High day and night temperatures impact on cotton yield and quality—current status and future research direction

Abstract

Heat waves, and an increased number of warm days and nights, have become more prevalent in major agricultural regions of the world. Although well adapted to semi-arid regions, cotton is vulnerable to high temperatures, particularly during flowering and boll development. To maintain lint yield potential without compromising its quality under high-temperature stress, it is essential to understand the effects of heat stress on various stages of plant growth and development, and associated tolerance mechanisms. Despite ongoing efforts to gather data on the effects of heat stress on cotton growth and development, there remains a critical gap in understanding the distinct influence of high temperatures during the day and night on cotton yield and quality. Also, identifying mechanisms and target traits that induce greater high day and night temperature tolerance is essential for breeding climate-resilient cotton for future uncertain climates. To bridge these knowledge gaps, we embarked on a rigorous and comprehensive review of published literature, delving into the impact of heat stress on cotton yields and the consequential losses in fiber quality. This review encompasses information on the effects of heat stress on growth, physiological, and biochemical responses, fertilization, cotton yield, and quality. Additionally, we discuss management options for minimizing heat stress-induced damage, and the benefits of integrating conventional and genomics-assisted breeding for developing heat-tolerant cotton cultivars. Finally, future research areas that need to be addressed to develop heat-resilient cotton are proposed.

The Impact of Environmental Variability on Cotton Fiber Quality: A Comparative Analysis of Primary Cotton-Producing Regions in Türkiye

“…Despite cotton's inherent plasticity in its growth response to environmental conditions [41], primarily due to its indeterminate growth habit, its ability to grow and produce bolls is constrained by specific temperature ranges [42]. Saini et al [18] reported that while cotton is well adapted to semiarid regions, it remains vulnerable to high temperatures, particularly during the critical stages of flowering and boll development. Cotton achieves greater fiber length during boll development at 22 °C, with a decline observed at both lower and higher temperatures [42], while fiber strength is enhanced when temperatures exceed 25 °C during this stage [43,44].…”

“…Given the significant dependence of quality on environmental conditions, it is crucial to understand the effects of various climatic factors across different cotton-growing regions on fiber quality traits. Various studies have explored the impact of environmental factors on fiber quality traits [3,17,18]. Among these factors, water limitation and drought conditions are considered the primary environmental constraints on fiber quality [19].…”

Unravelling Abiotic Stress Physiology in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.): Biotechnological Interventions in Mitigating Abiotic Stress

“…Implementing efficient irrigation methods such as drip or micro-sprinkler systems to optimize water use and minimize water loss [67]. Employing soil conservation practices like mulching and conservation tillage to enhance soil water retention and reduce evaporation [68]. Identifying the impact of drought stress on cotton and applying effective ways to mitigate its effects is critical for assuring sustainable cotton production, safeguarding yields, and sustaining fiber quality.…”

“…Implementing efficient irrigation methods such as drip or micro-sprinkler systems to optimize water use and minimize water loss [67]. Employing soil conservation practices like mulching and conservation tillage to enhance soil water retention n and reduce evaporation [68].…”

The Supply of Macro- and Microelements to Cotton Plants at Different Distances from a Fertilizer Production Factory

“…There are numerous studies on cotton cultivation in terms of its environmental impact (the use of pesticides, water consumption, and soil degradation), agronomic approaches, the phenological and physiological aspects of cotton growth and development, cotton cultivation during climate change, sustainable cotton production and organic cotton, the effects of air pollution on cotton fabric, cotton breeding and genetics, cotton yield and quality, the utilization of cotton, the cotton market, etc. [26,29,[33][34][35][36][37]. However, no published studies were found on the effects of technogenic air pollution on the biochemical composition of cotton grown in the immediate vicinity of a nitrogen-phosphate fertilizer factory.…”