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ARS Home » Plains Area » Lubbock, Texas » Cropping Systems Research Laboratory » Plant Stress and Germplasm Development Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #300162
Title: Identification of commercial cultivars for the Texas high plains with drought tolerance or improved response to water deficits

Author
item WITT, TRAVIS - Texas Tech University
item Ulloa, Mauricio
item Burke, John
item RITCHIE, GLEN - Texas Tech University
item DAVIS, LOREN - Texas Tech University
item AULD, DICK - Texas Tech University

Submitted to: National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/7/2014
Publication Date: 5/15/2014
Citation: Witt, T., Ulloa, M., Burke, J.J., Ritchie, G.L., Davis, L., Auld, D.L. 2014. Identification of commercial cultivars for the Texas high plains with drought tolerance or improved response to water deficits [abstract]. National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference January 6-8, 2014, New Orleans, Lousiana. p. 599.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: There is a pressing need to identify and develop commercial cultivars or germplasm that can minimize the elevated cotton production risks associated with water stress or crop water deficits. Cotton (Gossypium spp.) researchers need to develop sources of germplasm with specific plant-architecture, root-morphology, or physiological traits that can improve water use efficiency (WUE), drought and extreme heat tolerance. To identify commercial cultivars for the Texas High Plains that can minimize the elevated production risks associated with crop water deficits, 15 commercial cultivars representing the private sector of the areas were subjected to three water drip-irrigation regimes (high, medium, and low). This study had three replications and four row plots 25 feet per entry arranged in a RCBD within each regime. Preliminary analyses revealed genetic diversity and differences such as plant height, nodes, fruiting positions, flowering, and early open bolls. Differences on responses to drought tolerance were also observed using spectral reflectance and canopy temperature on these entries. Plant mapping data combined with collected data using spectral reflectance and canopy temperature sensors will further be discussed. The identification of commercial cultivars and/or germplasm that can sustain yield under drought or limited irrigation is essential for the survival of our cotton industry and associated economic benefits to producers.