Exploitation of morphophysiological and biochemical assessment of cotton germplasm against salt stress

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is one of the most economically important crops worldwide. However, high salt stress in soil, resulting from agricultural practices and climate change, can pose a substantial risk to cotton growth and productivity. The objective of this research was to assess the ability of several G. hirsutum genotypes against various levels of salt stress. In this study, 15 cotton genotypes were collected from public research organizations of Pakistan, namely Central Cotton Research Institute Multan and Cotton Research Station Bahawalpur. Salt stress was imposed at the three-leaf stage of the plants, using NaCl concentrations of 100 mM, 150 mM, and 200 mM. The results revealed significant variations among genotypes in response to salt stress, with certain genotypes exhibiting better performance under saline conditions. Under the highest salt stress levels, IUB-212 (48.7%, −13.8%) and KZ-189 (68%, 2.9%) exhibited superior morphological parameters like root and shoot length, including longer root lengths and higher fresh root weights. Meanwhile, CIM-608 (19.4%, −5.8%, −7.5%), MNH-886 (2.4%, 51.4%, 24.4%), and FH-214 (50%, −23.8%, 20.4%) showed significant changes in biochemical attributes (SOD, POD, and CAT at 200 mM salt stress, respectively), whilst FH-144 exhibited high peroxidase (−6.8%) and catalase (23.3%) activity during salinity stress suggesting greater salt tolerance potential. Three genotypes, CIM-608, MNH-886 and VH-295, were identified as salt-tolerant genotypes. Whereas, FH-214, VH-325 and FH-144 were identified as susceptible genotypes. It is concluded that genotypes CIM-608, MNH-886, and VH-295 may be used to grow on saline soil to enhance cotton productivity for sustainable agriculture.