Characterizations of male sterility in a glyphosate-tolerant upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) induced by glyphosate and its assessments on safety utilization

•Shorter and fusion filaments, larger distance between androecium and stigma, and anther indehiscence are the main phenotypes in the male sterility.•The male sterility can be characterized by the featured tapetum, pollen, expressing rate of G6-EPSPS and ascorbate peroxidase.•The male sterility prior to conventional manual emasculating for hybrid cottonseed production, since the performance on F1 yield traits and fiber quality.