Yucatán Peninsula identified as origin of global upland cotton

Researchers have confirmed that the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico is the birthplace of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), the species responsible for 90% of the world's cotton production. The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, were the result of a collaborative study involving researchers from the United States, Mexico, Europe, and China.

In addition to identifying the center of domestication, the study uncovered significant genetic diversity within wild cotton populations. These wild plants, described as woody perennial shrubs found near sand dunes, possess shorter and coarser fibers compared to domesticated varieties. Scientists suggest that this genetic reservoir could be utilized to improve crop resilience and enhance future agricultural yields.