interspecific F2, F2:3 and testcross populations for agronomic and fiber traits in tetraploid cotton

The most widely grown tetraploid Gossypium hirsutum and G. barbadense differ greatly in yield potential and fiber quality and numerous quantitative trait loci (QTLs) have been reported. However, correspondence of QTLs between experiments and populations is poor due to limited number of markers, small population size and inaccurate phenotyping. The purpose of the present study was to map QTLs for yield, yield components and fiber quality traits using testcross progenies between a large interspecific F₂ population and a commercial cotton cultivar as the tester. The results were compared to these from its F₂ and F_2:3 progenies. Of the 177 QTLs identified from the three populations, 65 fiber QTLs and 51 yield QTLs were unique with an average of 8–12 QTLs per traits. All the 26 chromosomes carried QTLs, but differed in the number of QTLs and the number of QTLs between fiber and yield QTLs. The congruence of QTLs identified across populations was higher (20–60 %) for traits with higher heritabilities including fiber quality, seed index and lint percentage, but lower (10–25 %) for lower heritability traits-seedcotton and lint yields. Major QTLs, QTL clusters for the same traits and QTL ‘hotspots’ for different traits were also identified. This research represents the first report using a testcross population in QTL mapping in interspecific cotton crosses and provides useful information for further comparative analysis and marker-assisted selection.     

Dissection of component QTL expression in yield formation in rice

Yield and its components were investigated by using a population of 241 recombinant inbred lines (F₉ RILs) derived from an elite hybrid rice cross of ‘Zhenshan 97’בMinghui 63′. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for causal analysing of yield traits were detected at different yield component (YC) influences by conditional and unconditional QTL mapping methods. The number of QTLs significantly affecting yield was different at component‐special influence. Some QTLs controlling yield identified in one component influence were undetectable at the others. More QTLs for yield could be detected at different YC influences. It is possible to reveal that causal gene expression for yield could be different at different YC influences. Mapping QTLs for component effects of yield could help us in understanding the nature of cause‐effect traits for the formation of grain yield.     

转基因抗虫棉产量相关性状QTL的分子标记及定位

 采用亚洲棉渐渗的纤维强度突出的陆地棉优质新品系0-153与陆地棉转基因抗虫新品系sGK9708为亲本,构建了F₂及F_2∶3分离群体。利用3869对SSR引物筛选亲本,得到125对多态性引物。进一步对183个F₂群体单株分析得到150个多态性标记位点,其中100个标记位点连锁,构建20个连锁群,共覆盖660 cM,占棉花总基因组的14.67%,每个连锁群平均包含5个标记位点,标记间平均相距6.6 cM,其中13个连锁群确定了对应的染色体。利用F₂和F_2:3数据,通过复合区间作图,共检测到28个产量及相关因素的QTLs。这些控制产量性状的QTLs只存在于5个连锁群上,成簇分布。与皮棉产量性状有关的2个QTLs,均与其它多个产量相关性状的QTLs在同一个连锁区段内,增效基因遗传效应方向一致,有必要研究其在标记辅助选择中的效果。本研究没有检测到在多世代表现稳定的QTL。因此,需要培育重组自交系,进一步明确产量性状有关QTL的遗传效应。     

Diallel analysis of combining ability and heterosis for yield and yield components in rice by using positive loci

Diallel crosses have been widely used for analysis of general combining ability (GCA), specific combining ability (SCA) and heterosis. In the present research, 12 lines were selected from 60 inbred rice bred by International Rice Research Institute with extremely-high or -low yielding records according to the previous three consecutive seasons of yield trial experiments, to construct a half diallel cross. The genetic distances (GDs) revealed by molecular markers for the 12 lines ranged from 0.2288 to 0.7169, averaging at 0.5882; clustering analysis showed the 12 lines were divided into four groups maintaining the original cluster structure of the 60 lines. The positive loci (PLs) including effective-increasing loci (ILs) and effective-decreasing loci (DLs) were screened. The results showed that hybrids derived from those parents with higher GCA effects had better performance for traits of yield and yield components. The SCA effects were strongly correlated to F₁ performance as well as heterosis; the GDs based on ILs were significantly positive correlated to SCA effects and heterosis for yield and yield components while the GDs based on DLs showed the significant negative correlations. Based on this research, a new conception, i.e. general sum of combining ability (GSCA) was conceived, which is defined as the sum of GCAs for two parents of a hybrid. The GSCA and SCA showed similar correlations with traits of yield and yield components. The results illustrated that ILs could be used for further study on prediction of heterosis for traits of yield and yield components; and GSCA may be another considerable parameter combined with ILs for breeders in selecting elite hybrid.     

江淮稻区杂交粳稻骨干亲本产量性状配合力的SSR标记位点鉴定

鉴定杂交粳稻亲本产量性状配合力的标记位点有助于利用分子标记辅助选择技术改良亲本配合力、提高杂交粳稻竞争优势水平。利用9个粳稻BT型不育系和10个恢复系, 按照北卡罗林那设计II (North Carolina Design II)配制90个F₁组合,在南京和盱眙两个环境下种植,测定了各亲本产量性状的配合力和SSR分子标记基因型;结合二者数据鉴定了6个产量性状配合力的标记位点。结果表明,在两个环境下综合评价配合力较优的不育系是BT-18A和武羌A,恢复系是C418。与亲本单株有效穗数、每穗总粒数、每穗实粒数、结实率、千粒重和单株日产量性状配合力显著相关的SSR标记位点,南京环境下分别检测到8、13、11、6、6和2个;盱眙环境下分别检测到12、21、8、15、10和7个;2个环境下都检测到的分别有4、11、5、3、5和1个。标记位点杂合基因型显示正向优势的,南京环境下占74% (34/46);盱眙环境下占53% (39/73)。2个环境下都检测到的标记位点中,有3个各自与3个产量性状配合力共相关;另有3个各自与2个产量性状配合力共相关;其余的只与单个产量性状配合力显著相关。数据库检索发现两环境下都检测到的标记位点中,有10个其附近存在控制相应性状的基因/QTL。讨论了利用鉴定出的标记位点改良粳稻恢复系产量性状配合力的策略。     

Identification and application of major quantitative trait loci for panicle length in rice (Oryza sativa) through single‐segment substitution lines

Panicle length (PL), an important yield‐related trait, strongly affects yield components, such as grain number, grain density and rice quality. More than 200 panicle length quantitative trait loci (PL QTLs) are identified, but only a small number are applied in rice breeding. In this study, we performed QTL analysis for PL using 42 single‐segment substitution lines (SSSLs) derived from nine donors in the genetic background of HJX74. Fourteen QTLs and five heterosis QTLs (HQTLs) for PL were recognised. Three QTLs and four HQTLs acted positively, and the other eleven QTLs and one HQTL acted negatively. By scanning the single heterozygous background region of the F₂ population with large‐genetic‐effect SSSLs, we mapped PL loci qPL6‐2 and qPL7‐1 to different locations on chromosomes 6 and 7, respectively, in three consecutive years of independent trials. The genetic effects of these QTLs were further assessed. qPL6‐2 demonstrated the most positive additive effect (QTL), whereas qPL7‐1 achieved the most positive dominant effect (HQTL) for PL. These results indicated that the pyramiding of PL QTLs might increase grain yield and facilitate the application of the beneficial allele in hybrid rice breeding.     

Advanced backcross QTL analysis reveals complicated genetic control of rice grain shape in a japonica × indica cross

Grain shape is an important trait for improving rice yield. A number of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for this trait have been identified by using primary F₂ mapping populations and recombinant inbred lines, in which QTLs with a small effect are harder to detect than they would be in advanced generations. In this study, we developed two advanced mapping populations (chromosome segment substitution lines [CSSLs] and BC₄F₂ lines consisting of more than 2000 individuals) in the genetic backgrounds of two improved cultivars: a japonica cultivar (Koshihikari) with short, round grains, and an indica cultivar (IR64) with long, slender grains. We compared the ability of these materials to reveal QTLs for grain shape with that of an F₂ population. Only 8 QTLs for grain length or grain width were detected in the F₂ population, versus 47 in the CSSL population and 65 in the BC₄F₂ population. These results strongly suggest that advanced mapping populations can reveal QTLs for agronomic traits under complicated genetic control, and that DNA markers linked with the QTLs are useful for choosing superior allelic combinations to enhance grain shape in the Koshihikari and IR64 genetic backgrounds.     

Genetic diversity of oilseed Brassica napus inbred lines based on sequence-related amplified polymorphism and its relation to hybrid performance

Significant heterosis for seed yield in oilseed rape has created interest in the development of hybrid cultivars. The DNA‐based marker protocol, sequence‐related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) was used to determine genetic diversity among oilseed rape maintainer and restorer lines. This measure was used in an attempt to establish an association between genetic distance and heterosis in hybrids for various agronomic traits. A total of 118 polymorphic loci were generated by 18 SRAP primer combinations. Based on the polymorphism generated by the markers, calculated similarity index values ranged from 0.46 to 0.97. Cluster analysis grouped 10 maintainer and 12 restorer lines into three groups, with the exception of two maintainer lines, PM5 and PM9, which fell outside these groups. The grouping of the lines was largely in agreement with the available pedigree data on their origin and agronomic performance. Analysis of variance among inbred lines and their resulting F₁ hybrids over two locations revealed significant differences for plant height, days to maturity and seed yield, but not for oil content. Substantial mid‐parent heterosis was observed only for seed yield, and ranged from 26% to 169%. All hybrids surpassed their respective inbred lines for this trait, except for a single cross combination of related lines. In general, crosses of lines located in different clusters yielded more than those from the same clusters. Regression analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship between the genetic distance of the parents and seed yield in their hybrid, and their derived mid‐parent and high‐parent heterosis. The correlation coefficient between genetic distance and yield (0.64) indicated a moderately strong relationship, so it is possible that some of the SRAP markers might be linked to quantitative trait loci for seed yield.     

Heterosis,combining ability and genetic effect,and relationship with genetic distance based on a diallel of hybrids from five diverse <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gossypium barbadense</Emphasis> cotton genotypes

The cultivated tetraploid Gossypium barbadense L. cotton produces superior natural fibers for the textile industry in the world. However, the possibility in utilization of heterosis to further increase its lint yield has not been extensively explored. In this study, two commercial US Pima cotton cultivars and three exotic G. barbadense lines, together with all of their possible hybrids in F₁ and F₂ progeny without reciprocals, were tested for lint yield, yield components, and fiber quality traits in four environments in 2005–2007. With a few exceptions, genotype (G), environment (E), and G × E were all significant or highly significant for all the traits studied. General combining ability (GCA) variances for all the traits in both F₁ and F₂ were also significant, while specific combining ability (SCA) variances were detected only for lint yield, fiber length, and micronaire in both generations and boll weight in F₁. GCA × E was also detected for lint percent, seed index, and fiber length in both F₁ and F₂, and boll weight in F₁, but none of the traits had significant SCA × E. As a group, F₁ and F₂ out-yielded the parent group by 20–40% and 6–10%, respectively. Mid-parent heterosis (MPH) for lint yield in F₁ was generally positive, ranging from ?4.7 to 116.4% with an average of 21.2–48.7%, while lint yield MPH in F₂ ranged from ?23.3 to 69.4% with an average of 6.4–12.4%. However, useful heterosis in lint yield was only detected in the hybrid between the two US commercial cultivars Pima S-7 and DP 340. MPH for other traits was low or not detected. MPH in F₂ was lower than that in F₁ but they were generally positively correlated. The genetic distances (GD) of the parents (based on 467 polymorphic RAPD and AFLP markers) between the five parents was not consistently correlated with MPH and SCA of their hybrids and dominant effects for lint yield and other traits. However, significant and positive correlations between GD of parents and the performance of their hybrids were detected for lint yield, lint percentage, and lint index in both F₁ and F₂ in most of the tests. GD of parents was also correlated with their GCA and additive effects in lint yield, lint percent, lint index, micronaire, plant height, and elongation. The results suggest that the close correlation between GD and hybrid performance per se was mainly due to the existence of GCA and additive effects from parents.     

Genetic diversity of Tainan-white maize inbred lines and prediction of single cross hybrid performance using RAPD markers

To evaluate the genetic diversity of 13 maize inbred lines, and to determine the correlation between genetic distance and single cross hybrid performance, we employed the randomly amplified polymorphic DNA(RAPD)- a PCR-based technique. Six of these lines came from the Taichung population, and others derived from seven different sites. Forty different primers were used to give a total of 646 reproducible amplification products, 547 (84.7%) of them being polymorphic. Genetic divergence was determined using Jaccard's similarity coefficient, and a final dendrogram was constructed by UPGMA (unweighted pair-group method with arithmetical averages) cluster analysis in the CLUSTER procedure of the SAS system. The RAPD analysis was a useful tool in determining the extent of genetic diversity among Tainan-white maize inbred lines in the present case. Cluster analysis showed that the 13 inbred lines could be classified into distinct heterotic groups. There was no significant linear regression of grain dry weight heterosis value and mean performance of hybrids on genetic distance. And their coefficients of determination(R²) are small, so that predictive value is limited. The present results showed that the Jaccard's similarity coefficients based on RAPD data cannot be used to precisely predict the F₁ hybrids yield performance and heterosis value. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

陆地棉衣分差异群体产量及产量构成因素

 以衣分差异较大的陆地棉品种为材料,构建了包含188个F₂单株的作图群体,应用6111对SSR引物对亲本进行了分子标记筛选,结果仅获得了123个多态性位点,其中88个位点构建了总长为666.7 cM、平均距离为7.57 cM的遗传图谱,覆盖棉花基因组的14.9%。通过复合区间作图法对F₂单株和F_2∶3家系进行QTL检测,共鉴定出了18个控制产量及产量构成因素变异的QTLs,包括2个衣分QTLs、4个子棉产量QTLs、4个皮棉产量QTLs、2个衣指QTLs、3个单株铃数QTLs、2个铃重QTLs和1个子指QTL。 解释的表型变异分别为\{6.9%\}～16.9%、5.6%～16.2%、4.8%～15.6%、7.7%～13.3%、8.2%～11.6%、6.1%～7%和6.6%。不同QTLs在相同染色体区段上的成簇分布表明与产量性状相关的基因可能紧密连锁或一因多效。产量及产量构成因素QTLs的遗传方式主要以显性和超显性效应为主。检测到的主效QTLs可以用于棉花产量及产量构成因素的分子标记辅助选择。     

一个新的水稻花粉半不育性位点的定位分析

利用一套以籼稻珍汕97B为背景的粳稻日本晴染色体片段代换系,鉴定发现1个半不育的代换系。全基因组基因型分析表明,该代换系仅含3个粳稻导入片段,而其他遗传背景与珍汕97B相同。在湖北武汉和海南分别种植其衍生的F₂和F₃分离群体,采用单标记分析和区间作图法分析花粉育性和小穗育性的数量性状位点(QTL),结果表明,该代换系的半不育性是第2染色体上的粳稻导入片段引起的,该片段RM262~RM475区间存在1个新的影响花粉育性的QTL,其贡献率为13.9%。研究结果将为进一步精细定位水稻育性QTL以及鉴定相关功能基因提供重要的试验基础。     

Construction of a genetic linkage map and QTL analysis of fiber-related traits in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

A genetic linkage map with 70 loci (55 SSR, 12 AFLP and 3 morphological loci) was constructed using 117 F₂ plants obtained from a cross between two upland cotton cultivars Yumian 1 and T586, which have relatively high levels of DNA marker polymorphism and differ remarkably in fiber-related traits. The linkage map comprised of 20 linkage groups, covering 525 cM with an average distance of 7.5 cM between two markers, or approximately 11.8% of the recombination length of the cotton genome. The present genetic linkage map was used to identify and map the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) affecting lint percentage and fiber quality traits in 117 F_2:3 family lines. Sixteen QTLs for lint percentage and fiber quality traits were identified in six linkage groups by multiple interval mapping: four QTLs for lint percentage, two QTLs for fiber 2.5% span length, three QTLs for fiber length uniformity, three QTLs for fiber strength, two QTLs for fiber elongation and two QTLs for micronaire reading. The QTL controlling fiber-related traits were mainly additive, and meanwhile including dominant and overdominant. Several QTLs affecting different fiber-related traits were detected within the same chromosome region, suggesting that genes controlling fiber traits may be linked or the result of pleiotropy.     

Relationship between molecular marker heterozygosity and hybrid performance in intra- and interspecific hybrids of cotton

The present study was conducted to investigate the relationship between parental molecular marker diversity and hybrid performance in both intra‐ and interspecific hybrids of cotton to evaluate the feasibility of predicting hybrid performance using molecular markers. Three cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) lines were crossed with 10 restorer lines to produce 22 F₁ hybrids during 2003. Of 22 F₁s, 14 hybrids were intraspecific (Gossypium hirsutum × G. hirsutum) and eight interspecific (G. hirsutum × G. barbadense). These 22 F₁ hybrids and their parents were evaluated for yield and fibre quality traits at Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China during 2004 and 2005. Genetic distances (GD) among the parents were calculated from 56 random‐amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPD) and 66 simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker data, and their correlation with hybrid performance and heterosis were analysed. The parents could be discriminated into G. hirsutum and G. barbadense clusters by cluster analysis based on both RAPD and SSR markers data. The correlation (r = 0.503, P ≤ 0.05) was calculated between GD_rapd (GD based on RAPD markers) and GD_ssr (GD based on SSR markers). Correlation of GD with hybrid performance and heterosis differed considerably between intra‐ and interspecific hybrids. The correlation between GD and hybrid performance was non‐significant for most of traits within the hybrids of G. hirsutum species. However, it was significantly and positively correlated for fibre length, fibre strength and elongation in interspecific hybrids. The relationship between GD and heterosis was observed to be positively significant for boll weight within hybrids of G. hirsutum with significant and negative correlations for fibre length and elongation. In conclusion, the power of predicting hybrid performance using molecular markers in cotton is low. But, the relationship between SSR marker heterozygosity and hybrid performance can be used to predict fibre length during interspecific hybrid cotton breeding.