Mexico is the center of origin and genetic diversity of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), the most important source of natural fiber in the world. Currently, wild and domesticated populations (including genetically modified [GM] varieties) occur in this country and gene flow among them has shaped the species’ genetic diversity and structure, setting a complex and challenging scenario for its conservation. Moreover, recent gene flow from GM cultivars to wild Mexican cotton populations has been reported since 2011. In situ conservation of G. hirsutum requires knowledge about the extent of its geographic distribution, both wild and domesticated, as well as the possible routes and mechanisms that contribute to gene flow between the members of the species wild-to-domesticated continuum (i.e., the primary gene pool). However, little is known about the distribution of feral populations that could facilitate gene flow by acting as bridges. In this study, we analyzed the potential distribution of feral cotton based on an ecological niche modeling approach and discussed its implications in the light of the distribution of wild and domesticated cotton. Then, we examined the processes that could be leading to the escape of seeds from the cultivated fields. Our results indicate that the climatic suitability of feral plants in the environmental and geographic space is broad and overlaps with areas of wild cotton habitat and crop fields, suggesting a region that could bridge cultivated cotton and its wild relatives by allowing gene flow between them. This study will provide information for management efforts focused on the conservation of wild populations, native landraces, and non-GM domesticated cotton at its center of origin and genetic diversity.

中文翻译：

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野棉的生态地理：陆地棉主要基因库成员之间的基因流动动力学难题中的缺失部分

墨西哥是陆地棉（陆地棉）的起源和遗传多样性的中心，陆地棉是世界上最重要的天然纤维来源。当前，该国出现了野生和驯化的种群（包括转基因[GM]品种），其中的基因流已经影响了该物种的遗传多样性和结构，为该物种的保护提出了复杂而具有挑战性的设想。此外，自2011年以来，已有报道从转基因品种到墨西哥野生墨西哥棉花的基因流动。原发地保存陆地棉需要了解其野生和驯养的地理分布范围，以及可能的途径和机制。促进了从野生到驯化的连续体物种（即原始基因库）成员之间的基因流动。然而，关于野生种群的分布知之甚少，这些种群可以通过充当桥梁来促进基因流动。在这项研究中，我们基于生态位建模方法分析了野生棉的潜在分布，并根据野生和驯养棉的分布讨论了其潜在意义。然后，我们检查了可能导致种子从耕地中逸出的过程。我们的结果表明，野生环境环境和地理环境中的气候适应性广泛，并且与野生棉花栖息地和耕地重叠，这表明该地区可以通过允许棉花和野生近缘种之间的基因交流来桥接。这项研究将为管理工作提供信息，这些工作的重点是保护野生种群，本地地方品种，