Evaluation of Upland Cotton Genotypes for Morphometric, Photosynthesis-Related Traits and Parameters Related to Enzymatic and Non-Enzymatic Antioxidant Accumulation

Abstract

: To develop new crop varieties, the evaluation of existing germplasm is the basic step based on the agro-morphological, physiological, biochemical traits and molecular traits. The current study was designed to evaluate ten cotton genotypes based on key morpho-physiological and biochemical traits. Cotton genotypes were arranged in triplicates using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with plant-to-plant and bed-to-bed distances of 30 cm and 75 cm, respectively. Data from fully guarded, mature plants was collected. The results obtained through ANOVA revealed the presence of significant variations in the studied plant parameters. The correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between seed cotton yield and net photosynthetic rate (0.92**), tannins (0.80**), malondialdehyde (0.73*), total oxidant status (-0.86**) and hydrogen peroxide (-0.84**). Multivariate analysis approaches, i.e., principal component, biplot, and cluster analysis, were used to classify and characterize cotton genotypes based on their performance. These analyses revealed that BH-341 and BH-254 were the most productive cotton genotypes. Therefore, these genotypes could be recommended for cultivation in core-cotton areas following extensive multilocation testing.