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 × 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 × FH-114 remained outstanding in both years and was found salt-tolerant genotype which can be effectively used in future breeding program.