Genetics of biochemical attributes regulating morpho-physiology of upland cotton under high temperature conditions

Abstract

Abstract Background. In the global textile industry, cotton is a strategic fibre crop. It has a large impact on the industrial and agricultural economies of many countries. Sustainable cotton production is continuously threatened by the unpredictable changes in climate, specifically high temperatures. One of the main goals of contemporary cotton breeding programs is the production of high-yielding, heat-tolerant cotton cultivars with wide adaptation that can be grown throughout warming climate regions. Methods. The current study was designed to explore how heat stress impacts biochemical parameters that control the morpho-physiology of upland cotton. Two heat susceptible (FH-115 and NIAB-Kiran) and two heat tolerant (IUB-13 and GH-Mubarak) accessions were selected to develop filial and backcross generations. Heat tolerant ability of these generations and parental lines was assessed by determining viability of pollen grains, thermostability of cell membrane, levels of antioxidants and reactive oxygen species and yield related traits under both normal and high temperature environments in the field. Genetic control of these traits was assessed through generation mean analysis. Correlation and heterotic studies helped find the relationship among traits and best cross combination, respectively. Results. The data indicated that heat stress negatively impacted every plant attribute analysed. The IUB-13 × FH-115 cross performed best under both normal and high temperatures for yield, biochemical, and physiological attributes. Yield of seed cotton exhibited positive associations with antioxidant levels and pollen viability. Conclusions. The insights derived from this study will aid breeders in identifying traits for selection to develop cotton cultivars that can tolerate the existing challenging environmental conditions.