Repercussions of Waterlogging Stress at Morpho-Physiological Level on Cotton and Ways to Lessen the Damage to Crop Yields

Abstract

The volatility of the climate, which is characterized by intermittent heavy rainfall, causes flooding. The problem is exacerbated in soils with limited internal drainage by warm weather patterns. Cotton is commonly grown under these conditions, putting it at risk for yield losses due to summer flooding following heavy rainfall. This requires a deeper understanding of cotton's processes for waterlogging tolerance. This research analyses likely reasons of waterlogging-induced yield loss in cotton, as well as ways for boosting waterlogging tolerance, based on the little information available on cotton and recommendations from other species. The yield penalty is impacted by soil type, phenological stage, and the total time roots were exposed to less than 10% air-filled porosity. In addition to other soil-related issues, an oxygen deficiency in the root zone alters the redox state of nutrients, rendering some inaccessible (such as nitrogen) or potentially poisonous to plants. In addition, xylem-transported root hormones have long been linked to oxygen shortage. Reduced root growth, reduced nutrient uptake and transport, and disturbed hormone signaling are examples of subterranean effects on shoots that impact canopy formation, photosynthesis, and radiation utilization efficiency. Cotton has no evident root aerenchyma reaction and low fermentative activity compared to cereals with greater waterlogging tolerance. We believe that these traits have a significant effect on cotton's susceptibility to prolonged waterlogging. These subsurface components' effects on photosynthesis, shoot functionality, and yield components are discussed. Utilizing management techniques such as fertilizer application, soil aeration, and controlled watering helps prevent waterlogging. Reducing the expression of the genes directing ethylene production and introducing anti-ethylene compounds to limit ethylene biosynthesis are effective methods for preventing yield losses in cotton plants that have become waterlogged.

Heterotic Potential of Upland Cotton Hybrids for Earliness and Yield Related Attributes

“…Utilizing hybrid vigor in industrial cotton production is a popular subject. Pakistan can reap the benefits of cotton heterosis by developing early maturing cultivars and increasing production per acre (Ali et al, 2019;Chaudhary et al, 2019;Khalid and Amjad, 2018;Khalid and Amjad 2019;Malik and Rasheed 2022;Rana et al, 2021). Keeping heterosis in mind, the purpose of the present study is to evaluate the heterosis performance of various yield and earliness-related traits.…”