A Study Towards the Development of Salt Tolerant Upland Cotton (Gossypium Hirsutum L.)

Salt-affected areas are increasing at a rapid rate that are decreasing agricultural productivity. For this purpose, 6 salt-tolerant and 3 salt-sensitive parents were crossed in a Line x Tester fashion and were sown under control, 10 and 15 dSm(-1) salt stress for 2 years. Data were recorded for various biochemical, agronomic, and fiber quality traits like H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide), SOD (superoxide dismutase), POD (peroxidase), CAT (catalase), TSP (total soluble proteins), K+ (potassium), Na+ (sodium), potassium to sodium ratio (K+/Na+), plant height, number of bolls, boll weight, seed cotton yield, GOT% (ginning out turn) fiber fineness, fiber length, and fiber strength. Mean values of plant height, number of bolls, boll weight, seed cotton yield, K+, K+/Na+, fiber fineness, fiber length, fiber strength, antioxidants' activities showed significant reductions under salt stress. Contrarily, Na+, GOT%, H2O2, TSP and POD activity increased under salt stress, and this effect was more profound under 15 dSm(-1). KEHKSHAN x FH-114 remained outstanding in both years and was found salt-tolerant genotype which can be effectively used in future breeding program.

Automated summary

Salt-affected areas are expanding and negatively impacting agricultural productivity. In this study, the effects of salt stress on biochemical, agronomic, and fiber quality traits were investigated. The results showed significant reductions in plant growth and fiber quality under salt stress, while sodium content and antioxidant activity increased. However, the salt-tolerant genotype KEHKSHAN x FH-114 performed well and could be utilized in future breeding programs.